| Scrape | 23 |
|---|---|
| Id | 810 |
| Active | 1 |
| Created Epoch | 1,716,076,803 |
| Modified Epoch | 1,723,773,952 |
| Scrape Epoch | 1,716,076,981 |
| Created | 5/18/24, 7:00 PM |
| Modified | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM |
| Status | completed |
| Notes | |
| Dataset External No | 810 |
| Filename |
| Id | Active | Status | Created | Modified | Created Epoch | Modified Epoch | Notes | Scrape Result Id | Original Ad Id | Adarchiveid | Collationcount | Collationid | Currency | Enddate | Entitytype | Fevinfo | Gatedtype | Hasuserreported | Hiddensafetydata | Hidedatastatus | Impressionstext | Impressionsindex | Isaaaeligible | Isactive | Isprofilepage | Pageid | Pageinfo | Pageisdeleted | Pagename | Reachestimate | Reportcount | Ad Creative Id | Byline | Caption | Cta Text | Dynamic Versions | Effective Authorization Category | Display Format | Title | Link Description | Link Url | Page Welcome Message | Creation Time | Page Id | Page Name | Page Profile Picture Url | Page Entity Type | Page Is Profile Page | Instagram Actor Name | Instagram Profile Pic Url | Instagram Url | Instagram Handle | Is Reshared | Version | Body | Branded Content | Current Page Name | Disclaimer Label | Page Like Count | Page Profile Uri | Page Is Deleted | Root Reshared Post | Cta Type | Additional Info | Ec Certificates | Country Iso Code | Instagram Branded Content | Spend | Startdate | Statemediarunlabel | Actions |
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| 1827412 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/29/25, 5:53 AM | 1716079211 | 1743245633 | 810 | 838986094718916 | 4 | 1.5404645431806E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704478210151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085789 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438305103_287509187768209_254998866574952850_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YPQU8qSMZ14Q7kNvgFrhODg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt-jeCRY_XTC6pYMVT3JFMeP4VYefSUMWKagdsk01mtA&oe=664F31BF | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440444568_964960871738415_6941363259917268591_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aF7Wg4CLamAQ7kNvgGn4YF3&_nc_oc=Adg8STp3b8ASnWsm0g9oYRjBNtzT-cZXywCL-bJZMrRQ328CBNSzZDHnBmEgnevNmr8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBT1F-XG9vFIyZ1MYPPHXyVV04GFJH0_zSKUgoAWr5Yw&oe=664F1C0D | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0UG6r7deLdOdMDOnSfvsDZTy0Md-zYSzSnoezY-6Kx-UQJkGmJ83T0HpEDss9H3QoUu8Fyd17j9bADw_kdikmW3KEzDo9FP_eH1XGWRint4x6nfoEpqbUYS4LwEG7x_nSzToLovIlfB0oN2Xgp1mO-v2U" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827940 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/17/25, 6:25 PM | 1716079226 | 1750202749 | 810 | 1127757888481429 | 1 | 1.1323805513686E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1394585644187024 | 0 | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | 120208870814290593 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | video | Showroom Shine For Years! | Limited Time Offer | http://fb.me/ | 1716068261 | 1.394585644187E+15 | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441498390_7960538047299462_4022182671870391310_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SQkNsTJendQQ7kNvgEJzY2h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDcTav6txGIzDjA5E0FQFWx_qXA07hm1eIydveyDXw87Q&oe=664F03C3 | person_profile | 0 | Matthew N Crystal Rodriguez | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441528132_417244084549572_4643731378966101017_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OnS8mBo2KB0Q7kNvgH52RqA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYACPci_DoNnRb6MhImynR3dfD-lbzIAiJmgx-Sa9QXTgg&oe=664F2525 | 0 | 3 | Get ready to see your vehicle like never before...<br /> <br /> If you care about protecting and keeping your vehicle clean, you need to check this out.<br /> <br /> Ceramic Coating gives your vehicle extra protection and a shiny look without any hassle.<br /> <br /> It's an invisible glass layer that bonds to your paint and keeps dirt, water, and light scratches away.<br /> <br /> Our Ceramic Coating and paint correction packages will:<br /> <br /> โ Protect your vehicle from the sun to prevent fading<br /> โ Let water and dirt slide off easily<br /> โ Get rid of marks and imperfections<br /> โ Make washing and taking care of your car super easy<br /> โ Keep your vehicle looking shiny for years to come<br /> <br /> ๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ we're offering a professional grade ceramic coating for just $545! With an additional:<br /> <br /> โ FREE 3-step paint correction ($400 Value)<br /> โ Plus a FREE windshield coating ($200 Value) and FREE interior detail ($150 Value) for the first 10 people<br /> <br /> Click below to Book your Ceramic Coating for your vehicle today!<br /> <br /> ๐ Hassle-Free Mobile Service (We Come To You!)<br /> ๐คฉ Rated 4.9/5 Stars (Based On 55 Google Reviews)<br /> ๐Serving Tampa Bay Area & All Surrounding Areas | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | 184 | https://facebook.com/EsDetailing813 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828243 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/5/25, 8:10 AM | 1716079232 | 1749129033 | 810 | 388650377497751 | 1 | 1.539543919958E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 101259102377752 | 0 | Gusaino Fashion | 120208066729010375 | gusaino.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Floral Bikini Set | Instantly recognizable by everyone, this Floral Bikini Set from Gusaino will take your style to the next level. Feel free to match it with your look. Polyester&Spandex Please check the size chart below for the perfect fit. | https://gusaino.com/products/floral-bikini-set | 1712866993 | 1.0125910237775E+14 | Gusaino Fashion | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435111739_740691331541343_295348042561150442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tN9Gnh-Kq4oQ7kNvgE-Qf1X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC8LdLW0KZrwzkzX8BdQ_HYzA9ZwDdgAENV-ECnrzpLKw&oe=664F228D | person_profile | 0 | GUSAINO | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435170379_388678564036600_2001654234807036640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LdFQFWZbpmkQ7kNvgGzZehQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB59MW_WREXwBbytL-U21rceOBtDOd8nxZaQwzkHiZ95Q&oe=664F22BB | 0 | 3 | Explore our latest deals. Up to 50% off for a limited time only โจ<br /> <br /> ๐Worldwide Shipping | Gusaino Fashion | 3574 | https://facebook.com/Gusainofashion | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828022 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/23/25, 9:23 PM | 1716079228 | 1745461396 | 810 | 4244241832567772 | 1 | 8.1180392713692E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105803125883848 | 0 | Indiana Fishing Expo-Corydon | 6584750126985 | Call now | NONE | image | Indiana Fishing Expo-Corydon | This show is for the serious fisherman | 1716068864 | 1.0580312588385E+14 | Indiana Fishing Expo-Corydon | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441283095_1380039042940117_3633253255382589195_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q4CjQLT0bxEQ7kNvgHSrbW7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDJxHDf6aOEntuBxBoj3q6nYIGEsd6TjmI-rJY0eFoS-A&oe=664F360C | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Indiana Fishing Expo-Corydon <br /> February, 15th. & 16th. 2025<br /> Harrison County Fairgrounds in Corydon, In.<br /> Parking: Free and kids 12 & under: Free<br /> Adults: $6<br /> Booth spaces are 10X10 and are $125.00 each.<br /> End Caps: $300.00<br /> Our email for info is: indianafishingexpo@gmail.com <br /> Show Hours: Saturday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM and Sunday: 9:00 AM-4:00<br /> <br /> Vendors:<br /> Bo-Tie Jigs<br /> Blue River Carp<br /> Bubbas Balsa Baits<br /> Boing Lures<br /> Tom's Tackle<br /> Little Jons Bait/Tackle<br /> Ol Blue Baits<br /> Jakes Lure Joint<br /> Last Cast Jigs<br /> A & A Wholesale Baits<br /> Unk - E Jigs<br /> Capt Steve Coleman Lake Okeechobee guide.<br /> Kenny's crappie jigs<br /> JBC Outfitters<br /> Lemasters Baits<br /> Open Sky Calls<br /> Xcel Minderals<br /> Raptor Fishing <br /> Licking River Outfitters<br /> Southern Indiana Baits <br /> Wild Bill's Calls<br /> Hoosier Baits<br /> Conklin Baits<br /> Trappin Fool | Indiana Fishing Expo-Corydon | 201 | https://facebook.com/indianafishingexpocorydon | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828292 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/15/25, 11:03 AM | 1716079233 | 1752595416 | 810 | 846143384205263 | 1 | 9.5472856943419E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 322783385018559 | 0 | David Dawson | 120208544583330557 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2003 GMC YUKON DENALI | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/302060512979922/ | 1716065680 | 3.2278338501856E+14 | David Dawson | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445364017_806185817752183_8096558559006844804_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eZ3E7JJd_yYQ7kNvgH9emId&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhtKGWcRWFMaiuQUKwgx_p8Xc-ptbY4HdxuowmY064Zg&oe=664F1CC8 | regular_page | 1 | David Dawson | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445235212_1442746353269168_2991115447814366717_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W-oAVz7tIyUQ7kNvgHc0B69&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDvtR5JwUdzqUvGvNuEyvmkH6JyR_oew0NUrFHK_ADImA&oe=664F0FC3 | 0 | 3 | 2003 GMC YUKON DENALI - $1,000.00<br /> <br /> Selling whole SUV . No engine or trans , otherwise complete. Lots of parts stored inside. Lots of great parts . Feel free to call me at 828-448-5223 anytime. The tires are in great condition. <br /> Facebook Marketplace | David Dawson | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100028581044186 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828089 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/3/25, 4:44 PM | 1716079229 | 1746308677 | 810 | 1149980822796766 | 19 | 3.2919878377623E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 110463721669786 | 0 | Wavetick | 6646062922409 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/wavetickmusic | 1716066904 | 1.1046372166979E+14 | Wavetick | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443696513_1090814298681193_3029428797178837712_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lRm10iy9T6QQ7kNvgG0_h_K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD3oRjo9LEa5-4fAtEyOKMQjk1QvPwNKmGV6J9DsGlrzg&oe=664F2CC7 | person_profile | 0 | Wavetick | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443843747_1665077757391215_8614070083153617370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lFU0zBWoBhwQ7kNvgF1ELQR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDV9Q-f2MGMhycctsm6pf27u2oJ6azBMc39K-Lj6ZapIA&oe=664F2B40 | 0 | 3 | Buy / sell licensable beats. Keep up to 90% revenue. Instant payouts. Free to use. Retain core rights. Limited edition and one-off tracks & sounds. Sign up at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wavetick.com%2F&h=AT217A98JWXoWuF2K5oNymvbNVLKxWxKICzBu5o0HjcpgtlGTJ7DP9w4eixbWiN5s9_3aVyYHl-OWscNWfTDQna-DsBNHMlL_9Y4mnuKKRh4BFaAEIKptwMQKdd1j01QKkig9bIyl7SbcQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.wavetick.com</a> | Wavetick | 141 | https://facebook.com/wavetickmusic | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827770 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/12/25, 4:54 PM | 1716079223 | 1747086894 | 810 | 767961655462760 | 1 | 4.0949605529183E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109936954670279 | 0 | Local Retirement Class | 6580465253540 | localretirementclass.com | No button | NONE | image | Dinner is on us! Join the FREE "Dine & Learn Class" in Shelton... | Learn new strategies to help maximize retirement income, reduce taxes and manage retirement risks at the "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton. There is no charge to attend and dinner is on us, but space is limited! To request tickets, choose your date below... | https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner | 1715096793 | 1.0993695467028E+14 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441498615_450827360965994_3921387999081151060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=52tboLZj-OwQ7kNvgHMNOQq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwKt0meR1hAhuAyvdB_IpXrRIr3B4SzdX82icnh32Z0g&oe=664F238E | person_profile | 0 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249594_295975143562208_4546809204278251010_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hhEMAHjrLLoQ7kNvgG9MbdM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv1ahfa1dPS1-9bPFlK67qSwsLMnPXakqX1MOGhuEvrQ&oe=664F2B28 | 0 | 3 | Inflation is Back. Markets are Volatile. What should current and future retirees do to help manage new retirement risks? Join us at the FREE "Dine & Learn Workshop" in Shelton to learn the latest strategies to protect and grow retirement income.<br /> <br /> *Dinner is on us... but space is limited! To view date(s) and request FREE tickets, visit:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT3lcVOuAgQX3Nh42wxgoboF3_R8qkOdLwv3zKsOq_ieSUvLZYRL3kkMRetPxdA19AG3cYXUFTmE4V0JcRrC2rQmEje9_Bv1G2ieHmy1_m-FJeFRFuduVscV1NM8Oxlrn8wjo7NBIZ_PyA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a> | Local Retirement Class | 58 | https://facebook.com/localretirementclass | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827942 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/15/25, 4:51 PM | 1716079226 | 1752616276 | 810 | 966404931651364 | 1 | 7.7011392518908E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103944340470 | 0 | Coleman PowerSports | 6599703617543 | Call now | NONE | image | Coleman PowerSports | Metro DC's largest powersport dealership, serving you for over 60 years! | 1715986121 | 103944340470 | Coleman PowerSports | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436174216_1002802064809163_8123854904779246323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QUKG4VKVJvQQ7kNvgGccKWe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAsGXGhhGyFwa7FALx9zjgPSxTOncybkuMYEmFPl9Tg3w&oe=664F2FCC | person_profile | 0 | Coleman PowerSports | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310265_1151921769187027_1389071261070482007_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4K0zPH09rwUQ7kNvgFybAXJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB-IYWfXLFOba-pyQq_rcEpKE7bCohL6OKr6CblRo7HkQ&oe=664F3193 | 0 | 3 | Adventure with style. Get FREE accessories with the purchase of a new Honda ATV or Side by Side! Ends 6/30. Contact our Woodbridge location today! | Coleman PowerSports | 4568 | https://facebook.com/Colemanpowersports | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827481 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/12/25, 3:42 PM | 1716079212 | 1747082542 | 810 | 806953184350953 | 1 | 9.1631714360255E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570926610341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009395 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436238183_3683237491945064_9178935481228528173_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rV7RUAT4L_gQ7kNvgGPnRDA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnIBKg3uQDuPg33OiToSrzGTB4I-64a2hwJzDf1AVTmg&oe=664F0540 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712625_385235167160471_5495105724360732077_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IPkGWxQnWnMQ7kNvgFoiSx6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCdOAzvVES76T3XVHDnNHnZd6sDbrfVH4jpUisNyfrMpw&oe=664F1315 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828414 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 1:11 AM | 1716079235 | 1749017499 | 810 | 352490174114469 | 1 | 1.1231448988047E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 300526767435018 | 0 | Mary | 6549029204277 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/maryandcrew | 1716064826 | 3.0052676743502E+14 | Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822648_329462583299269_2513338271494227970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fGihFYkSYH4Q7kNvgEPKHUI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZYhAjyIlIFHu6APV_jH5qLpKJH-zqR01L4zKB9zz02A&oe=664F1F1E | person_profile | 0 | Mary Everard | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_1188330792606301_5225998755174308972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lnCIlDbiNt0Q7kNvgHcPVtn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOC7DX1a3H7OBKO6bhBJbPPOFHiMlp9fgZKlXTNjofhA&oe=664F17BF | 0 | 3 | Mary | 180 | https://facebook.com/maryandcrew | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827624 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773953 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828195 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079231 | 1723773953 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827430 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773953 | 810 | 1130067324932509 | 1 | 2.1477390989176E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435277803711204 | 0 | Stonecress Designs | 120212872430940054 | stonecressdesigns.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Browse Our Rings | www.stonecressdesigns.com | https://www.stonecressdesigns.com/shopall | 1715425771 | 4.352778037112E+14 | Stonecress Designs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435618_476875531352631_4981842993256040660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5XriHssifAMQ7kNvgGlO2XE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCT0Qf-56dZHCiIMKxCh3L74IHkxkoHBZqB_QvxDvG9yQ&oe=664F0389 | person_profile | 0 | Roy C Bennett | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441867946_408375978702920_6949670693372410653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DZfWc_w5eWUQ7kNvgGWjEeK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB4S5jGAU47918efkMKl4KSyvvtVJbw6kayuDx-q6owLw&oe=664F0D39 | 0 | 3 | www.stonecressdesigns.com | Stonecress Designs | 1023 | https://facebook.com/RoyCBennett3 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826906 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079144 | 1723773956 | 810 | 972679340901539 | 5 | 1.2064298805452E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 106230892147834 | 0 | Wahooly | 120208293656010620 | shopwahooly.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://shopwahooly.com/products/ice-mist-fan | 1715875867 | 1.0623089214783E+14 | Wahooly | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442468372_1004831011071640_25202267722090086_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Plz5NaUREWUQ7kNvgEnkYnw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBqujRKVy4joyUHDojkRGFJ4JrRIGPNlr-T3-tbKp18Iw&oe=664F29C1 | person_profile | 0 | Wahooly | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441307918_1164651814718579_1326818427859314245_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_SwPuBujvXgQ7kNvgE9mt4G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAN2KVsDy3zRw05erjX_tdZT0LgstDn0tlj_kP5ksKnGQ&oe=664F2C5A | 0 | 3 | Beat the heat and purify your air with the Ice Mist Fanโyour ultimate 3-in-1 cooling companion! โ๏ธ๐ | Wahooly | 55 | https://facebook.com/Wahoooly | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827245 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079185 | 1723773958 | 810 | 1731041867389958 | 1 | 7.4230558116422E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120207253884530427 | www.ccplohio.org | Learn more | NONE | video | More Than Books, A Learning Hub | Explore, connect, and thrive. | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1705555169 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420519683_412590647765775_4772161014193238243_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_hPeLkxq8jIQ7kNvgFIUF-_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAVg3GY7hbNrrsTgM8jLLtKjLTC5Hq1BiWp0yfLczwPQA&oe=664F03F3 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Take advantage of a wide range of resources, opportunities to learn new languages and a welcoming environment. | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1706601600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827122 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079153 | 1723773959 | 810 | 823186193195561 | 2 | 8.0277135791871E+14 | 1713855600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207415742550738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713691848 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439676940_7362821953755311_5256953621424023644_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z3Pi53q8qacQ7kNvgE9LK6I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeTG8p-5da_PBUtg6tMGrzw8uh64X1vOEbqsnuEhAkCQ&oe=664F30D7 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437583744_461330729810523_2224001464126544659_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D2Ur6gt6dLsQ7kNvgHFoGYx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-V9z1frLrswCjY3jFRPHU6mUzEtDVhiZST9hVsNIDvA&oe=664F0A16 | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713769200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827738 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773960 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827743 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773960 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827854 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 2:54 AM | 1716079224 | 1749196498 | 810 | 385281651144243 | 1 | 1.6802026461098E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 281853948576634 | 0 | River to Ridge | 6634756275664 | rivertoridge.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | River to Ridge | https://www.rivertoridge.com/ | 1716069632 | 2.8185394857663E+14 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436129908_1531714210892889_3368182888197228085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qtyn20cPf0AQ7kNvgGKc81Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXGawCu0kQHly_u_PC7kiwmKc6ieCtUnJmNMpie7BjIg&oe=664F0D66 | person_profile | 0 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436428323_1601823380611024_8862185033383821142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DFbgtVmD69UQ7kNvgH5jHhc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAT1QiGz-cFXrAotjNV3gcbhlb-gP1CifFJwt8TJxg15Q&oe=664F2898 | 0 | 3 | River to Ridge | 14631 | https://facebook.com/Rivertoridgeclothing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826868 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/7/25, 6:30 PM | 1716079143 | 1749339024 | 810 | 757333663270910 | 1 | 4.1951882428240E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059986720618 | NONE | video | 1716056737 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438241495_1641414496635859_6942370293645281472_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1Mp-8dVEySoQ7kNvgFAnavD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIoVZyF_KP4nNs1kNKAL3KKpHps7LgJVokiBrBAb94Gg&oe=664EFFD5 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440956706_458057080090647_9205260788042803147_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5tkOVtHJNHsQ7kNvgExAkQa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDN2omTLPymfVUwsxwogcXsKUKIko0RSWqeidFO3c56aw&oe=664F3016 | 0 | 3 | I've lived a life with and without alcohol, and without is considerably better.โ <br /> โ <br /> If you're ready to live a life without alcohol, send me a message with the word 'DM' and we'll. book you in for a 15-minute strategy session with one of our expert coaches.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholfree #sober #sobriety | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827752 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828225 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079232 | 1723773973 | 810 | 423956167251764 | 1 | 9.7658302367082E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 103080112536890 | 0 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 120212025545960592 | allnattybro.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Gym T-shirt BroScience | https://allnattybro.com/products/bro-science-t-shirt?_pos=1&_psq=br&_ss=e&_v=1.0 | 1716062625 | 1.0308011253689E+14 | Allnattybro gymclothing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405896_1408468739845145_5753261391139511334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTS45rKpIqsQ7kNvgEIe0m-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBS4jDkovYJuDc6MDH-0FJF_U3WTePmqaBgeVZ8xyE1og&oe=664F0EE3 | person_profile | 0 | AllNattybro | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440872134_2181172698885561_6134079082773722523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SF3PA0M2BmsQ7kNvgEVBEVB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcAn0z4qu4kGrelAJxWTFW7E3sUpDqCrDvpkZtrNUCXw&oe=664EFFF0 | 0 | 3 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 183 | https://facebook.com/100084920208181 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827486 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 11:08 AM | 1716079213 | 1749226132 | 810 | 1124760928790688 | 1 | 9.7447142738268E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570875340341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009287 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137819_426032983553686_2558110597653798974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ndWPjdynWwkQ7kNvgHsT9G4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBp1mPbKn9Wc4Cm_q9SBNiQIyttF8nhM3y8W7fEcAX9Nw&oe=664F20EE | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438304118_3801119700163315_4184264688743189908_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kLF7qaD3R9YQ7kNvgHaUs_9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDk1148qLR7oaHti5eOJzb1yjrHBaXkmrqzF7b_p-QHbQ&oe=664F1520 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828067 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/24/25, 2:59 PM | 1716079229 | 1740409146 | 810 | 829968825679291 | 1 | 1.1245609521452E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101153455770238 | 0 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 120209769510330652 | eventbrite.com | Buy Tickets | NONE | dco | Nick Ellis + Friends at 14er Brewing | {{product.description}} | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nick-ellis-friends-comedy-show-in-rino-tickets-879162718357?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl | 1715634030 | 1.0115345577024E+14 | Nick Ellis Comedy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440603220_403411022665878_5106886567588179664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1H6WFGR6cS8Q7kNvgHea62w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjxlwQuciSiPHcLNbO2WaA65rK4XzJs-59Yus41OydUA&oe=664F2FCC | person_profile | 0 | Nick Ellis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436597992_992891652410321_4233685626010449661_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y3m7joWv72cQ7kNvgGvC0FV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_k0xj-F5aYCJue_qPiZOcKqbCQ3elpNzA0m6eRy5JeQ&oe=664F0C04 | 0 | 3 | FREE comedy night at 14er Brewing! Saturday 5/18 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 49 | https://facebook.com/nickelliscomedy | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827388 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827390 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828018 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1105984037168235 | 1 | 9.06290917919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106563450892167 | 0 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 120207724331150068 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Do you have a website?","response":"Yes I do. My website has pictures of my work and reviews and allows you to book an appointment with me\ud83d\ude04 my website is: https:\/\/scarlatoshinedetail.com"},{"title":"How long do the details take and where do they take place?","response":"Details duration will vary based on vehicle size, the conditions it is in, type of seats and floor mats and many factors. I have exterior only details take me 3 hours, some interior details take me 5-7 hours and full details can take me 8-10 hours. It just depends. All details are done at my place."},{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":"I offer interior detail services and exterior detail services. Interior i do deep vacuuming, wipe down of all doors, door jams, dashboard and steering wheel components, plastics and leather treated, all seats, floor mats and carpet shampooed and extracted and steamed, wax and ceramic coating + more!"}],"text":"Hello! Please send me your vehicle(s) year, make and model followed by some pictures of the car so I can give you a free quoted price \ud83d\ude98\ud83e\uddfc\u2728"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067437 | 1.0656345089217E+14 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950759_1824338131400544_5298914551719449482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-IIN2XKUzdUQ7kNvgGKSj3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGdXOx2cQWQwKL8mqDn3ltQ_afG_VGNajIQXxwpo9hLg&oe=664F26AF | person_profile | 0 | โจScarlato Shine Auto Detailing ๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790556_453951867042391_7534849034261963032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7b2SayywXYMQ7kNvgHEkVX9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUEFZFXYX33sLjpjBDq9fhEncGlbv6DyBhtrzkHhJpHw&oe=664F1160 | 0 | 3 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 22 | https://facebook.com/100066612730350 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827402 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 817325430333735 | 1 | 1.900868907039E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104567306059798 | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 120208740365780052 | floorguardeast.com | Get quote | NONE | image | Durable Concrete Coatings | Schedule a Free estimate today! | https://floorguardeast.com/ | 1715697299 | 1.045673060598E+14 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163522_1175550146777076_5948176280540345222_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ZvXbxf7mbIQ7kNvgE5AZz_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnNWspohuBER0EcaCdnT9Pt3-kRV5CXtQKuxgvi8ByYw&oe=664F289F | person_profile | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252643_434383015958167_7040295249353001629_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3De0ixz0MS0Q7kNvgHRP3kK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDSnEkH5wFZzWSbjwAT2XqeltqniETqy8FMg6-9psfPgQ&oe=664F0E46 | 0 | 3 | Does your garage need an upgrade? A beautiful, new durable floor youโll love!<br /> -Locally Owned & Operated<br /> -Providing Quality Garage Floor Coatings for 30 Years!<br /> -20 Year Warranty | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 9 | https://facebook.com/100095054657073 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827403 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 1358998074766931 | 1 | 8.1621296041008E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104567306059798 | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 120208741899110052 | floorguardeast.com | Get quote | NONE | image | Durable Concrete Coatings | Schedule a Free estimate today! | https://floorguardeast.com/ | 1715699434 | 1.045673060598E+14 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440374350_7995980573759366_5223373652470987001_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8oWYtNtQqioQ7kNvgFEkGK6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYANGDpbU9l2BmWR5OQvjnPn8VJERK3uf7YLLafKEAT29Q&oe=664F3057 | person_profile | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441496070_969481127882890_4187746603295616327_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iXpkqt2z5EMQ7kNvgECbmA1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCIpsVneOiiUPcepAPE10_d8skc7gdHhSVAOe6kuF-X0Q&oe=664F031D | 0 | 3 | Does your garage need an upgrade? A beautiful, new durable floor youโll love!<br /> -Locally Owned & Operated<br /> -Providing Quality Garage Floor Coatings for 30 Years!<br /> -20 Year Warranty | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 9 | https://facebook.com/100095054657073 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827404 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 1558396741371365 | 1 | 2.1509080252723E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104567306059798 | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 120208741952120052 | floorguardeast.com | Get quote | NONE | image | Durable Concrete Coatings | Schedule a Free estimate today! | https://floorguardeast.com/ | 1715699502 | 1.045673060598E+14 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436314498_1454335748790496_783477377920022107_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i2TvRsijL28Q7kNvgHGKfy5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCCDq1MgnYuNjpY3LSGutMgbJu2GpoX7lqW4izPAHvPEA&oe=664F1D43 | person_profile | 0 | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428362294_2205290729802525_3946066893255226715_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GcJ5u_mMjtUQ7kNvgHDkkiN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAzovIOWPMEsyvBnGCJ3Zap6N24-JU7Z6hCBD7midkY2A&oe=664F3254 | 0 | 3 | Does your garage need an upgrade? A beautiful, new durable floor youโll love!<br /> -Locally Owned & Operated<br /> -Providing Quality Garage Floor Coatings for 30 Years!<br /> -20 Year Warranty | Floorguard of PA DEL NJ | 9 | https://facebook.com/100095054657073 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827405 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 1274586980163768 | 1 | 6.9517982847885E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 744688795652151 | 0 | Harp Insurance Agency LLC | 6543642670546 | Send message | NONE | video | New to Medicare? | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":""},{"title":"How much do your services cost?","response":""},{"title":"Can I book an appointment?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1712936972 | 7.4468879565215E+14 | Harp Insurance Agency LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437361534_3130695843732956_6925073960289622927_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DfKoH6_MRGIQ7kNvgHmJVqL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDC4mLsV7uqljmYxZ3zY5kDh1h7vFMrivmYNI_O0jF6sg&oe=664F2FE0 | person_profile | 0 | Harp Insurance Agency LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437369847_798171855521591_8959459476907954924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0NTigjC48CgQ7kNvgEBN4CN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBaINMQDOvAUFQRt7V9w-xXZrttUNBi2zNGYw1JCdFX1Q&oe=664F1B22 | 0 | 3 | Confused about Medicare? | Harp Insurance Agency LLC | 171 | https://facebook.com/harpinsuranceagencyllc | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827407 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 363411272856522 | 3 | 1.1530873725535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106175475686139 | 0 | Pilot Byte | 120207988421030301 | pilotbyte.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Insider Reveals Best Business Opportunity Of 2024 | ๐ | https://www.pilotbyte.com/dpm-sp1 | 1715259341 | 1.0617547568614E+14 | Pilot Byte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441257933_1743516569510880_4901167430852011497_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZvA7riwkW7IQ7kNvgFhAO3O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9Y_CZod2GM3jJjvvdOc7XOrT9lsdMdf057qnQdziIEA&oe=664F0D5F | person_profile | 0 | PilotByte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441407733_1783348432076910_6403125798329366215_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mcmbgsUcZ4EQ7kNvgF3tMz7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC87E_s4VXyAD-x-v71FLxr5xKNE0qeQQmlE7RVEHfHtw&oe=664F09DD | 0 | 3 | Imagine starting a business in an industry with boundless potential for growthโฆ<br /> <br /> Having a skillset that can bring in income month in, month outโฆ<br /> <br /> All while having the freedom to be your own boss and do what you want โ when you want. <br /> <br /> If youโre interested in all of this, then read onโฆ<br /> <br /> Because right now, there exists an โuntapped industryโ that is projected to grow by 340% in just five yearsโฆ<br /> <br /> Which means that this might be the best business opportunity of 2024โฆ<br /> <br /> But only for those that get in right now and establish themselves as experts in this industry. <br /> <br /> Interested? <br /> <br /> Just click below to watch an exclusive training video from an expert with 10+ years of experience in this โuntapped industryโ <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fpilotbyte&h=AT1yFscpmWqCbOJ2M_keirWIjrXVbTikTyqAWSby32xSlNHPMpwKDWW_ReJhjAv_vaNtiseLapAZUxUavehWRTuhH8yyVdhLBPNvrC462bmjKXYH4dlyCia9t8koEod69roFFzdeDO3BvA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/pilotbyte</a> | Pilot Byte | 151 | https://facebook.com/100088527203782 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827408 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773985 | 810 | 468249612280458 | 3 | 8.0528105832791E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106175475686139 | 0 | Pilot Byte | 120207988421500301 | pilotbyte.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Insider Reveals Best Business Opportunity Of 2024 | ๐ | https://www.pilotbyte.com/dpm-sp1 | 1715259344 | 1.0617547568614E+14 | Pilot Byte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440445344_1438993363678505_1893745266855856938_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C5vUiagzp58Q7kNvgHK5OHl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD8CnJ7CMQYwloGyhmKUnIzNwRb0J61rtMgSaW7tS3TRg&oe=664F1A74 | person_profile | 0 | PilotByte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440336558_1008560050609374_7682044540180907911_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yorCRMBHuxAQ7kNvgHIEk77&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBGiKyy0FKUZlI2QXcOrt5U_Kcc_NJi1R5JfG6jbV_YOA&oe=664F2FE3 | 0 | 3 | Imagine starting a business in an industry with boundless potential for growthโฆ<br /> <br /> Having a skillset that can bring in income month in, month outโฆ<br /> <br /> All while having the freedom to be your own boss and do what you want โ when you want. <br /> <br /> If youโre interested in all of this, then read onโฆ<br /> <br /> Because right now, there exists an โuntapped industryโ that is projected to grow by 340% in just five yearsโฆ<br /> <br /> Which means that this might be the best business opportunity of 2024โฆ<br /> <br /> But only for those that get in right now and establish themselves as experts in this industry. <br /> <br /> Interested? <br /> <br /> Just click below to watch an exclusive training video from an expert with 10+ years of experience in this โuntapped industryโ <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fpilotbyte&h=AT3GU-BqgBafBpOmCb4eh9CCGJcbn6pAtXLx6PyHmaeXJBKMJnP9Bdj_6kb3KsR8UuOAmDDR1TvKaaifZDWhS3UNb2q4eqeKYd8KHXyjGHYCpKWZTkEZsMcHmnYSJspJs18J53zI2WLLXw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/pilotbyte</a> | Pilot Byte | 151 | https://facebook.com/100088527203782 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827416 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773986 | 810 | 427837353515275 | 3 | 4.1336362165986E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 158814059216906 | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | 120209526565330181 | harvestmovers.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get a Free Quote Today! | Based in Indianola, Iowa | https://contact.harvestmovers.com/all-services | 1715718867 | 1.5881405921691E+14 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441450257_7359947654082094_7423756205765460913_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KtfWvhwTclYQ7kNvgGrt_YR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMH_sC3vYbV8dsfgcNzD3Ermj7PHcum7fWCSpKOg8RWQ&oe=664F1C94 | person_profile | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440369505_832118998947929_7597763727876346688_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qB_AHvEdLj4Q7kNvgFWViU1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBDprDB5D-MPbWiP6P5IgAKLhRfyfbI24ufHeUDQMk_8w&oe=664EFF00 | 0 | 3 | Say no to back pain, long hours, and countless other moving headaches. Choose an Iowa non-profit moving company with over 500 5-star reviews. โญ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Click the link below to claim your FREE quote today! โฌ | Harvest Academy Movers | 339 | https://facebook.com/harvestacademymovers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827417 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773986 | 810 | 453266267392925 | 3 | 3.7059741629503E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 158814059216906 | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | 120209526570340181 | harvestmovers.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get a Free Quote Today! | Based in Indianola, Iowa | https://contact.harvestmovers.com/all-services | 1715711683 | 1.5881405921691E+14 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441926420_489995450035889_5040858457619282810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Os8nGRopHs0Q7kNvgF0OzsL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCCMcQA8RmfHxI4ebxAf3hPgDsKRkzE8L4A1M93TQPxJg&oe=664F067B | person_profile | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441531447_463667442883407_7789879605231918172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LskbdX4B93wQ7kNvgFTcSLU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCw4sAWy2SEkREc0QpVKBHifnQZ9dCVAE6TNH6pl_9Kw&oe=664F0577 | 0 | 3 | Choose an Iowa non-profit moving company with over 500 5-star reviews.<br /> <br /> Click the link below to claim your FREE quote today! โฌ | Harvest Academy Movers | 339 | https://facebook.com/harvestacademymovers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827418 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773986 | 810 | 1573466386844373 | 2 | 9.9262983620346E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 158814059216906 | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | 120209526567030181 | harvestmovers.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get a Free Quote Today! | Based in Indianola, Iowa | https://contact.harvestmovers.com/all-services | 1715711682 | 1.5881405921691E+14 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426392776_740923591274580_8798777417974215809_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZVF5kL_l4qwQ7kNvgG0j5c7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD53kOevnIQilv9RapngKI6maOMkN7wUWu0lTCr3gJ1kQ&oe=664F2497 | person_profile | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302463_7568808316546927_8240290625295822956_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z5uXN2emhnoQ7kNvgFxGNYn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB8TAPHWm0ko_i5R63ugH1QmHUQaHlqwsoYe_tnKGpliQ&oe=664F1947 | 0 | 3 | Moving in Iowa? Let us do the heavy lifting for you! ๐<br /> <br /> Harvest Academy Movers is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit moving company that offers residential & commercial moving, packing & unpacking, assembly & disassembly, and loading & unloading services!<br /> <br /> Click the link below to claim your FREE quote today! โฌ | Harvest Academy Movers | 339 | https://facebook.com/harvestacademymovers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827419 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773986 | 810 | 7702262223172074 | 2 | 3.8514851114697E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 158814059216906 | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | 120209526571830181 | harvestmovers.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get a Free Quote Today! | Based in Indianola, Iowa | https://contact.harvestmovers.com/all-services | 1715711682 | 1.5881405921691E+14 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485563_376267011473993_57637771470962696_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sReRLgyD164Q7kNvgHZbLOu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCWNhWA6P7yYTWJ39m6on5wQZl6xADECdepSP6vOAwZNg&oe=664F0555 | person_profile | 0 | Harvest Academy Movers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479691_424569347193012_8887267527388400922_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vUevOLOFJeYQ7kNvgGxiV7b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA2KkSEs2pzg1y2ypwM5FA-8sWLpPamUtL9L-r4LRcLYw&oe=664F2FC0 | 0 | 3 | Iowa residents and businesses! Are you moving soon? ๐<br /> <br /> If yes, choose a moving company with a purpose. Harvest Academy is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, meaning 100% of the revenue made on moves goes back into our program.<br /> <br /> Our program focuses on rehabilitating our Iowa students who want to get their lives back on track. When you book a move with us, youโre not only receiving the best care for the job, but youโre also changing our lives for the better.<br /> <br /> Click the link below to claim your FREE quote today! | Harvest Academy Movers | 339 | https://facebook.com/harvestacademymovers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827420 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 839116411397140 | 1 | 9.7809333011194E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 132562648546007 | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | 120207417991930177 | fieldsconsumer-protection.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Customers Are Winning Lawsuits & Getting Paid | https://fieldsconsumer-protection.com/mr-cooper-ch-13-lawsuits/ | 1715264747 | 1.3256264854601E+14 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484586_244690715370828_2985154350566450872_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hUT8rQBn9zAQ7kNvgGy4P7Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA96K2A1CnC_eG-3lhGVHbhU_mFAf4-CaUXY0fSGfsHFw&oe=664F0202 | person_profile | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441305328_7612172725488275_3285566769833752535_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=efjTX-SqexAQ7kNvgEvViGR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC3QvI3kgPEN7uOP_NmagaS9RMsHcvs3Fclh2e-eSC-3Q&oe=664F086A | 0 | 3 | Customers of Mr. Cooper / Nationstar who have been through Chapter 13 bankruptcy are winning lawsuits and getting paid. Mr. Cooper / Nationstar has been making serious errors that are causing problems for many of their customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Any Mr. Cooper / Nationstar customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible to receive a significant payment from the company for the problems they have caused. Just tap below to learn what types of errors are eligible and find out if you qualify to be paid. | Fields Consumer Protection | 1810 | https://facebook.com/100063601957637 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827421 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 839116411397140 | 1 | 9.7809333011194E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 132562648546007 | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | 120207417991930177 | fieldsconsumer-protection.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Customers Are Winning Lawsuits & Getting Paid | https://fieldsconsumer-protection.com/mr-cooper-ch-13-lawsuits/ | 1715264747 | 1.3256264854601E+14 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484586_244690715370828_2985154350566450872_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hUT8rQBn9zAQ7kNvgGy4P7Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA96K2A1CnC_eG-3lhGVHbhU_mFAf4-CaUXY0fSGfsHFw&oe=664F0202 | person_profile | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441305328_7612172725488275_3285566769833752535_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=efjTX-SqexAQ7kNvgEvViGR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC3QvI3kgPEN7uOP_NmagaS9RMsHcvs3Fclh2e-eSC-3Q&oe=664F086A | 0 | 3 | Customers of Mr. Cooper / Nationstar who have been through Chapter 13 bankruptcy are winning lawsuits and getting paid. Mr. Cooper / Nationstar has been making serious errors that are causing problems for many of their customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Any Mr. Cooper / Nationstar customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible to receive a significant payment from the company for the problems they have caused. Just tap below to learn what types of errors are eligible and find out if you qualify to be paid. | Fields Consumer Protection | 1810 | https://facebook.com/100063601957637 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827422 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 839116411397140 | 1 | 9.7809333011194E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 132562648546007 | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | 120207417991930177 | fieldsconsumer-protection.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Customers Are Winning Lawsuits & Getting Paid | https://fieldsconsumer-protection.com/mr-cooper-ch-13-lawsuits/ | 1715264747 | 1.3256264854601E+14 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484586_244690715370828_2985154350566450872_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hUT8rQBn9zAQ7kNvgGy4P7Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA96K2A1CnC_eG-3lhGVHbhU_mFAf4-CaUXY0fSGfsHFw&oe=664F0202 | person_profile | 0 | Fields Consumer Protection | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441305328_7612172725488275_3285566769833752535_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=efjTX-SqexAQ7kNvgEvViGR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC3QvI3kgPEN7uOP_NmagaS9RMsHcvs3Fclh2e-eSC-3Q&oe=664F086A | 0 | 3 | Customers of Mr. Cooper / Nationstar who have been through Chapter 13 bankruptcy are winning lawsuits and getting paid. Mr. Cooper / Nationstar has been making serious errors that are causing problems for many of their customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Any Mr. Cooper / Nationstar customers who have received a discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible to receive a significant payment from the company for the problems they have caused. Just tap below to learn what types of errors are eligible and find out if you qualify to be paid. | Fields Consumer Protection | 1810 | https://facebook.com/100063601957637 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827423 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 410132491982642 | 1 | 1.2729229874501E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101510802843043 | 0 | My Local Handyman | 120208432652450785 | fb.me | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Get your free estimate now | http://fb.me/ | 1715938141 | 1.0151080284304E+14 | My Local Handyman | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443735154_334078859442027_8793402476726112334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X0JKKhyBt_kQ7kNvgHkjSin&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBayAC74FIL145aefWxBuOby3emoF4j7idNozkkw6qi1Q&oe=664F0D5C | person_profile | 0 | My Local Handyman | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963655_1756436804884388_4855351497485601451_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VxQVitjzYasQ7kNvgFr7r-A&_nc_oc=AdjhasF9-VBExaIOj9gy611EAe3YYlW-2Okk9ipKIHz5HaxuRE5lZQNScf1or8_7-bU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBmpuUn2xjUrAni8wFXa7LW_03sCAk4vTKiRu8QtmC6kw&oe=664F0E1A | 0 | 3 | ๐๏ธโจ Unlock Comfort in Minutes! โจ๐ง Tired of the furniture assembly headache? We've got you covered! ๐ ๏ธ ๐ Introducing Our Furniture Assembly Services! ๐ โ๏ธ Swift & Seamless Assembly โ๏ธ Expert Craftsmanship โ๏ธ Stress-Free Furniture Set Up Transform your space hassle-free! Let our skilled team handle the nuts and bolts, while you sit back and enjoy your new haven. ๐กโจ โ NOT HIRING โ | My Local Handyman | 7 | https://facebook.com/100089602563451 | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827424 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 410132491982642 | 1 | 1.2729229874501E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101510802843043 | 0 | My Local Handyman | 120208432652450785 | fb.me | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Get your free estimate now | http://fb.me/ | 1715938141 | 1.0151080284304E+14 | My Local Handyman | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443735154_334078859442027_8793402476726112334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X0JKKhyBt_kQ7kNvgHkjSin&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBayAC74FIL145aefWxBuOby3emoF4j7idNozkkw6qi1Q&oe=664F0D5C | person_profile | 0 | My Local Handyman | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963655_1756436804884388_4855351497485601451_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VxQVitjzYasQ7kNvgFr7r-A&_nc_oc=AdjhasF9-VBExaIOj9gy611EAe3YYlW-2Okk9ipKIHz5HaxuRE5lZQNScf1or8_7-bU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBmpuUn2xjUrAni8wFXa7LW_03sCAk4vTKiRu8QtmC6kw&oe=664F0E1A | 0 | 3 | ๐๏ธโจ Unlock Comfort in Minutes! โจ๐ง Tired of the furniture assembly headache? We've got you covered! ๐ ๏ธ ๐ Introducing Our Furniture Assembly Services! ๐ โ๏ธ Swift & Seamless Assembly โ๏ธ Expert Craftsmanship โ๏ธ Stress-Free Furniture Set Up Transform your space hassle-free! Let our skilled team handle the nuts and bolts, while you sit back and enjoy your new haven. ๐กโจ โ NOT HIRING โ | My Local Handyman | 7 | https://facebook.com/100089602563451 | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827425 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 1130067324932509 | 1 | 2.1477390989176E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435277803711204 | 0 | Stonecress Designs | 120212872430940054 | stonecressdesigns.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Browse Our Rings | www.stonecressdesigns.com | https://www.stonecressdesigns.com/shopall | 1715425771 | 4.352778037112E+14 | Stonecress Designs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435618_476875531352631_4981842993256040660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5XriHssifAMQ7kNvgGlO2XE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCT0Qf-56dZHCiIMKxCh3L74IHkxkoHBZqB_QvxDvG9yQ&oe=664F0389 | person_profile | 0 | Roy C Bennett | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441867946_408375978702920_6949670693372410653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DZfWc_w5eWUQ7kNvgGWjEeK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB4S5jGAU47918efkMKl4KSyvvtVJbw6kayuDx-q6owLw&oe=664F0D39 | 0 | 3 | www.stonecressdesigns.com | Stonecress Designs | 1023 | https://facebook.com/RoyCBennett3 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827426 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773987 | 810 | 1130067324932509 | 1 | 2.1477390989176E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435277803711204 | 0 | Stonecress Designs | 120212872430940054 | stonecressdesigns.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Browse Our Rings | www.stonecressdesigns.com | https://www.stonecressdesigns.com/shopall | 1715425771 | 4.352778037112E+14 | Stonecress Designs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435618_476875531352631_4981842993256040660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5XriHssifAMQ7kNvgGlO2XE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCT0Qf-56dZHCiIMKxCh3L74IHkxkoHBZqB_QvxDvG9yQ&oe=664F0389 | person_profile | 0 | Roy C Bennett | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441867946_408375978702920_6949670693372410653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DZfWc_w5eWUQ7kNvgGWjEeK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB4S5jGAU47918efkMKl4KSyvvtVJbw6kayuDx-q6owLw&oe=664F0D39 | 0 | 3 | www.stonecressdesigns.com | Stonecress Designs | 1023 | https://facebook.com/RoyCBennett3 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827432 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 455373243660689 | 1 | 8.1171321362836E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435457956633532 | 0 | Proven Winners Direct | 120209651553670457 | provenwinnersdirect.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Fundraising For Your School with Garden Plants | {{product.description}} | https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers?utm_source=Facebook+Ads&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign=Fundraising&utm_content=Video | 1714408023 | 4.3545795663353E+14 | Proven Winners Direct | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440958509_479344571086298_513325540003872232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4A6RYaxN9AcQ7kNvgF2x9m3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCc0xw7TuiycnM3AmTNWpx9IL8Gouw-tRUO9k6mPjYlng&oe=664F012F | person_profile | 0 | Buy Plants Online! ๐ฟ | Proven Winners Directโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440957012_838734324958544_1446128451735926410_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P5uG7Nxzn54Q7kNvgHS35UG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVWj1EzTPqzesWf5MkMeNs1h0YXT72HHOGy1itS4XtjQ&oe=664F055C | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐โข ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ! Our community commitment goes beyond gardening. Now, we're taking it nationwide! Say goodbye to order forms, money collection, and volunteer headaches. With professionally crafted resources, raising funds for your school has never been easier! https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers #ProvenWinnersDirect #Fundraisers #Community #GiveBack | Proven Winners Direct | 26495 | https://facebook.com/provenwinnersdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827433 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 455373243660689 | 1 | 8.1171321362836E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435457956633532 | 0 | Proven Winners Direct | 120209651553670457 | provenwinnersdirect.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Fundraising For Your School with Garden Plants | {{product.description}} | https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers?utm_source=Facebook+Ads&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign=Fundraising&utm_content=Video | 1714408023 | 4.3545795663353E+14 | Proven Winners Direct | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440958509_479344571086298_513325540003872232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4A6RYaxN9AcQ7kNvgF2x9m3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCc0xw7TuiycnM3AmTNWpx9IL8Gouw-tRUO9k6mPjYlng&oe=664F012F | person_profile | 0 | Buy Plants Online! ๐ฟ | Proven Winners Directโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440957012_838734324958544_1446128451735926410_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P5uG7Nxzn54Q7kNvgHS35UG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVWj1EzTPqzesWf5MkMeNs1h0YXT72HHOGy1itS4XtjQ&oe=664F055C | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐โข ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ! Our community commitment goes beyond gardening. Now, we're taking it nationwide! Say goodbye to order forms, money collection, and volunteer headaches. With professionally crafted resources, raising funds for your school has never been easier! https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers #ProvenWinnersDirect #Fundraisers #Community #GiveBack | Proven Winners Direct | 26495 | https://facebook.com/provenwinnersdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827434 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 455373243660689 | 1 | 8.1171321362836E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435457956633532 | 0 | Proven Winners Direct | 120209651553670457 | provenwinnersdirect.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Fundraising For Your School with Garden Plants | {{product.description}} | https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers?utm_source=Facebook+Ads&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign=Fundraising&utm_content=Video | 1714408023 | 4.3545795663353E+14 | Proven Winners Direct | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440958509_479344571086298_513325540003872232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4A6RYaxN9AcQ7kNvgF2x9m3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCc0xw7TuiycnM3AmTNWpx9IL8Gouw-tRUO9k6mPjYlng&oe=664F012F | person_profile | 0 | Buy Plants Online! ๐ฟ | Proven Winners Directโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440957012_838734324958544_1446128451735926410_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P5uG7Nxzn54Q7kNvgHS35UG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVWj1EzTPqzesWf5MkMeNs1h0YXT72HHOGy1itS4XtjQ&oe=664F055C | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐โข ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ! Our community commitment goes beyond gardening. Now, we're taking it nationwide! Say goodbye to order forms, money collection, and volunteer headaches. With professionally crafted resources, raising funds for your school has never been easier! https://provenwinnersdirect.com/pages/fundraisers #ProvenWinnersDirect #Fundraisers #Community #GiveBack | Proven Winners Direct | 26495 | https://facebook.com/provenwinnersdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827435 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 774670891435230 | 1 | 3.8192924149149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18349378739 | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 6496581804879 | certifiedangusbeef.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Explore Mouthwatering Recipes. | https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/grilling/ | 1715356697 | 18349378739 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955107_8167130819981718_1997958134337683046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYtOB0jKbKwQ7kNvgFDWhbi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBY5YYacNP4-CDxr5gIv0QMFTP5qJ1LYB8gD9NQ38OO7g&oe=664F2A1B | person_profile | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463996_326316633815924_3854270161973612600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_2qDSfBqNfwQ7kNvgE9dAY0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADTP6P2PZJ0Ewwf6v7Bo2X2aAT2B2td9JfvCJBLL2uAw&oe=664F2E63 | 0 | 3 | Ready for a flavor adventure? ๐๐ด | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 1111837 | https://facebook.com/CertifiedAngusBeef | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827436 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 774670891435230 | 1 | 3.8192924149149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18349378739 | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 6496581804879 | certifiedangusbeef.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Explore Mouthwatering Recipes. | https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/grilling/ | 1715356697 | 18349378739 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955107_8167130819981718_1997958134337683046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYtOB0jKbKwQ7kNvgFDWhbi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBY5YYacNP4-CDxr5gIv0QMFTP5qJ1LYB8gD9NQ38OO7g&oe=664F2A1B | person_profile | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463996_326316633815924_3854270161973612600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_2qDSfBqNfwQ7kNvgE9dAY0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADTP6P2PZJ0Ewwf6v7Bo2X2aAT2B2td9JfvCJBLL2uAw&oe=664F2E63 | 0 | 3 | Ready for a flavor adventure? ๐๐ด | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 1111837 | https://facebook.com/CertifiedAngusBeef | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827750 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773988 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827445 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773988 | 810 | 450134270715596 | 25 | 7.2518098635956E+14 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219165791290297 | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 120210516883140398 | www.geniust.online | Shop now | NONE | video | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D | 1714376961 | 2.191657912903E+14 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440330783_476245271396932_4480195801571195502_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W6BJ8XD5V8cQ7kNvgFANMjD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD8WwHBhNwL-qtQFWPf0qVPDDN6-ZVS08cj7-tWFeR4zg&oe=664F14D4 | person_profile | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440295410_770044815191270_8569158667398455065_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p0c8lO7bMCkQ7kNvgGoTYxD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYABSjQXN5TL7zRF9Gi75tqZYbeETQhGjHARZox0twDFSg&oe=664F0BAC | 0 | 3 | โTop watches are a symbol of glamour and statusโ<br /> - ๐ฅLimited time offer๐ฅ<br /> -โ Maximum discounts. No need to be burdened with high prices.<br /> -โ Luxury quality.<br /> -โ Free worldwide shipping. 5 years warranty.<br /> - ๐Top watch materials, spare parts, etc. | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 8 | https://facebook.com/61557654555134 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827446 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773989 | 810 | 1695584594584480 | 2 | 1.5996969907764E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219165791290297 | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 120210461944800007 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714462289 | 2.191657912903E+14 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440382556_955645042697530_4956581558373555916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ujQ-TSNIVbwQ7kNvgG2xSBH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDT8c8TKEG8OVDDol2d_Iz3O22g-vYz6I6-6GvNX8QSJg&oe=664F202F | person_profile | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440561535_382718064765488_2915154771096724034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H0AYlZBX3-QQ7kNvgHRqvDU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuu9o_IdmGa_3cRvwUkHJXWaTskmoblO561ll4rnwaZA&oe=664F1BDA | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 8 | https://facebook.com/61557654555134 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714460400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827447 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773989 | 810 | 1695584594584480 | 2 | 1.5996969907764E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219165791290297 | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 120210461944800007 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714462289 | 2.191657912903E+14 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440382556_955645042697530_4956581558373555916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ujQ-TSNIVbwQ7kNvgG2xSBH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDT8c8TKEG8OVDDol2d_Iz3O22g-vYz6I6-6GvNX8QSJg&oe=664F202F | person_profile | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440561535_382718064765488_2915154771096724034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H0AYlZBX3-QQ7kNvgHRqvDU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuu9o_IdmGa_3cRvwUkHJXWaTskmoblO561ll4rnwaZA&oe=664F1BDA | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 8 | https://facebook.com/61557654555134 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714460400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827449 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773989 | 810 | 1695584594584480 | 2 | 1.5996969907764E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219165791290297 | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 120210461944800007 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714462289 | 2.191657912903E+14 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440382556_955645042697530_4956581558373555916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ujQ-TSNIVbwQ7kNvgG2xSBH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDT8c8TKEG8OVDDol2d_Iz3O22g-vYz6I6-6GvNX8QSJg&oe=664F202F | person_profile | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440561535_382718064765488_2915154771096724034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H0AYlZBX3-QQ7kNvgHRqvDU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuu9o_IdmGa_3cRvwUkHJXWaTskmoblO561ll4rnwaZA&oe=664F1BDA | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 8 | https://facebook.com/61557654555134 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714460400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827460 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773989 | 810 | 344794815282706 | 14 | 3.6275535208919E+15 | 1715065200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 179285108609414 | 0 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 120209484337300154 | frequencydestiny.com | Learn more | NONE | image | ๐ฏ NEW Workshop Reveals All (Only $4.99) --> | David Wong, also known as โThe Frequency Expertโ is a visionary inventor, acclaimed author, speaker, and entrepreneur in the field of personal wellness and Qi Energy. | https://frequencydestiny.com/ | 1714096268 | 1.7928510860941E+14 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438238911_340463708650423_2741758798462298582_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mJo7GNnAGtUQ7kNvgEVpTbA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC_ilUbZrwafPgKvXFcWSUNNayLS2uawTiWkaP2l-GIsg&oe=664F1893 | person_profile | 0 | David Wong | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438229855_1175738326768683_1197706463278525285_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jWniFEOXWTMQ7kNvgH2nj0E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoTJ5GHYh13LxCOlSHj43Yn8ZIwcP62Lfo4jUJAeybtQ&oe=664F036B | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ Exclusive Release ๐ฅ<br /> Leading Frequency Expert Reveals:<br /> NEW "Manifestation Shortcut" Backed By 80+ Years of Scientific Research<br /> <br /> โ Discover how science-backed "sound medicine" can clear hardwired, energetic blocks around money and success in as little as 21 days...<br /> <br /> Consider this: if technology is helping us work faster, communicate faster, and optimize our world fasterโฆ<br /> <br /> Why not use technology to speed up our manifestations, too?<br /> <br /> Here are just a few of the secrets youโll uncover in the<br /> Abundance Mastery Workshop:<br /> <br /> โ Rapid Abundance Alignment: Discover the precise sound frequencies that align your energy with wealth and success in as little as 21 days, bypassing years of traditional meditation practice.<br /> <br /> โ Unlocking Energetic Blocks: Learn how these scientifically-developed sounds target and dissolve deep-rooted energetic blocks around money and success, which have been holding you back.<br /> <br /> โ Quantum Physics of Prosperity: Gain insights into the quantum physics principles that underpin these frequencies, understanding how they can physically shift your vibrational state to match the abundance you seek.<br /> <br /> โ Effortless Transformation Techniques: Explore easy-to-implement strategies that integrate these sound frequencies into your daily routine, transforming your energy field with minimal effort.<br /> <br /> Hereโs everything youโll get when you claim the Abundance Mastery Workshop Bundle today:<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ WORKSHOP<br /> The On-Demand Abundance Mastery Workshop<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 1 - Life of Qi: The Science of Life Force, Qi Gong & Frequency Healing Technology for Health, Longevity, & Spiritual Enlightenment - (Instant Digital Access Ebook + Audiobook)<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 2 - FREE Luck Frequency<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ LIMITED-TIME BONUS - Your Special Invite to the Qi Life Mastery Community<br /> <br /> โญ โญ โญ โญ โญ - " What can I say? I never thought that this can help, it is simple and still so powerful. Highly recommended." - <br /> Mai Nguyen - โ Verified Purchase | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 4407 | https://facebook.com/61554872503538 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827461 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773990 | 810 | 753450356608713 | 14 | 7.6045107262958E+15 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 179285108609414 | 0 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 120209484337010154 | frequencydestiny.com | Learn more | NONE | image | ๐ฏ NEW Workshop Reveals All (Only $4.99) --> | David Wong, also known as โThe Frequency Expertโ is a visionary inventor, acclaimed author, speaker, and entrepreneur in the field of personal wellness and Qi Energy. | https://frequencydestiny.com/ | 1714096577 | 1.7928510860941E+14 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438749471_294602293586729_517230999913278038_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1CUpiNFJ3RgQ7kNvgFUopWn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDy4MYe7ulGNiApHWFA6B8d8JReadUTdZY8fG6LPBfGYg&oe=664F12E8 | person_profile | 0 | David Wong | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438814967_1616541259148229_4257886225543353579_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oElqU_GgpQoQ7kNvgEpud6y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCfPJ7PTPyatAiT2NZG8-sXfTosi_LB5MMNAsdOijEQkg&oe=664F0991 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ Exclusive Release ๐ฅ<br /> Leading Frequency Expert Reveals:<br /> NEW "Manifestation Shortcut" Backed By 80+ Years of Scientific Research<br /> <br /> โ Discover how science-backed "sound medicine" can clear hardwired, energetic blocks around money and success in as little as 21 days...<br /> <br /> Consider this: if technology is helping us work faster, communicate faster, and optimize our world fasterโฆ<br /> <br /> Why not use technology to speed up our manifestations, too?<br /> <br /> Here are just a few of the secrets youโll uncover in the<br /> Abundance Mastery Workshop:<br /> <br /> โ Rapid Abundance Alignment: Discover the precise sound frequencies that align your energy with wealth and success in as little as 21 days, bypassing years of traditional meditation practice.<br /> <br /> โ Unlocking Energetic Blocks: Learn how these scientifically-developed sounds target and dissolve deep-rooted energetic blocks around money and success, which have been holding you back.<br /> <br /> โ Quantum Physics of Prosperity: Gain insights into the quantum physics principles that underpin these frequencies, understanding how they can physically shift your vibrational state to match the abundance you seek.<br /> <br /> โ Effortless Transformation Techniques: Explore easy-to-implement strategies that integrate these sound frequencies into your daily routine, transforming your energy field with minimal effort.<br /> <br /> Hereโs everything youโll get when you claim the Abundance Mastery Workshop Bundle today:<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ WORKSHOP<br /> The On-Demand Abundance Mastery Workshop<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 1 - Life of Qi: The Science of Life Force, Qi Gong & Frequency Healing Technology for Health, Longevity, & Spiritual Enlightenment - (Instant Digital Access Ebook + Audiobook)<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 2 - FREE Luck Frequency<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ LIMITED-TIME BONUS - Your Special Invite to the Qi Life Mastery Community<br /> <br /> โญ โญ โญ โญ โญ - " What can I say? I never thought that this can help, it is simple and still so powerful. Highly recommended." - <br /> Mai Nguyen - โ Verified Purchase | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 4407 | https://facebook.com/61554872503538 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714460400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827864 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/16/25, 3:17 PM | 1716079224 | 1750105028 | 810 | 1939853466431602 | 5 | 4.2925184306778E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120208435429110307 | www.campsnapcamera.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Screen-Free Digital Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1715726974 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436262123_1005735574269713_4494720790183174396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G3o52AI8bOgQ7kNvgFRhM4d&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMILD9QoBMaDLzwW8lC4ZkhVdmoQhJzlfP4wi7lUrGHQ&oe=664F3417 | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441504480_500515395970520_8015298423019583704_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eg-lIgxB_bYQ7kNvgFWVfIR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_LHFudOUJIGxmOx2lVBWG-cv5zqFfi12lp8TSvJiKXA&oe=664F1ACB | 0 | 3 | Screen Free Digital Camera - Live in the moment, check your photos when you get home!<br /> <br /> Our screen-free digital camera replaces the need for disposable film cameras and captures high-quality 8-megapixel images that are stored on a TF memory card. Plus, with the ability to store more than 2000 photos, Camp Snap is better for the environment and saves you money.<br /> <br /> Camp Snap features a rechargeable battery that can take hundreds of photos per charge, and photos are easily transferred to your computer via USB-C. Plus, with no screen, you won't be distracted by technology and can focus on making memories. | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828431 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/22/25, 6:56 PM | 1716079235 | 1745366215 | 810 | 1126279188648630 | 1 | 1.872631329846E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 270658199460623 | 0 | Slim-MD | 120214288781210011 | Learn more | NONE | image | http://slim-md.com/ | 1716064927 | 2.7065819946062E+14 | Slim-MD | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230891_796511472436555_1509090302636944041_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f-tAErvTZ9MQ7kNvgGSNeBH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBJqm97Lr3TKtfJf43zxIC_eg-T9tYN9wRZYUWO_jp98Q&oe=664F30FD | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444151543_1155158298996354_3587315466006624429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gGkQePgM8YIQ7kNvgH09Uvr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDKcmPBPWDpLX_CAwIFhJLqxMHis30_Q08PxBHfSJHacw&oe=664F0C5D | 0 | 3 | ๐ฏ Your health journey starts here! Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for Semaglutide. Let's make a change together! ๐ <br /> Lean More: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fslim-md.com%2F&h=AT0mUhWWI6QH65v9RKnX_PDpPMzsvE7VXfXC3tk-AsYE4EQzAhdKJDv0fWh23u_QxWWD_q1cJE0zZsKfnfJAmPwu__hukasf6OVWdVKuEqKFe4RStrKga95jJa5p2_DjW6gkSzlW-32y4Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">slim-md.com</a> | Slim-MD | 5 | https://facebook.com/61557430269176 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828127 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773991 | 810 | 340761138716115 | 1 | 1.5864399154674E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104314338988227 | 0 | The Table | 6567989816562 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Where are you located?","response":"1769 Newport Ave\nNorthampton, PA 18067\n(New Journey lets us use their bldg)"}],"text":"Hi ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066411 | 1.0431433898823E+14 | The Table | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445185771_7667751869984902_4668045968702138824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g9hOn01MmgUQ7kNvgGZCWg-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBV6P4jBesctc6I6fbKbVfEZF52WgIkYkZ5KuJ95CCRpw&oe=664F1AC8 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Hard to believe it's almost Memorial Day!! Join us this Tuesday 5/21 @ 530pm as we break out the grill!! We'll be having hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixins - macaroni salad, baked beans, potato chips and of course dessert. It'll be a fun evening of good food, good friends and good conversation.<br /> <br /> All are welcome - Always free - We've set a place for you<br /> <br /> 1769 Newport Ave<br /> Northampton, pa <br /> (New Journey lets us use their building)<br /> <br /> thetablenewportave@gmail.com | The Table | 201 | https://facebook.com/100083229433710 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826873 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/7/25, 5:24 PM | 1716079143 | 1746656650 | 810 | 465560312644174 | 1 | 3.2764499426488E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060005990618 | NONE | video | 1716056705 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470130_2506991856153708_2295662081600913640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MecZc7mioPIQ7kNvgF4eqRs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWyzfPPeUXl8PdmQnofxAsrkWI10CAigbewJvJAcdU2g&oe=664F18C7 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470327_430663453029080_1470785132038318513_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8ekPdjolH0Q7kNvgEzsag-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCp6cX8qhlUBllXqFZKY1liatOUKpOvKsVMQCNaWxEDpA&oe=664F03D0 | 0 | 3 | Itโs better not to drink and be accused of being boring than drink and actually be boring. โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfree #soberthoughts #alcoholfreelifestyle #soberaf #noalcohol #sober #sobriety #quitdrinking | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828082 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/27/25, 6:32 AM | 1716079229 | 1737981158 | 810 | 7895505063802602 | 1 | 4.280573668302E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 112854358444082 | 0 | First Class Detailists | 120210194510210594 | Learn more | NONE | video | Showroom shine for years | 1716067124 | 1.1285435844408E+14 | First Class Detailists | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443820220_1429257301048317_9083642366846538920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m2Lxil4qYGEQ7kNvgFfli2f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDqHIjt9gDOe5wNwkSGXH0exd8vc61YZPfvH_zJB8RzUw&oe=664F369F | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Do you care about keeping your vehicle clean and shiny?<br /> <br /> If so, then this is just for you.<br /> <br /> Our paint correction and ceramic coating packages offer numerous benefits:<br /> <br /> โ Long-lasting Protection: Provides durable protection against UV rays, oxidation, and environmental contaminants, preserving your car's finish for years to come.<br /> <br /> โ Enhanced Gloss and Shine: Achieve a showroom-quality shine that lasts, making your vehicle stand out on the road.<br /> <br /> โ Easy Maintenance: Say goodbye to frequent waxing and polishing โ ceramic coating simplifies maintenance and keeps your car looking its best with minimal effort.<br /> <br /> โ Hydrophobic Properties: Repels water and contaminants, making it easier to clean and reducing water spotting.<br /> <br /> โ Resistance to Chemicals: Shields your car's paint from damage caused by harsh chemicals, bird droppings, and other pollutants.<br /> <br /> โ Scratch Resistance: Provides an additional layer of defense against minor scratches and swirl marks, keeping your car looking newer for longer.<br /> <br /> โ Potential Increased Resale Value: Protecting your car with ceramic coating can help maintain its value over time, ensuring a higher resale value when the time comes to sell or trade it in.<br /> <br /> For A Limited Time Only get a free glass coating with any package!<br /> <br /> Click below to book your ceramic coating today! | First Class Detailists | 24 | https://facebook.com/FirstClassDetailist | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828453 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/7/25, 2:46 AM | 1716079235 | 1744011976 | 810 | 352732424486666 | 2 | 8.5923794891122E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 127948600408676 | 0 | The Mannered Mutt NWA | 120208673591240424 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"What are your hours?","response":""},{"title":"Where are you located?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716064865 | 1.2794860040868E+14 | The Mannered Mutt NWA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436264118_1127984098321814_5102397662674895091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NZvIzkyLuesQ7kNvgHcN_D2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTOjFAftnFt2F-OSexnjLjN3lOneJu5YF1rfyDJRoJCA&oe=664F1506 | person_profile | 0 | The Mannered Mutt NWA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443716086_469982032179558_4157966832460180128_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d1uIsj5-BnIQ7kNvgGx_Fik&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQxREt0WdEH1ZgaXIi_IOoYJq4y1Ug-pWFPjSLA9rnxQ&oe=664F2F58 | 0 | 3 | With our training, we build confident dogs with an unbreakable bond! <br /> <br /> Call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation!! | The Mannered Mutt NWA | 290 | https://facebook.com/61551855578108 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826892 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 3/12/25, 3:08 AM | 1716079143 | 1741766937 | 810 | 1178804103297251 | 1 | 8.1463565724922E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060006020618 | NONE | video | 1716056756 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424613097_679162524335465_4215784551535186394_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0vWBU_pwJNIQ7kNvgEZvX3T&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCnFbhaNYlKwFD5V6Ic3SCbRzrmW6ZsZOq0kFzuvDNALg&oe=664F1C4E | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443716864_1473248689944410_3714276243952952039_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kuhbkUMJ5tEQ7kNvgGnihiS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsRV8IEYQn8mehVsOmpVCOdCTG8U_ba7WMOogplQu7gQ&oe=664F2522 | 0 | 3 | The rate of alcohol-related deaths is rising faster among women compared to men. โ <br /> โ <br /> More women are now drinking themselves to death according to a new study reviewed by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)โ <br /> โ <br /> The women's alcohol mortality rate rose by an increase of 14.7% compared to 12.5% in men. โ <br /> โ <br /> We need to stop glorifying the 'wine o clock" and halt the advertising that is selling alcohol as part of a luxury lifestyle, and something that can help you "relax"โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcohol #quitdrinking #alcoholfreelifestyle #women #wineoclock #wine #alcoholic #soberlife #sobergram #sobriety #news #sober โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828399 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079234 | 1723773993 | 810 | 1831295870682246 | 1 | 9.8360669984328E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 319624615263 | 0 | Elite Home Partners CO | 6558964837246 | form.jotform.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Join Denver's #1 RE Team! | Please click the link to complete this form. | https://form.jotform.com/80737001583150 | 1716065056 | 319624615263 | Elite Home Partners CO | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444153143_1888555511596771_2061918876201934019_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U8o1i6jUInQQ7kNvgF9X-ny&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYArKhcTZt7-T7BbHBw4GHhNedEYZSvz11qCMTwQh3QXlQ&oe=664F2E41 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฃ REALTORS! Ready to be a top listing agent? Want nationally recognized coaching and training? Would you benefit from having an in-house transaction team, custom marketing, buyer and SELLER leads, and the Ferrari of all CRM systems...For FREE? Accelerate your success with Elite Home Partners. | Elite Home Partners CO | 2438 | https://facebook.com/EliteHomePartnersCO | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827618 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/23/25, 4:05 PM | 1716079220 | 1740326704 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828117 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773994 | 810 | 1235355337347680 | 2 | 4.2299260732894E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 607867769233933 | 0 | Baked Wright Bakery LLC | 6576516708360 | bakedwrightbakery.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Baked Wright Bakery | Gourmet Southern Style Cheesecake and Herbal Tea | Baked Wright Bakery is an online bakery shipping fresh baked dessert across the nation. Try our cookies and more. Enjoy free shipping on all orders $50. | http://www.bakedwrightbakery.com/ | 1716066574 | 6.0786776923393E+14 | Baked Wright Bakery LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441729541_1616765575788798_1983193470354287027_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r8Qliqn6tcEQ7kNvgHxdli6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC97EIQqN3YNDpHRRArvwv1Wj9xzlsYKuNyhzMyw26t3g&oe=664F1D5B | person_profile | 0 | Baked Wright Bakery | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441527284_3800730230173555_6750582660106878860_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C2AU9X1M5lEQ7kNvgHJk541&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAOQScwRwREkOW4be2ItE7O-_8Ork_U0YPt3CH-l27X5g&oe=664F2365 | 0 | 3 | NEW Chocolate Lovers Cheesecake. Chocolate Cheesecake topped with chocolate cake, topped with chocolate ganache, finished with chocolate chips. <br /> <br /> Gourmet Cheesecake and Herbal Tea Shop. <br /> -<br /> -<br /> - #eastpointga #cheesecake #chocolate #atlanta #dessert #blackownedbusiness #bakedwright #onlineshopping #bakedwrightbakery #bakeryinatlanta #georgia #blackbusiness #foodie #eastpointga #eastpointbakery #birthday #instayum #healthylifestyle #onlinebakery #picoftheday #strawberries #strawberrycheesecake #pink #cheesecakelover #cheesecakefactorywho | Baked Wright Bakery LLC | 1594 | https://facebook.com/bakedwrightbakery | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827470 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/9/25, 11:50 AM | 1716079212 | 1741539059 | 810 | 278997611869872 | 2 | 9.8210449979765E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570880350341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009224 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443713744_1121389409083706_2184359927498046573_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4vH6wd6gug8Q7kNvgGC6fnO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_CUV6TnU8lo-dkFlOPBKpwJ9e0b1O1j29hd67N1iFKg&oe=664F18AC | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441227700_1591549844958107_2543970351265513418_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mQKOzB3s0osQ7kNvgHA0H79&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDbS7ergxu7PFaZkuWIUIgkNWvtyToj-Va_Mapf2k3Q5w&oe=664F045A | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828437 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/25/25, 3:55 AM | 1716079235 | 1745571345 | 810 | 980299537049248 | 1 | 1.2128653897329E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 111882948480817 | 0 | Californiaturkishfest | 6634750600664 | atasc.org | Learn more | NONE | video | http://atasc.org/atasc-turkish-festival | 1716065022 | 1.1188294848082E+14 | Californiaturkishfest | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442450454_865587978710498_3307758429080622287_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XIrc16IzL2oQ7kNvgHjBC86&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcBU3PUXoXhfBPiuC44OAK5Aa0gOvriEATZFHqMK4JMA&oe=664F2411 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐งฟJoin us on Sunday, June 9th for the amazing selection of Turkish street food, traditional drinks, mouth watering desserts.๐งฟPlan to stay all day to enjoy live music and non stop entertainment with folk dance groups and belly dancer.๐งฟShop at unique art&craft vendors.๐งฟWe have kids zone for face painting and moreโข Bring your friends and family members, share the news, we have something for everyone dad.FREE ADMISSION @everyone welcome ๐งฟ 200 Aquarium Way, Shoreline Aquatic Park,Long Beach๐งฟ June 9th, 11 am-5 pm ๐งฟParking: Pike & Aquarium Parking#californiaturkishfest @californiaturkishfest @atasc.socal @lataa.atasc@shorelinevillage#shorelinevillage #turkishfood #turkishstreetfood #donerkebab #tantuni #balikekmek #doner #kabobs #kebab #kebap #turkishcoffee #turkishtea #baklava #grilledmeat #meditteraneanfood #middleeasternfood #turkishmusic #turkishentertainment #bellydancing #longbeachcalifornia #longbeachlife #culturalheritage #turkishculture | Californiaturkishfest | 104 | https://facebook.com/Californiaturkishfest | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827555 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079218 | 1723773996 | 810 | 1224518335188918 | 3 | 4.2029528072589E+14 | 1714201200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 283053551550394 | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 120209336719070468 | weokm.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๊ตฟ๋ ธ๋ฒจ์์ "๊ณ์ฝ ํด์ง: ๋์ค์ ๋ํ๋" ๊ฒ์ํ ํ ๋ ๋ง์ ์ฑํฐ๋ฅผ ์ ๊ธํด์ ํ ์ ์์ต๋๋ค. | https://weokm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9316&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714136025 | 2.8305355155039E+14 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841332_25592112210402892_8397642617881182669_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C_DeOwt9FD0Q7kNvgHVNpr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBVhFmRqDtTk36g7jVIt8eA8S80996NkRJ6crnaJHwzrQ&oe=664F179A | person_profile | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439893966_7867235389954210_1957941699168459515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA2XKRXvLcIQ7kNvgE5vsr7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUsMHuWwNTsap4mkViHrGbCgdZ2WTEA60fd6hTWkiHPA&oe=664F2F24 | 0 | 3 | ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ท๊ตญํ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ๋ฒ ์ผ์ ์ธ์ธ ์ ์ธ์ผ๋ก์, ์์ ๋ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก 8ํธ ๋งจ์ ์ผ๋ก ๋ณด๋ด์ก๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์ ๊ท์ ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๊ทธ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ํฐ ์์ด ๊นจ๋ํ๊ฒ ๋ชธ์ ์ป์ด์ผ ํ๊ณ ํฅ์๋ ํ์ฅํ ๋์๋ฅผ ์ ๋ ํ๊ฒจ์ ์ ๋๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ทจํฅ์ ์๋ฒฝํ๊ฒ ๋ง์ถ๊ธฐ ์ํด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ค๋ซ๋์ ๋ชฉ์์ ํ๊ณ ์คํฌ ์ ์ท์ผ๋ก ๊ฐ์์ ์ ํ, 2์ธต ์นจ์ค๋ก ์๋ค. ์ปดํจํฐ ์์์ ์ ๋ฌด๋ฅผ ๋ณด๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๋ค์ด์ค๋ ๊ธฐ์ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ํ๊ธ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ์ด๋ฆฌ ์.โ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๊ฐ์ ์ด ์์ด์ง ์์, ๋ด๋ดํ๋ฉด์๋ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ด ๋งํฌ๊ฐ ์ด์ด์ก๋ค. ๊ทธ ๋ชฉ์๋ฆฌ๋ ์์ ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฌด๊ฒ๊ฒ ์ง๋๋ฅด๋ ๊ฒ๋ง ๊ฐ์๋ค. ํ์์ ๋ฌด๋ค๋คํ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์ผ๋ฉด์๋ ์ข ์ก๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ์ฑ๊ฒฉ์ ๊ฐ์ง ๊ทธ๊ฐ ํน์๋ ํ๊ฐ ๋๊ธฐ๋ผ๋ ํ ๊น ๋ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์ง์ฒดํ์ง ์๊ณ ๋น ๋ฅธ ๊ฑธ์์ผ๋ก ๋ฌ๋ ค๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์์ ์ ๋๋ก ์๊ธฐ๋ ์ ์ ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ์๋ฝ ์์๋ฒ๋ ธ๋ค. ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ์์ด๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ๋ถ์ ์ ์ ์ ํค์คํ๋ ์ด์นํ. ํญ์ ๊ทธ๋ฐ ์์ด์๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ค๋ช ๋ ์์๊ณ ๋ถ๋๋ฌ์๋ ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ์๊ณ ์ถ์ ๋ฟ์ด์๋ค. ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ธ๊ตญ์ผ๋ก ์ถ์ฅ ๊ฐ๊ฒ ๋๋ฉด์ 3๊ฐ์์ด๋ผ๋ ๊ธด ์๊ฐ ๋์ ์ฌ์๋ฅผ ๋ง์ง์ง ๋ชปํ์ผ๋ ์ค๋ ๋ฐค์ ์ฝ๊ฒ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋์์ค ๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ์์ด ๋ณด์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์ ์ ๊ณฏ์๋จ์ด์ง ๋๊ฐ ๋์ด์์ผ ๋จ์๋ ๋๋ ๊ธฐ๋ฏธ๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋ค์ ์ ์์ ๊นจ์ด๋ ์์ ์ ๊ณ์๋ ์๋ฌด๋ ์์๋ค. ์์ค์์ ์ค์๊ธฐ ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ค๋ ค์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ชฝ์ผ๋ก ์์ ์ ํฅํ๋ค. ๊ฐ์ ๋ฆฌ ๋๋จธ๋ก ํ๋ฆฟํ๊ฒ ๊ท์ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ฆผ์๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋งค๋ฒ ๊ฒ์ฌ๋ฅผ ๋ง์น๊ณ ๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๊นจ์ด๋๊ธธ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆฐ ์ ์ด ์์๋ ๊ทธ์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ฐ๋ฐ ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฑธ๊น? ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ํผ๊ณคํ ๋ชธ์ ์ด๋์ด ์นจ๋์์ ์ผ์ผ์ผ ์ธ์ฐ๊ณ ์ฐฉํ ๊ณ ์์ด ๋ง๋ฅ ๋จ์๊ฐ ๋์ค๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ธ๋ค. ๋ช ๋ถ ๋ค, ์์ค์์ ๋ฌผ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ฉ์ถ๊ณ ๋จ์๊ฐ ์ค์ ํ์๋ฅผ ๋๋ฅธ ์ฑ ๊ฑธ์ด ๋์๋ค. ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋์์ ๋จ์ด์ง ๋ฌผ๋ฐฉ์ธ์ด ๊ทธ์ ๋์ ์ด๊นจ๋ก๋ถํฐ ์๊ณจ ์ธ์ ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ํ๊ณ ํ๋ฌ๋ด๋ฆฌ๋ค๊ฐ, ๊ฐ์ด๊ณจ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๋ถ๋๋ฝ๊ณ ๋ ๋จ๋จํด ๋ณด์ด๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ณต๊ทผ ์๋ก ๋ฏธ๋๋ฌ์ก๋ค. ์น๋ช ์ ์ผ ๋งํผ ์ ํน์ ์ด๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์กฐ๊ฐ์ฒ๋ผ ์๋ฆ๋ค์ด ์ผ๊ตด์ ์นผ๋์ ์ฐ์์ผ ํ ๋งํผ ๋ ์นด๋ก์ ๊ณ ๋๋ ทํ ์ค๊ด์์ ํนํ๋ ๋งค๋ ฅ์ ์ธ ๋ถ๋ถ์ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ฐ๋ฉด์๋ ๋ฒ์ ํ๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ๋ถ์๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ด๋ฟ๋ ๊ธด ๋๋งค์๋๋ฐ ๊ทธ์ฝํ๊ณ ๊น์๋ค. ํ ์ก์ ๋ ์์ด ์์๊ธด ๋จ์๋ค. ๋ฌธ์ ๋ผ๋ฉด ์จ๋ชธ์์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ฟ์ด๋ธ๋ค๋ ๊ฒ, ๊ทธ๋ก ์ธํด ์๋ฌด๋ ๋ค๊ฐ๊ฐ๊ธฐ ์ฌ์ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์๋๋ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ๊นจ์ด์๋ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์ธ๋ํ๊ฒ ํ๊ธ ๋ณด๋๋ ๊ทธ๊ฐ ์ ์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ด์ ์ค์ง ๋ง.โ โ์ค์ง ๋ง๋ผ๋ ๊ทธ๊ฒ ๋ฌด์จ ๋ป์ด์ง?โ ์์ํ ์์ ๋ฅผ ํฅํด ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๋ฌธ์ ํ๋๋ฅผ ๊ฑด๋ค์คฌ๋ค. โ์ด ๊ณ์ฝ, ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ํด์งํด์ผ๊ฒ ์ด.โ ์ ์ธ ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ๋ณด๋ ๊ทธ์ ์ผ ์ ์ ์ด ๋ฒ์ฉ ๋ค์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋์ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๋ ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ์ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ณ์ ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์์ฌ์์๊ฐ ์๋๋ผ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๊ธฐ ์ํด์์๋ค๋. ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ํ์ง ์ด์ ์ค ๋ ์ด ๋์๋ค. ์ธ์ ๊ฐ ์ด๋ฐ ๋ ์ด ์ฌ ๊ฑฐ๋ผ ์์์ ํ์ง๋ง ์ด๋ฐ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ๊ฐ ์ฌ ์ค์ ์๊ฐ์ง ๋ชปํ๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ด์ ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ค๊ณ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๋ณ๋ช ์ด๋ ํด์๋ ์์ด ํ๋ง๋ ํต๋ณด๋ก ๋๋ฌ๋ค. ์ฌ์ฅ์ด ์ฐ๋ฅด๋ฏ์ด ์ํ์ ธ ์ค๋ ๋๋์ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ๋๋ฅด๋ฉฐ ์์ ๋ ์ฒ์ฒํ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค์ด ์ท์ ์ ๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ๋ฐ๋ ๋ง ๋ ์์ผ๋ฉด ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋๋์. ์กฐ๊ธ๋ง ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆด ์ ์์๋์?โ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ํ๋ถ ์ธ์์ด ์์ง ์ผ ๊ฐ์์ด ๋จ์๋ค๊ณ ์์ฌ๊ฐ ๋งํ์๋ค. ์ถ์ด ๋๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ๊ทธ์ ๊ณ์ ์กฐ๊ธ ๋ ์ค๋ ๋จ๊ณ ์ถ์๋ ์์ ์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋ฌต๋ฌตํ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๋น์ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์์ฌ์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ๋ด๋น์น์ง ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ด๋ฏธ ์ง๋ ค๋ฒ๋ฆฐ ์ฅ๋๊ฐ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ณด๋ฏ์ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์นจ๋ฌต์์ ์์ ๋ ์๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์ด๋ ์์น์ ์๋์ง ์ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ค ๋ ์ด๋ ์๊ฐ์ด ํ๋ ์ง๋ง ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ฒ ๋ฐ์ธ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ด์ ์ด ๊ฟ๋ ๊ทธ๋ง ๊นฐ ๋๊ฐ ๋ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ์์ ๋ค๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ผ๋ถ๋ฌ ์ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ๋น๊ฒจ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ณ ์์ ๋ฏธ์๋ฅผ ์ง์๋ค. โ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฒ ๋ ธ๋ ค๋ณด์ง ๋ง์ธ์. ์ฅ๋์ด์์.โ ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก ๋ง์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์์ด์. ์ด์ ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋๋ฌ์ผ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ถ์ด ๋๋ฌด ์ข์๋ฐ์?โ ์ ์ธ ๋ฅผ ์ ๋ฆฌํ๋ ์ด์นํ์ ์์ด ์ฐ๋ ๋ฉ์ท๋ค. ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค๊ณ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์๋์๋ก ํ์ด๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ผ๊ตด์ ์ํ๊น์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ์ ํ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์์๊ณ ๋ง์น ์ด์ ์์ ๋ผ๋ ๋ฏ ์ฝ๊ฐ์ ํฅ๋ถ์ด ๊น๋ฆฐ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ง์ ๋์น์ด ๊ตฌ๊ฒจ์ก๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์๋ค๊ณ ?โ | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 320 | https://facebook.com/61557428073507 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827918 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/6/25, 8:59 PM | 1716079226 | 1743991188 | 810 | 731422855594707 | 1 | 4.7258239543929E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 237767886079212 | 0 | Smart TVโs y mas | 120210075843890087 | Send WhatsApp message | NONE | multi_images | https://api.whatsapp.com/send | 1716068378 | 2.3776788607921E+14 | Smart TVโs y mas | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438262797_1432422294313442_6655284598715923411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XyyhZ9OVTs0Q7kNvgEqybik&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDbElIsZCSiY_87yI5EMywoiqtnppDMynPcmQNYozR08Q&oe=664F1911 | person_profile | 0 | Anthony Delgado Martinez | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711179_416941021136912_7442393755012163004_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=91WPKe2Vxc0Q7kNvgHZsfPJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBBHgO0wQlvvyDd3UYgXSiGT3zGTE1btV-lOIMb3In2pw&oe=664F05D7 | 0 | 3 | โญ PROMOCIรN EN PANTALLAS DE 32" 43" 50" 55" 65"โญ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฑ๐<br /> <br /> ๐บ๐ฒONN ROKU LED SMART TV 4K ULTRA HD ๐๐ฏ<br /> 32" $2099 HD<br /> 43" $4000 4K<br /> 50" $4500 4K<br /> 55" $5400 4K<br /> 65" $6800 4k<br /> <br /> โญNetflix, Apple TV+, YouTube, Prime Video, HBO, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Spotify entre muchas mas โญ<br /> Nuevas y selladas con garantรญa de 30 dรญas.<br /> โผ๏ธPromociรณn Vรกlida Hasta el domingo 19 mayo 2024โผ๏ธ | Smart TVโs y mas | 648 | https://facebook.com/61555873175861 | 0 | WHATSAPP_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828113 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773997 | 810 | 824630326189308 | 1 | 1.6964275442247E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145667042172127 | 0 | Decoding Creativity | 120208496527460643 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Do You Wish You Were Writing More? | Free, live class looks at the creative process and creative thinking style to find how you will best create time to write. Julia Roberts has her Masters in the Science of Creativity and wants to help you write with ease and satisfaction | http://fb.me/ | 1715979507 | 1.4566704217213E+14 | Decoding Creativity | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442413698_977165967388050_1795318081802154556_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dgLlbB7MZWQQ7kNvgFG2pt5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD83iWBbOtU1AfGVBDbYl-WhTmEy4ku8mhFCTtgIK3VEA&oe=664F1E71 | person_profile | 0 | Julia Roberts | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415304_1183802329633395_8693762898065469160_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QEJvqXsWqD4Q7kNvgHiXnJD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDiqxOqwwiXsncvumFxmXYj-jzuWCr6Th712xB7Tj9PKg&oe=664F2945 | 0 | 3 | Do You Wish You Had More Time to Write? But let me guess, typical โproductivityโ advice seems to clash with your creativity. Hi, Iโm Julia Roberts, and my one claim to fame (besides my famous name) is I have my Masters in the Science of Creativity. I help writers approach writing, creativity, and productivity in a unique way.<br /> <br /> In this FREE, live class you will learn:<br /> โข The Universal Creative Process<br /> โข The four primary creative thinking styles <br /> โข Where you (and your thinking style) likely fit or fight - causing resistance<br /> โข How to lean into who you think for you greatest ease and satisfaction<br /> <br /> CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO SAVE YOUR SEAT! | Decoding Creativity | 912 | https://facebook.com/DecodingCreativity | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828242 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079232 | 1723773997 | 810 | 1519887072296173 | 1 | 1.0647834885905E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101174313280971 | 0 | Olivia De Berardinis | 6581571134069 | kickstarter.com | Learn more | NONE | image | https://kck.st/3UEHVdl | 1716065777 | 1.0117431328097E+14 | Olivia De Berardinis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950816_417105274511043_8963725864466611625_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sSHaQG1bQMkQ7kNvgGm29Yd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCDphJRWRvXqmI_IR3MCE7ukw19KRcDs5ByohOKOK7Vaw&oe=664F0292 | person_profile | 0 | Olivia De Berardinis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950777_1140315780627015_6648665337771427076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xxhXuh4b81cQ7kNvgGNpV1P&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAHMJ-aR_EP8-nS8xeEnbqDNTm3KRS6scVV_IHh9Ls45A&oe=664F0E62 | 0 | 3 | ๐ค EARLY BIRD SPECIALS ARE OVER SUNDAY NIGHTโผ๏ธ #Olivia2025Calendar kickstarter campaign is live!๐ฅ<br /> Every calendar backer gets a free postcard set & stickers!<br /> questions? kickstarter@eolivia.com<br /> models include; #BettiePage #DitaVonTeese #MasuimiMax #PamelaAnderson #TiahEckhardt #Vanity #ManieVanDoren #RhondaRidley<br /> art by #oliviapinupart | Olivia De Berardinis | 710309 | https://facebook.com/OliviaPinUpArt | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827824 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773998 | 810 | 324059474048801 | 1 | 1.4519204454187E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 115912406481716 | 0 | Donna Micaroni | 6610790081837 | Contact us | NONE | image | 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1734055387002725/ | 1716069901 | 1.1591240648172E+14 | Donna Micaroni | regular_page | 1 | Donna Micaroni | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441448341_801529295304802_8148300010074172290_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xfutMmfaq-YQ7kNvgEepw86&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAA_2csJlI_7gPBdslLVewKUj28HLrFPp_QBgUSt6rOlA&oe=664F117E | 0 | 3 | 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment - $2,500.00<br /> <br /> Idyllic, quaint and tranquil are used to describe this exclusive rental located in lovely historic Amityville. Are you downsizing or thinking of snowbirding? Looking for a restful little one bedroom apartment a little different than all the rest? This one may be perfect for youโฆ<br /> <br /> This quiet main floor space welcomes you into a spacious and bright kitchen with warm wood cabinets and plenty of counterspace to satisfy any weekend chef. <br /> <br /> Step through the back door to your own evergreen lined patio, enticing you to fire up your grill for dinner with a friend or cozy up with your favorite book and catch some rays. <br /> <br /> Linger in the living room with plenty of sunny windows overlooking manicured grounds. Ceiling fan and air conditioner are provided for your year round comfort. <br /> <br /> When its time to retire your queen size bedroom offers a restful space including a convenient ensuite bath with tiled tub and shower to start or end your day. <br /> <br /> And lets not forget the necessities! Enter the clean and dry basement through interior entrance where there is space for storage of those beloved memories, and a washer dryer for convenient living! (Basement area shared by Landlord). Off street parking provided on the grounds.<br /> <br /> $2500 includes all utilities. Tenant maintains own cable/internet account. Smoke free premises. Sorry no pets. <br /> <br /> Sound like what youโve been hoping to find? These spaces do not come up often and when it does it goes very quickly, so don't wait. <br /> Contact broker today for appointment. <br /> Janet Elliott, LSP - Realty Connect USA. - 516-316-5781<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Donna Micaroni | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1221143950 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828475 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079235 | 1723773998 | 810 | 1817490635401214 | 1 | 4.8454481390729E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105150384364094 | 0 | The AV Club Podcast Studios | 6590126488227 | theavclubstudios.com | Learn more | NONE | video | http://theavclubstudios.com/ | 1716064947 | 1.0515038436409E+14 | The AV Club Podcast Studios | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445352338_309180382282095_7081821012046406520_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5mmxdhsHt_YQ7kNvgGL7t-b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAszSPsDd5EpeEJz_ZW_muzYfgjeXtIF5j1rUw6trf2cQ&oe=664F0849 | person_profile | 0 | The AV Club Podcast Studios | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138626_983240393339021_8137688665472693913_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jCPGSJF_BIUQ7kNvgFZDCFA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDQp3SjPXMJu2f9yxJ5y5KhGR_TFVEQYNiPgqSjIkJWsw&oe=664F2245 | 0 | 3 | @theavclubstudios is a full service podcast studio that you can rent privately. Every session includes two 4K cameras, and six dynamic microphones. Affordable prices easy set up. We offer editing services and help you with the equipment so there is no experience needed. Food and drinks are welcome. Schedule the same-day session or schedule a free sneak peek. Open 7 days a week. Voice overs, podcasts, interviews, livestreams, zoom calls, phone calls, YouTube videos.<br /> Link in bio<br /> #podcaststudio | The AV Club Podcast Studios | 301 | https://facebook.com/theavclubllc | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827474 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 7:59 AM | 1716079212 | 1744117193 | 810 | 458636566523629 | 1 | 1.506081946993E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570907310341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009332 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485085_913726000766019_2298746962976100878_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4ZkVIWumeMYQ7kNvgFQ51Qe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALRVJGQcDvkYe8cGsqF1Eiigsp3uTgal2gynFiBNmkXw&oe=664F31A1 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475541_799657065450099_5891475296944666958_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-tLHaXN8uyEQ7kNvgF83lc1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALfZdY2Mt8uviZueTJZC1-h2ctrac9Xql0RXLHYoapmA&oe=664F0B64 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828466 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079235 | 1723773998 | 810 | 995508392178513 | 1 | 1.2453713397723E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 183234755063688 | 0 | Beauty Bar by Anna C | 6578866663170 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I\u2019d like more information about bridal services. ","response":""},{"title":"I\u2019d like to book a appointment . ","response":""},{"title":"I\u2019d like to get a quote. ","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716069383 | 1.8323475506369E+14 | Beauty Bar by Anna C | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441158876_470639305404110_4273790096604896889_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e11CBwokKw4Q7kNvgHxkKH8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBqKy9_2B3oXY8oFbwsgWGBtYFhY1D0tZzhCdlt2hl8sg&oe=664F21F0 | person_profile | 0 | California Makeup Artist | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441215398_1003478588009930_271954825713501828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VwMDmtEGrxMQ7kNvgGtyY4C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYChFtQRYB_gg9td7MCYRFs1Fyg-FAWlw1VGR7THUOClCA&oe=664F249F | 0 | 3 | Hi ladies! Makeup and hair styling<br /> appointments are available and I'm<br /> accepting reservations. I offer services in<br /> studio and can travel to you. Feel free to<br /> contact me for more details and also to<br /> book appointments.<br /> <br /> #quinceaรฑera #makeupinspodaily<br /> #wedding #makeupartist #pictureoftheday<br /> #gold #weddinginspiration #love<br /> #Oceanside #makeup #California<br /> #Redlands #makeuplooks #glam #bride<br /> #eyeshadow #weddingideas #eyelashes<br /> #weddingplanner #prom #lashesonfleek<br /> #makeupideas #makeuplover<br /> #makeuptransformation #makeupinspo<br /> #makeupinspogallery #beautiful<br /> #softglammakeup #localbusiness | Beauty Bar by Anna C | 1286 | https://facebook.com/MobileBeautyByAnna | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828564 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079237 | 1723774000 | 810 | 425465283590657 | 1 | 9.6683596181242E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 154732734551429 | 0 | Consuela | 120210185680590566 | consuelastyle.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Make A Statement โจ | Carry your joy with you. | https://consuelastyle.com/collections/new | 1713993121 | 1.5473273455143E+14 | Consuela | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438707321_969820821534006_7357275436425089141_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_dXP0A_g4lwQ7kNvgGyrZhj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFnOtavPmIRJDyUpdk2qMi_Gv18G8VkLcDkyXZrMWSkg&oe=664F33C0 | person_profile | 0 | Consuela | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438751254_1073114670456063_3144308281847463025_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C9P3XwOL0W8Q7kNvgHdNm8z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAowRxvxqw3sBhmHnYnkFlgNPwXqxjTPb87tZoEHAwOuQ&oe=664F029A | 0 | 3 | With bold and colorful designs that are functional and stylish, bags like our leather Brandy Daily Tote are as unique and versatile as you. ๐<br /> <br /> Free shipping on orders $99+ <br /> Free returns/exchanges | Consuela | 188237 | https://facebook.com/ConsuelaStyle | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827769 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/2/25, 2:02 PM | 1716079223 | 1743620522 | 810 | 480533654307278 | 1 | 4.638493127027E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109936954670279 | 0 | Local Retirement Class | 6580465153940 | localretirementclass.com | No button | NONE | image | Dinner is on us! Join the FREE "Dine & Learn Class" in Shelton... | Learn new strategies to help maximize retirement income, reduce taxes and manage retirement risks at the "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton. There is no charge to attend and dinner is on us, but space is limited! To request tickets, choose your date below... | https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner | 1715096755 | 1.0993695467028E+14 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440430253_372965935126900_7865922326423214282_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UHefW571tM8Q7kNvgE_Cljh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDmF5p3jUri18D4aAEHS_DhrSF-Tzc10D2UB91IB-XxdQ&oe=664F05C2 | person_profile | 0 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440414395_816977900307468_6446481017251214366_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z7PR9FZ793AQ7kNvgEszOvW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEODFdNAlC8dYh2nqvMyE-ys4t7b_FM23logSGLlST6A&oe=664F0081 | 0 | 3 | Want to be ready for big new changes to Social Security, Tax Rules and Retirement Risks? Join us at the FREE "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton.<br /> <br /> *For FREE Admission, Request Tickets Here:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT1cgZFVgr4j2yGIOKZHJiD6ho336T6I6O_CDPHA81QD4zXLl8iJsv0LVvimTGh8e-KtVwuUSn0X8ZhupPtbP8ZYt5EJvUHERDwwn2icoJr2BYF3LiLNoZCK2Qr8qu0tGGz41qlH57Rhug" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a><br /> <br /> --<br /> Dine & Learn Workshop Topics Include:<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Social Security Changes: Learn why Social Security planning is so important and how new filing changes could impact monthly benefits.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Retirement Taxes & Inflation: Learn how taxes impact retirement income and strategies to reduce the impact of inflation.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ New Normal Economy: Learn how volatile interest rates, record inflation and market risks could impact retirement income .<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Market Risk Strategies: Learn new ways to help protect and grow retirement income by managing stock and bond market risks.<br /> <br /> *For FREE Admission, Request Tickets Here:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT2Esn7tVVTRCU_kGlD6UdUcQ1d7Zw5F7YapzyB1gSXmJ2JWjUP7nJWa4VSS6snfE15mlJ6BtT1DPs4ocPAhQ9cN81PmB0lwS-tn8NkSI6jvDTBDGevlVnZEf5oyPntVXpmCpijLmfXxGw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a> | Local Retirement Class | 58 | https://facebook.com/localretirementclass | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827812 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773953 | 810 | 1094946161599307 | 1 | 6.3975978502504E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 257742080765747 | 0 | wehavefuncomedy | 6602551620538 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/wehavefuncomedy | 1716070192 | 2.5774208076575E+14 | wehavefuncomedy | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/442650275_494112502950774_655132697510257864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=JPtjV3bs3dMQ7kNvgGEK4rL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCT1VZAY89zOb3goigPMOSYXz_A2v4xP7c43vWjEQaQhQ&oe=664F188B | ig_ads_identity | 1 | We Have Fun - A Comedy Show | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640924_1509095019984603_310572209840870835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDTppJprh-AQ7kNvgGfecpa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC28G9r6AFO59vuPxw9Rt7iFm5i-8isX0yTDuG9WvSUeQ&oe=664F2FEC | 0 | 3 | wehavefuncomedy | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/wehavefuncomedy | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827336 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773953 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827389 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773954 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827448 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773954 | 810 | 1695584594584480 | 2 | 1.5996969907764E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219165791290297 | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 120210461944800007 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714462289 | 2.191657912903E+14 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440382556_955645042697530_4956581558373555916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ujQ-TSNIVbwQ7kNvgG2xSBH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDT8c8TKEG8OVDDol2d_Iz3O22g-vYz6I6-6GvNX8QSJg&oe=664F202F | person_profile | 0 | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440561535_382718064765488_2915154771096724034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H0AYlZBX3-QQ7kNvgHRqvDU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuu9o_IdmGa_3cRvwUkHJXWaTskmoblO561ll4rnwaZA&oe=664F1BDA | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ | 8 | https://facebook.com/61557654555134 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714460400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827807 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/17/25, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1744942023 | 810 | 1094946161599307 | 1 | 6.3975978502504E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 257742080765747 | 0 | wehavefuncomedy | 6602551620538 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/wehavefuncomedy | 1716070192 | 2.5774208076575E+14 | wehavefuncomedy | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/442650275_494112502950774_655132697510257864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=JPtjV3bs3dMQ7kNvgGEK4rL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCT1VZAY89zOb3goigPMOSYXz_A2v4xP7c43vWjEQaQhQ&oe=664F188B | ig_ads_identity | 1 | We Have Fun - A Comedy Show | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640924_1509095019984603_310572209840870835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDTppJprh-AQ7kNvgGfecpa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC28G9r6AFO59vuPxw9Rt7iFm5i-8isX0yTDuG9WvSUeQ&oe=664F2FEC | 0 | 3 | wehavefuncomedy | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/wehavefuncomedy | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828256 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/22/25, 10:22 AM | 1716079232 | 1747927353 | 810 | 2407907066265014 | 1 | 4.6112249295324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105585208715890 | 0 | Mary Recipes | 120209093254330675 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Mary Recipes | https://www.facebook.com/105585208715890 | 1716026970 | 1.0558520871589E+14 | Mary Recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442467912_1194587221713137_6837652373325551810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5RywHwhmiPwQ7kNvgFc2TcV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD2wuB01UafkWjX3Slih69LU6QAkaEv5PdEI4iDzxmmWQ&oe=664F21A7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Recipe Magic Daily! FOLLOW us for FREE RECIPES each day. Letโs make cooking extraordinary! ๐คฉ๐ฅ | Mary Recipes | 671 | https://facebook.com/mmmaryrecipes | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828184 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079231 | 1723773956 | 810 | 2253796118293455 | 1 | 8.2202151937762E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209995825530603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066185 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441342356_7813654015395859_2244672252745257205_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pCSaV14GkSQQ7kNvgF8q85w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAnCvgcWX5dqINgpAt9bRa9WgPKD_hsETDKlm8jctPXxA&oe=664F0719 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441532013_801838994910374_4782100874687711584_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HyyTVM0pk9oQ7kNvgEJyCI8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCOchhzwPltB9cssvkMkKAPUt-tadDLG0hMjrNNzGSG1Q&oe=664F0368 | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827927 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079226 | 1723773956 | 810 | 814859950544010 | 3 | 8.2021734350044E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952386030737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067629 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442472305_1669559016781649_8483035254832089352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PkWvrscOmCIQ7kNvgFWv5dU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9E7olu9s6wldxex4MVz1KOh-Po8sYXtpmIEWlEc7K5w&oe=664F16F7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826936 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079145 | 1723773957 | 810 | 423787033626246 | 1 | 9.5404700312256E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120210400600470334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Efficient Commercial Trucking Solutions | Let's optimize your logistics! | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/services | 1713888358 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631490_446546801091820_3798544709504058628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm9NNGhsuSIQ7kNvgFRcbfc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBloG_XvmqypyIUOjpooZqmZC6a7CmGztOTHODnRA5GlQ&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439921882_355177520344511_1972065197139668211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YEnbJjWfznUQ7kNvgFx2JhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAG1WDRxj9NybydRHp2yxtGzPHFaR1Tv0ZSrNlzXyo55g&oe=664F1FF6 | 0 | 3 | Let's optimize your logistics! | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826985 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079146 | 1723773957 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827035 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079149 | 1723773957 | 810 | 1457265871529992 | 1 | 1.3897169785739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 294527430678616 | 0 | Servall Martin | 120210487194700370 | servallpestcontrol.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Gutter Solutions For Dry Homes | Gutter guard protection! | https://www.servallpestcontrol.com/ | 1710172974 | 2.9452743067862E+14 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432252311_735374178788446_4142605466614271796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hR-Mq_4Hzj4Q7kNvgFLGAqL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGYNIQqKSqCT5e1dql94bW8i8pqo28p168RRs-1uiF8g&oe=664F1964 | person_profile | 0 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432280469_2714175705398879_4118516942423375862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yoQcKkzdf2cQ7kNvgGHox1C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkZ83UZXIBCZ10uaMQX7mYgtgllCohNfSY1gUhVZFAnQ&oe=664F05B8 | 0 | 3 | Gutter guard protection! | Servall Martin | 1237 | https://facebook.com/ServallMartin | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827033 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079149 | 1723773957 | 810 | 1457265871529992 | 1 | 1.3897169785739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 294527430678616 | 0 | Servall Martin | 120210487194700370 | servallpestcontrol.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Gutter Solutions For Dry Homes | Gutter guard protection! | https://www.servallpestcontrol.com/ | 1710172974 | 2.9452743067862E+14 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432252311_735374178788446_4142605466614271796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hR-Mq_4Hzj4Q7kNvgFLGAqL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGYNIQqKSqCT5e1dql94bW8i8pqo28p168RRs-1uiF8g&oe=664F1964 | person_profile | 0 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432280469_2714175705398879_4118516942423375862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yoQcKkzdf2cQ7kNvgGHox1C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkZ83UZXIBCZ10uaMQX7mYgtgllCohNfSY1gUhVZFAnQ&oe=664F05B8 | 0 | 3 | Gutter guard protection! | Servall Martin | 1237 | https://facebook.com/ServallMartin | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827581 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079219 | 1723773957 | 810 | 1405291730102587 | 6 | 4.5578051355499E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828367 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774001 | 810 | 4343362962556121 | 1 | 7.6583531232537E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985583430623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065358 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441899451_1178707263147110_3891887003736979475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3bN6CaVMLoQQ7kNvgHR1_Yx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCmufpKVYejtywMVkGBKnDqKYQXyg8RQ6hh9oblmrXBxA&oe=664F346A | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428370366_1440484333340342_8963181477133225672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IpDe9HIkmCUQ7kNvgEaYCWj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC_9bk0wk2T4rPmIRSZJ_JQFLNuutCs2kq7gSnhOjbVQw&oe=664F104B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827057 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079151 | 1723773957 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827085 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079152 | 1723773958 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827971 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774002 | 810 | 369406346117570 | 1 | 5.1438259449045E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109029552186203 | 0 | Graystone Trading LLC | 120209732028500078 | mt.graystonepremiumteam.com | Learn more | NONE | video | An "Emotion-Less" Trading System | https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2 | 1716067827 | 1.090295521862E+14 | Graystone Trading LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445214804_429768229804766_6045338100283347097_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g7XeJtDWp8EQ7kNvgE3s3CS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD8Gz1ek-_rungkaYohhGHJlSGjuKOcXql6t-myTumAJQ&oe=664F36E8 | person_profile | 0 | Andrew Antiles | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441182516_954828399465499_4375766450863823754_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H5_hIi5Qp94Q7kNvgEn_GqN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD31qSeDtT0Eu7I1XbwViXMtSAORor5HQ3d9-2ULUJF5A&oe=664F1C1A | 0 | 3 | Discover how you can follow in the footsteps of a successful trader who made seven figures in the stock market. <br /> <br /> Get insights into the key strategies and lessons that will help you succeed in your own investment journey. <br /> <br /> We guarantee results or you donโt pay. <br /> <br /> No tricks.<br /> <br /> Click the "LEARN MORE" button to see how. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmt.graystonepremiumteam.com%2Fopt-in-2&h=AT0a6tUY7F_B3YRGREmu5jlovlIaF2Pgf2yWdz0m1-CDTarhPKkpDXcVk3u0caJxVb2tZwfxeS6LEVh22voeZbRAmalZ0Wu0vIjtFeezjv-JQXv-3z7VouIIGTDaZ2RRx_VxtAvD5HKyBQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2</a> | Graystone Trading LLC | 271 | https://facebook.com/100092287217015 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827086 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079152 | 1723773958 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827096 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079152 | 1723773958 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827135 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079155 | 1723773958 | 810 | 1134605914526257 | 1 | 1.1818511695024E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236877869518483 | 0 | Mobile Center | 120211036230840116 | mobileresalehub.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | 12 month warranty & 30-day to change. | https://mobileresalehub.com/ | 1715510581 | 2.3687786951848E+14 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441257660_1094764401824325_6223625233035073077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dsE9zGYTU_8Q7kNvgECH8hr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA2et2nq62ychSHNubA_wrDPfn22PPfaSyiZ6-NQGtZEg&oe=664F14C0 | person_profile | 0 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441264124_422804250551207_157590697400640904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ojE1wa1JjjwQ7kNvgE4uzoe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoLEQfnQ9eBm5p8SxgaGjDb3o5abEbIP4jxCkjEqK2ww&oe=664F25E7 | 0 | 3 | ๐Discover outstanding iPhone deals! Up to 70% cheaper than new! โ Free delivery โ Cheap iPhone โ 12 month warranty โ expert customer service โ 30-day to change. | Mobile Center | 154 | https://facebook.com/61558186127895 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827105 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079152 | 1723773958 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827247 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079186 | 1723773959 | 810 | 829393875521804 | 1 | 9.0529097082057E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 187975618373022 | 0 | Neri Law Group | 120204895964990704 | nerilawgroup.com | Contact us | NONE | video | Free Case Evaluation | "When you're my client, you have my attention!" | https://nerilawgroup.com/ | 1704861438 | 1.8797561837302E+14 | Neri Law Group | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418726243_925245552468266_7338909280409089574_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H1UfN3mj76cQ7kNvgHBacbs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzSnXhuZepclTCdV_dpfpCX30Gb304Dd867q7XH4qr9g&oe=664F24CE | person_profile | 0 | NeriLawGroup | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418726776_286851697705366_420268030935806179_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ST2PAdmeMrsQ7kNvgHgMWBJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDRdAIGnV1sckK5hgGIzlpqb9sBFrfweresZHlbFmxN9g&oe=664F335E | 0 | 3 | YOUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | Neri Law Group | 295 | https://facebook.com/NeriLawGroup | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1704787200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827167 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079161 | 1723773959 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827253 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079186 | 1723773959 | 810 | 312817465170793 | 2 | 1.1898875753106E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 303312396194230 | 0 | Future Phones | 6567977117189 | gentlyuseddevices.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | 12 month warranty & 30-day to change. | https://gentlyuseddevices.com/ | 1714103019 | 3.0331239619423E+14 | Future Phones | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439150572_3903602923243377_5657762289045098018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2pPuiStxnhwQ7kNvgGx4-G4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQNPCpwRl5eoZcgWb0Vjap0a6F1ao8jUg28Pr-c_g-nA&oe=664F2367 | person_profile | 0 | Future Phones | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439204103_728670312495555_7423068771270425199_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ysOST5KmdxUQ7kNvgE922pj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAFlvs_mYJsvIoxtxwmOwHAI5oqUW9F5gleC3vYtksd9g&oe=664F0D18 | 0 | 3 | ๐Want a refurbished iPhone, but would like to pay less? ๐Buy a cheap iPhone for sale from us and get 12 month warranty plus FREE delivery. | Future Phones | 256 | https://facebook.com/61558946152501 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827182 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079175 | 1723773959 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827195 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:05 PM | 1716079177 | 1723773960 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827739 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773960 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827202 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079179 | 1723773960 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827223 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079184 | 1723773960 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827224 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079184 | 1723773961 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827608 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773961 | 810 | 448553231061722 | 3 | 1.5809779024676E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087759930643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Creative | 1715093754 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953343_1109750890246025_664843951740531664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RMlCy7lKlHEQ7kNvgGCgzHc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDaJli8LbgL8OpCNpFzuJuSmngs6HGHSg8WAuRAqUbxbg&oe=664F1782 | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441070765_460530316357267_2336477517465540515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F00fgg89qgAQ7kNvgEZM4VR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCOwZi2tijBao-FiIiqYpnkLzJLWIGUR_2F5yKVB8L4VA&oe=664F2AE6 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827228 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079185 | 1723773961 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827393 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773961 | 810 | 389757694000538 | 1 | 9.2998564546811E+14 | 1710831600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108712015285720 | 0 | Zasusportswear | 120207663631990568 | zasuwasportswear.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Hot Summer Deals! | Hot summer sale๐ | https://www.zasuwasportswear.com/collections/one-pieces?sort_by=swop23062101w | 1710752367 | 1.0871201528572E+14 | Zasusportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432451026_428615216345784_6838750722580752703_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xz9tPw6FpRMQ7kNvgFgPFsG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB8r7JlRgnCOkylfujXxxKst1xkUxBM7P8Xj4i7rOChgA&oe=664F31FB | person_profile | 0 | zasuwasportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430715702_2647316705447854_8089870555615649673_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nKDlj4QywDoQ7kNvgE7ly42&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBxQTAsp25YX8lEMuweYZxeAREBjgOtKi7-c2CPn5lHYQ&oe=664F2792 | 0 | 3 | Sizzlin' hot summer at ZASUWA! <br /> Buy three and get one free. | Zasusportswear | 1629 | https://facebook.com/100084678466384 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1710745200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827286 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079190 | 1723773961 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827294 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079190 | 1723773961 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827493 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079213 | 1723773962 | 810 | 3632071050388625 | 1 | 1.5501374555519E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570967270341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009304 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436384211_986289269536430_7139334347970019380_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Yvn0vh1C1oQ7kNvgF_2pp6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBANOrbqKH4LjfIlAp2gBhQ8Zab3TwnYNN_hhOtfkuU6Q&oe=664F2236 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441271832_804707471633499_8420217998823802712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZSeF4PfXcV8Q7kNvgF-uol_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBi6cZCnrGqV8PJGP1aH-7ASOu5LERC4vAaw5jKMM9FVg&oe=664F0A07 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827500 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079213 | 1723773962 | 810 | 494641936219522 | 2 | 3.0429081595365E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528033250341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916245 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436368497_3718739358360441_8184377040254924369_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qJkaTzS83pYQ7kNvgEBiYQC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDQ9yTu_mfkWRJIbAe8Mj06pJ0GXRldPvf1IpkBC9whHg&oe=664F0216 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436006974_464268289427502_963843790890348939_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DuzkIzOGKg4Q7kNvgGS2F45&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4sq0H-kxsbe_EC0sqREDjlxHQJH6bsjuEN3YIJ8pUtg&oe=664F3097 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827511 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079213 | 1723773963 | 810 | 1343076219722759 | 2 | 3.1658527868834E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528154250341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916476 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441496838_822678939722045_5080921665886075559_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UwzgA6UQr2wQ7kNvgGnz2Kx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDlEuNeaIZ28BMJJM6RYtTMmPHzYx5ThtY_CTaj6ElEKA&oe=664F271F | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410852_775588458012463_6297699065562710157_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3oZb7rHQFSUQ7kNvgFCBIFS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCMO6bh4DzlBOTSHtWX3Mu6vjWutuHHJiCJsu1PzbBxJQ&oe=664F351E | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827516 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079213 | 1723773963 | 810 | 3872644672955881 | 1 | 7.9368418271026E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 207718132415716 | 0 | FUNTV | 120207419558650317 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | ONLY on Moboreels TV | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo | 1715401481 | 2.0771813241572E+14 | FUNTV | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441246019_451047304141726_1264378075898441834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H1yPYB6fsQkQ7kNvgEtYQbb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkRSnGKqnttR0A_CKzQtNqU1J_L5-wn5r8HiF9xDkB5A&oe=664F1578 | person_profile | 0 | FUNTV | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441317402_1172065910597741_4949755497621127653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v0vEqcNOfnIQ7kNvgEbRIWB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD48YHqJHkGuqt9e-eV3fDHP8jW_3OuSJz3LFbEaH3K8Q&oe=664F1A96 | 0 | 3 | There's no need for more searching. This is the series you've been wanting to watch. Don't miss it, or you'll regret it! | FUNTV | 10445 | https://facebook.com/61554832312845 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827529 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079216 | 1723773963 | 810 | 415531217775282 | 1 | 9.5362408607527E+14 | 1714028400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207484479550738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713836639 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437498672_747971217496446_2531809989328300066_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=azY6qwNuiC4Q7kNvgEcX50e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC7dhYUdJnjlHBvDMsSpZ8N3aSQsHSrFB7cXA1gtdj1yA&oe=664F17F8 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437546231_439049105276017_4004669743676051567_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4RIb9ky5JbcQ7kNvgFq_OO3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6XXlngkWuD0x5KbGR0PbI12kRyulftF3S5Nry0m_tsQ&oe=664F2578 | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827541 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079217 | 1723773963 | 810 | 1129839944919789 | 1 | 4.4865277423202E+14 | 1714028400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207484461770738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713836613 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437565195_444803161415269_4815314216302745462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8kxHUVUi2G0Q7kNvgH3Q5I5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDvRunQ3PSYvxCEWbAMbo8xwYGU4YasPgiO-2s_2g1ySw&oe=664F2E25 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437381778_395023306695099_3460036963256217351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=trcTE94IEHwQ7kNvgH04c-N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCHFUb0XCU0hL1ef2YUmWsLufggFZx_hEz2EjU54Z2L_Q&oe=664F0CBF | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827547 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079218 | 1723773963 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827548 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079218 | 1723773963 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827595 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773963 | 810 | 467543175709774 | 2 | 1.7773779093411E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 394086074103975 | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | 120208845434960525 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Welcome to Your Sparkling Oasis! | ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1713873731 | 3.9408607410398E+14 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439683740_1606274496884439_5168911973763716421_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qnz_uNUrKocQ7kNvgFNs_3F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeXzV9-apuXRx_u_VKyGTgwRdCnwzl5vGV9JgnSSv-ng&oe=664F18AC | person_profile | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437601265_799985528290893_1620697720978370385_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tHyC5AQsoIEQ7kNvgFFYBtC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYACeTcldKk-rMRjlvcUYW92-5RnAQx-LWLOzhLB1Xm4-w&oe=664F2B6D | 0 | 3 | ๐ | Pro Housekeepers | 1932 | https://facebook.com/prohousekeepers | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827598 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 1584984875687195 | 1 | 1.1168454463058E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 394086074103975 | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | 120208845432950525 | fb.me | Book now | NONE | image | Make Your Home Sparkle with Ease! | ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1713873726 | 3.9408607410398E+14 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439076337_1477190162926257_1873311375837234332_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0mvHKqXxReUQ7kNvgFWDEvK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBersB9g4cvnQFQ2xabtReE5yH87tOqobfzqFlHSMI8Ig&oe=664F31FA | person_profile | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439074064_984757403349802_240155999776255832_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j0a3lu_sgiMQ7kNvgGc90ng&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA4SpY2hLgoXP7U7Ax5GjzTrqS__Sqeg872ZEdsAHHP8g&oe=664F2394 | 0 | 3 | Need a sparkling clean home without the stress? ProHousekeepers is your answer! We clean homes all over the US. The price we say is the price you pay. No surprises!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> - Trusted Cleaners: Our team loves to clean. They are checked, trained, and safe. We even insure them for up to $2 million!<br /> - All Set to Clean: Our cleaners bring everything they need to clean your home. You relax, we clean.<br /> - Book in a Snap: Booking is easy. Use the web or our app. Even last-minute bookings are okay!<br /> - Always Here to Help: Got a question? Call us any day. We're here to make things right.<br /> - No Hidden Fees: The quote you get is what you pay. We keep it simple and honest.<br /> <br /> As Seen on TV<br /> Yes, you've seen us on "Hoarders"! We know how to handle any cleaning challenge.<br /> <br /> Ready for a Sparkling Clean Home?<br /> Let ProHousekeepers take the hassle out of house cleaning. Book easily, enjoy your clean home, and get back to what matters most to you.<br /> <br /> Fill out the form below to book your hassle-free cleaning today. | Pro Housekeepers | 1932 | https://facebook.com/prohousekeepers | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827605 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 403386335935993 | 3 | 1.3782431095555E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087720970643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Testing | 1715093650 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441059142_401630029357089_6860106367625180258_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W8tXWL_dFwYQ7kNvgE2K2jg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwjKxQUqMKkF3cGXbZr204YqknXwzCrQpdR0lUpxar4g&oe=664F011E | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441235541_1866418497521725_1194617668958926783_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GMdhw3ZgUH0Q7kNvgG-PMWr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBAO9tf9B2uNEgX28OI7CGIRoRaZbbqGNLvXMQqdRmvw&oe=664F2E16 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827612 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 366709766415683 | 8 | 4.5475581374068E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 243583548837955 | 0 | Drawelry.US | 120212027836080569 | www.drawelry.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Buy 4 Get 1 Free,Code: DRA3 | https://www.drawelry.com/category-custom-baseball-949?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=200326-2-WAM&utm_content={{ad.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}} | 1715584837 | 2.4358354883796E+14 | Drawelry.US | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441340153_412273948386207_8848291895014139280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IKPNf0v9zcQQ7kNvgFU3H13&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBLrzcxBTcdSUZlv6-0x9qSmWxrWKYTIkqejD2SoIwNcQ&oe=664F12E1 | person_profile | 0 | Drawelry Jewelry Official | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441393259_1370938843604337_9096882984925259986_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_5D5PHt5wUgQ7kNvgGHpaDi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6dLpZjn5oPVj05OIVDDSU76TYxaNjmgi-QutkdWLHOg&oe=664F1328 | 0 | 3 | The Perfect Gift For Father! Must Have For Father Day Gift.๐ Add photos of the kids and the name to make it just for your family. ๐ | Drawelry.US | 472 | https://facebook.com/Drawelry.US | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827613 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 793227709436482 | 3 | 3.3745039270231E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 338037719977041 | 0 | Michael Avidon, Century 21 Mike Bowman Inc. | 120210582873870316 | NONE | video | 11 Breakwater Bend, Graford | 1715951858 | 3.3803771997704E+14 | Michael Avidon, Century 21 Mike Bowman Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441319664_952191103120701_3349403361416060019_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OBq0qpgDZIIQ7kNvgHyLMI6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBBS8mxWCLpQtXQt7f2E6gQyHz7kCoqw6KBBG-D6f5yFw&oe=664F1DF0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Welcome to Juniper Ridge! Possum Kingdom's newest luxury, waterfront development!<br /> - Build your dream waterfront house on this lot<br /> - Community pool<br /> - Putting green<br /> - Pavilion <br /> - And much more<br /> <br /> This lot is priced at $499,000.<br /> <br /> ๐11 Breakwater Bend, Graford<br /> <br /> - Michael <br /> <br /> P.S. If you have any questions about this lot/listing (or other lots/homes for sale here in the greater Graford area), feel free to call (817) 966-6118. | Michael Avidon, Century 21 Mike Bowman Inc. | 610 | https://facebook.com/100026670585831 | 0 | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827622 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827627 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773964 | 810 | 250391211494828 | 2 | 4.6778856906894E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558112388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715962223 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436410423_1143368643473832_3319165804827203474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OQYN6-edyYQQ7kNvgEMBWWZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD1qT4rG_zyD4ak4oEfOnERJdMcuenh7mjYMuTIM0hy0Q&oe=664F25E6 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436354979_430153136625154_8453950369754941160_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iCK84odCS3UQ7kNvgEvVvIx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCqjZa9es5VI1FyrkAElLSKLjr3-nVHSaTlfWH2ZOmnNA&oe=664F0C33 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827635 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079220 | 1723773965 | 810 | 319995444312430 | 2 | 4.1398101151684E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624066060588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956736 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441322140_436569985988766_3157235081525803368_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kvbiOI807RQQ7kNvgGI8eH3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBAoF4-ySj0-7xoWYUXOyI1CRFUEErLPYYEfSpbInbY-w&oe=664F0249 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441414204_2659951094165641_5379631238908575551_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xpCuEqw2tKsQ7kNvgHqJkLU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCqE5DccFcs4_IVCHXYNt3WLMA_Wdalgf0gmZPkO3tKJg&oe=664F0E66 | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827688 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079221 | 1723773965 | 810 | 812533274132085 | 2 | 4.5282321715599E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558342988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902856 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441936123_1542010146361426_6469221546503905052_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AuJMU2N5_3gQ7kNvgFVHMO4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuJ3QZIG-pRzKEcKmBeTt4ZUlinoAlfU9vbUo90fYP8A&oe=664F0E36 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442495278_1191278568909013_2022360194964157053_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qIOoJhLP61EQ7kNvgGDJcMr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA0uqKQ8JkR7yQtcwPuhW2vmeZ4EMzUQrUjwjMaG_e-_w&oe=664F2697 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827689 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079221 | 1723773965 | 810 | 822313295892271 | 2 | 3.6120008357291E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624058492788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955678 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213701_966391351443414_7170841304968286159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e2wFvKz520AQ7kNvgHwC_t7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYARt3tzQpAAx92Oh5rIrA_pVxc6JR9V8R0iD2sBXmuwUw&oe=664F2917 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438224897_463293972814418_933455041874431609_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TDU2PBteZkAQ7kNvgFuS5kA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCRc2rc1Ksl6TRYOUVh-Ofd9gngdqCxVQhtSjyfuv0pRg&oe=664F3042 | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827698 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079221 | 1723773965 | 810 | 988039906218880 | 3 | 4.52446163942E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623456309388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893200 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441267911_1137812694035502_6186193037007686314_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bAYgZxbRoGcQ7kNvgEq41tY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBokNnuXRFbIIK8Erclse2NcvQynXjEO1tXC1eZ5MffoA&oe=664F2F73 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252252_952224173313409_8069799054326690921_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vRqyJSWGt1gQ7kNvgHjokQZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBg_1BkSP-LhBnARzVbIL656jAvJswepcz5CxfB95lcsQ&oe=664F36A9 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827703 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773965 | 810 | 1001156641353162 | 3 | 3.5633697413272E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623421238188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889919 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436253536_819069886276599_7823552995346402683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0DV3SaeheLEQ7kNvgErfIvO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC6kGkWf8grjbTSLgwmXkYxYVb0cmqCc4P9wZNj_JCV-A&oe=664F203B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698817_969979204393433_8889823186353145504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kemWT3Y5toQQ7kNvgGaVqyQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAsFeTX2dktUYLJVLrhoosC6X2k3k2lBaQfQIbCF-9W-Q&oe=664F10FE | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827704 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773965 | 810 | 1007965744022534 | 2 | 3.808445882657E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624060753188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230870_7555710297875942_4920442651449883998_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9YkRndNxnCkQ7kNvgFzZWue&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCC7pynFge0t82g57yDuVQ0jJq-DOvkx390hDns0L195Q&oe=664F06F2 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438224178_954374376384452_3511020084011007516_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SqqgamaPDboQ7kNvgErP0FX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHTxZfobMnZpfoJqyXKtQn8UX66YBUzo7w6vaT7aE_hw&oe=664F3086 | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827711 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773965 | 810 | 1180601586446857 | 2 | 7.9164283317351E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623457316188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893280 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138015_733720052042358_7024258936436724663_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E_271sn9jYgQ7kNvgHr2jsE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBrbv3z3lMNk_S5-rSC9rr3NuHsafGUV8DKpxVnEO_DEw&oe=664F1950 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438231050_1422508821961436_223492755180905215_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wydE69eQa7IQ7kNvgG-A9-f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYASHpaqwgd2wFlPHOqVHRnTpdsRBpnKieZsB1Hob8d8YA&oe=664EFF60 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827713 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 1237300434307709 | 2 | 1.021986292898E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624065161788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956556 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499456_298529969994715_9213583127917182838_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gOudNnOrEisQ7kNvgHj0HhO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAhX7IhU9mz_CYQsv0wv9kEXYP4nvScBVgLpjcxoWy8lQ&oe=664F15B0 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441320983_750154167324207_4195531042642334508_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yU6wCsVGPN0Q7kNvgEgSCUp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDIXp0larmYUoZ0l2uKfNY03M0_QAcratiLZF8JzFi3xQ&oe=664F24E2 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827715 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 1370277140345299 | 2 | 4.6600306914234E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558168188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252788_779753320948882_5220724654442805440_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fs0kJmQ2OdIQ7kNvgEeTlaY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCsmFiUxrJ6d_AULht2i80G3bOppG1F55nqNhUv8ZV4pA&oe=664F2B01 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441581220_354617767633997_7988864213855132099_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ORwXCI5E7nsQ7kNvgG6MAvu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgJrrqZvAOxwTKZMkorZ9zhuLshGSCO6shVQlCqBtNSA&oe=664F2B1E | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827717 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 1431326854409767 | 3 | 1.095593261545E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623420086388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889789 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441156090_790102216415470_1686002475891530530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cq9rD2qXcp4Q7kNvgHuJa-2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2fSnqyERyB_baIRdmzJwt_mLraHw8Q0_8il8nHjMlNA&oe=664F3224 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441194991_790746383020671_8682469709776610306_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nklnl7Hww2IQ7kNvgF1akWU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCvJhXcvfPxqWtjcmKVReR4c5MLWE-7YxuXuOKP2B_SHw&oe=664F11FA | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827731 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 1145604873529543 | 1 | 3.9768980289086E+14 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104298162281462 | 0 | Subway Hero Run | 120206925446310780 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | Download for Free | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rd1RaceTeam.Parkour | 1710388124 | 1.0429816228146E+14 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232151_3675066236138597_6491511239268598016_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ED-mESeYNE4Q7kNvgFzYGxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBAocQIabmnydUf2lDO23FjE83kqkUWW5t2CQ_izirGww&oe=664F02B0 | person_profile | 0 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637612_373852508799045_2158901972861089246_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D88xVSIHv7EQ7kNvgExgJqg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCdDSy_qyX5p-Dm3A4CxWH9ZVtdmQA_PMG6AMrlPAYeWA&oe=664F0954 | 0 | 3 | This exciting racing game ๐๏ธ๐ฎ will never let you down! ๐ฏ | Subway Hero Run | 3474 | https://facebook.com/SubwayHeroRun | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1710399600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827753 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079222 | 1723773966 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827766 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079223 | 1723773966 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827794 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079223 | 1723773966 | 810 | 1122610258958533 | 1 | 1.6162491225306E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921023127 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070765 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351576_806823934732059_3076254121375236965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PFSeGlOjijQQ7kNvgEj6PLH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW1SB_R5M7SCclBya1OAzkRz4NipIlyTN9nTCbyS3ZWg&oe=664F0B91 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476351_1595711114558069_5338534284846701638_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3UYPNzV9DrgQ7kNvgEWWYWv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyg_HSCzYEhVu00jUcrOOCVYPP83y_fdZ4WWqtwOaWIw&oe=664F2D48 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828145 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773967 | 810 | 1597497444125243 | 1 | 9.6673388166905E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108205088696990 | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | 6610694306099 | Eventbrite.com | Order Now | NONE | carousel | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ooo-16-skysia-detre-geometrae-kaimera-tickets-884697282387?aff=Ads | 1716069789 | 1.0820508869699E+14 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487964_325944123858605_542597653029800018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bdvJ_JhErFMQ7kNvgE9b1EY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB72_bCMsEXjJccqSCF77-5MDbIaEpFNzbFLOPLvWceZg&oe=664F12F4 | person_profile | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441456434_1216431039342507_4647761401304224849_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ekGv_4kp43YQ7kNvgGYAPmW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeKRsB4GFTGR_QgsY_IVpuEyuEuWn4qamLdcguCYoxJg&oe=664F1BB0 | 0 | 3 | Thematic Entertainment | 397 | https://facebook.com/ThematicSounds | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827808 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773967 | 810 | 1094946161599307 | 1 | 6.3975978502504E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 257742080765747 | 0 | wehavefuncomedy | 6602551620538 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/wehavefuncomedy | 1716070192 | 2.5774208076575E+14 | wehavefuncomedy | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/442650275_494112502950774_655132697510257864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=JPtjV3bs3dMQ7kNvgGEK4rL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCT1VZAY89zOb3goigPMOSYXz_A2v4xP7c43vWjEQaQhQ&oe=664F188B | ig_ads_identity | 1 | We Have Fun - A Comedy Show | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640924_1509095019984603_310572209840870835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDTppJprh-AQ7kNvgGfecpa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC28G9r6AFO59vuPxw9Rt7iFm5i-8isX0yTDuG9WvSUeQ&oe=664F2FEC | 0 | 3 | wehavefuncomedy | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/wehavefuncomedy | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827855 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773967 | 810 | 385281651144243 | 1 | 1.6802026461098E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 281853948576634 | 0 | River to Ridge | 6634756275664 | rivertoridge.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | River to Ridge | https://www.rivertoridge.com/ | 1716069632 | 2.8185394857663E+14 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436129908_1531714210892889_3368182888197228085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qtyn20cPf0AQ7kNvgGKc81Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXGawCu0kQHly_u_PC7kiwmKc6ieCtUnJmNMpie7BjIg&oe=664F0D66 | person_profile | 0 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436428323_1601823380611024_8862185033383821142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DFbgtVmD69UQ7kNvgH5jHhc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAT1QiGz-cFXrAotjNV3gcbhlb-gP1CifFJwt8TJxg15Q&oe=664F2898 | 0 | 3 | River to Ridge | 14631 | https://facebook.com/Rivertoridgeclothing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827856 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773967 | 810 | 385281651144243 | 1 | 1.6802026461098E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 281853948576634 | 0 | River to Ridge | 6634756275664 | rivertoridge.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | River to Ridge | https://www.rivertoridge.com/ | 1716069632 | 2.8185394857663E+14 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436129908_1531714210892889_3368182888197228085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qtyn20cPf0AQ7kNvgGKc81Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXGawCu0kQHly_u_PC7kiwmKc6ieCtUnJmNMpie7BjIg&oe=664F0D66 | person_profile | 0 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436428323_1601823380611024_8862185033383821142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DFbgtVmD69UQ7kNvgH5jHhc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAT1QiGz-cFXrAotjNV3gcbhlb-gP1CifFJwt8TJxg15Q&oe=664F2898 | 0 | 3 | River to Ridge | 14631 | https://facebook.com/Rivertoridgeclothing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827863 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773967 | 810 | 995509788252741 | 5 | 3.2862616337516E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120208435445100307 | campsnapcamera.com | Order Now | NONE | dco | Summer Camp Approved Screen-Free Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1715726910 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489289_825842736071777_2283103855728645154_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gx1g1gNaCUEQ7kNvgGl7RSN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMZa0jamraI1sx3iesgPcQGlrg8IAbnkLh1SrnnB6VdQ&oe=664F04B1 | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442440346_1094166558360365_6381456202925338212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ps3-7-lwRIUQ7kNvgFBDGrK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHsh2h6HD_GCK-KMiGu1KE-_cqZBMAUq-ve429c8hQQA&oe=664F227B | 0 | 3 | Looking for a camera that's perfect for your child's summer camp adventures? Look no further than Camp Snap! Our screen-free digital camera replaces the need for disposable film cameras and captures high-quality 8-megapixel images that are stored on a TF memory card. Plus, with the ability to store more than 2000 photos, Camp Snap is better for the environment and saves you money. Camp Snap features a rechargeable battery that can take hundreds of photos per charge, and photos are easily transferred to your computer via USB-C. Plus, with no screen, your child won't be distracted by technology and can focus on making memories with their bunkmates. | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827871 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 3:08 AM | 1716079225 | 1745136526 | 810 | 864738132348186 | 6 | 4.2096495034286E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1731149377151424 | 0 | Lance Mikkel | 6609351873720 | webinar.refocusonhappiness.com | Learn more | NONE | image | These phrases are the beginning of the end of a relationship! | https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/DEIlBG | 1711241080 | 1.7311493771514E+15 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434124041_7546154478780601_2913657119900348045_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mz_C8Y1pO90Q7kNvgHh4LzD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDsN1_EH2jj6cNmFK5uGvRu7GCv1TWG7J3GqId8mb32zw&oe=664F17D0 | person_profile | 0 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434067981_392262360248218_8154322145069072454_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wz9PabLPMs4Q7kNvgGd-LG5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0a4kaYFjekmFAbMegXG6luKLCQ7orHnSqDc4zUEKrRw&oe=664F1E33 | 0 | 3 | If your partner has recently said to you "I need some time to myself" or "I need time to figure out what I want", you better listen carefully!<br /> <br /> The decision to be in or work on a relationship is emotional, NOT logical! So if they need more time to themselves and are looking to spend less time with you, don't ignore the signs!<br /> <br /> So if you are dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge you want to get back to being a rockstar in your professional life / business, the time to take action is NOW! As in life, the best defense is a great offense!<br /> <br /> My clients are proof that it's possible for men and women to get their confidence back within days, even if they feel beaten, downhearted, and worried they'll never be the same person again.<br /> <br /> They get over the past hurt and disappointment, even if they secretly didn't think they never would. And when you feel great you radiate! When you feel great, you finally stop the pattern of sabotage at the emotional core! And that is when the tide starts to turn and a relationship can be seemingly be resurrected from the ashes.<br /> <br /> But to do this within days requires you to do something very unconventional. It requires you to do something that you probably never thought was possible. It requires you to get over your ex within days rather than the conventional wisdom that tells you that it takes weeks, months or even years.<br /> <br /> To do this requires you to rewire your brain to get out of the sadness, anger, and fear you are currently feeling.....and back into happiness, gratitude and power.<br /> <br /> The good news is that science shows reality is the brain can be trained just like a muscle, and Iโll illustrate step-by-step how to get that mental-six pack within days.<br /> <br /> If this โcrazy ideaโ that you can actually control your brain sounds even a little enticing, you need to check out this free training:<br /> <br /> "10 game-changing insights to reclaim your power when dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge!"<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwebinar.refocusonhappiness.com%2Fs%2FDEIlBG&h=AT2OsuVLLA8I-TBar_hUSc_sX1cuxqM4fPwnkpMot1ThSzf-dyy4DQG8kUjOu2F0_1Kot9utGCN_2_Z0rsp2zdYxWrQBBNTTp5ZOu7R6INbJFVOUAa2Dpv43LCpEv-CS6c-3WVxjG84yvA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/DEIlBG</a> | Lance Mikkel | 7165 | https://facebook.com/LanceMikkel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827891 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079225 | 1723773968 | 810 | 991999018550420 | 5 | 4.4665229801449E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103653135338679 | 0 | Batteryevo | 120208529469560643 | batteryevo.com | Shop now | NONE | image | DISCOUNT CODE: SPRING10 FOR EXTRA 10% OFF | get free shipping now! | https://batteryevo.com/batteryevo-deals/ | 1716068848 | 1.0365313533868E+14 | Batteryevo | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436367916_964414145086745_5054402758050812947_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=udtQRP_r1mkQ7kNvgHEI138&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-UuEtYEd4JjEo8T_Z2LVcG6d-cryyM2ewygSZ9cvvmg&oe=664F1C14 | person_profile | 0 | BatteryEVO | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441896556_1429263024370318_5679492736423071124_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r51OMjtKrBwQ7kNvgEoJNEW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBSRRO782boYjgKk5Ot7Izd_2lxjNgXEyGGJvNusMYRew&oe=664F0096 | 0 | 3 | Give your golf cart more โก speed and ๐ range by upgrading to 36V Raptor 5 kWh lithium battery Kit today! Easy drop-in solution. | Batteryevo | 1277 | https://facebook.com/Batteryevousa | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827907 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079225 | 1723773968 | 810 | 406843395597343 | 1 | 8.7369189146569E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 275291285676711 | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 6583664234755 | Call Now | NONE | carousel | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 1716068590 | 2.7529128567671E+14 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441084102_2006846916441244_6529881894769986694_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7lgpCXCdiyoQ7kNvgHLc4B4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgqtfR82dxv1EBEQGdY8nRli4nmfXmVDrNVSTYZQJe8w&oe=664F13C3 | person_profile | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174455_1151877976057100_8802348960638195814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DErovmbuqb8Q7kNvgFTDSjj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDUPRRU8jVrtlX2caMaITE2FHPTW8sKCNJPRTpZGujMEg&oe=664F1D1D | 0 | 3 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559986974566 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828198 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079231 | 1723773968 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827923 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079226 | 1723773968 | 810 | 1160291001789968 | 1 | 3.3879158848371E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952394190737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067650 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441465892_723724013071959_7337885374115031790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ct_gHCqtrzIQ7kNvgGbwJMk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDD_oNe78PGqAeN9_GQ2kyjsCUBXitXXl7MN04rOUROyA&oe=664F0732 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827925 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079226 | 1723773968 | 810 | 412268338294031 | 4 | 7.7120676514908E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952378940737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067612 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441600313_1608806359931526_6164007528134953000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uAH-7JKTG1UQ7kNvgGEma-O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDcvjBB9byQthSfzkuwYsWX5IKHpzx54T065_tSk9ReRg&oe=664F2AD0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827966 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079226 | 1723773969 | 810 | 3761382710846527 | 1 | 4.1653956454979E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101493046594327 | 0 | Red River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | 6574777429608 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716067891 | 1.0149304659433E+14 | Red River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442472220_971109531391869_3787232069211595496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4mqIDdUoMwkQ7kNvgFia8ps&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMNDhjIj_R9qQ3slje6BvxWvrdrrJHJgzQPM8KU35J_Q&oe=664F1A0B | person_profile | 0 | Red River BJJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471958_779459090601451_5336777482377763676_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hlDpnqPQzoMQ7kNvgG0humY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCKkhMwI3zjaCOSaQb-n8gzAqT2iiT0ofgBPEhXPa2amA&oe=664F2991 | 0 | 3 | Congratulations to Professor Ben on his Double Gold at IBJJFโs Baton Rouge Open this weekend! <br /> <br /> Our Professors and Coaches are always leading by example. <br /> <br /> Join us!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ 940-257-1302<br /> ๐ป <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redriverbjj.com%2F&h=AT0gtj3SNIGiqiaNAjJXZGqUFUPiwPiq5KrLC9UaSyeQ4KYMYKlXbCvn-vTSlLIZhscD7b2n3cpYKzEodw7hQc11gLY3I5OU5dMJj3Vjx-c4C3TOO40dFJPRMfW1xOaSwWraTGKeTBMkpw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.redriverbjj.com</a><br /> โผ๏ธ Military/Law Enforcement/Family Discounts<br /> ๐๐ฝ Come try a FREE class<br /> ๐ซ No contracts<br /> ๐บ๐ธ Veteran Owned Business<br /> ๐ซต๐ฝ You should JOIN US!<br /> <br /> ๐2526 Missile Rd Suite 1<br /> Wichita Falls, TX 76306 | Red River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | 1884 | https://facebook.com/RedRiverBJJTX | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827980 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079227 | 1723773969 | 810 | 1937993806672865 | 1 | 3.2111440418308E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102590904421413 | 0 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | 6619586115804 | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Guiding your every step! | 1716067727 | 1.0259090442141E+14 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230929_1164793317867582_1635267509182036374_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p7XZVra86ZwQ7kNvgEzio1D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQCC1amthFftI_dfGHK762t1rrdv-L4488Fe4Ypdm9MQ&oe=664F3263 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | 0 | https://facebook.com/ReiFreedomRealestateCoaching | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827998 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079227 | 1723773970 | 810 | 3925283044422792 | 1 | 1.6570085383862E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 252088067992147 | 0 | RC Party Crashers 2 u | 6569096906402 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716067586 | 2.5208806799215E+14 | RC Party Crashers 2 u | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436490145_461380386349837_1028348812532142473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c21PdQI3d8EQ7kNvgHi7YHk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QbIe0LJtdwUoOyVdHWrSEuPJlqyPV_PDPKCdwGJtyA&oe=664F13D3 | person_profile | 0 | RC Party Crashers 2 u | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445081728_320960784206522_2435226102612828731_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4ZyScEpRhywQ7kNvgFZCqV_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYArCKI_5WG0dQww_xAZQEo9TeL92POfCHH65z-yp2OcYg&oe=664F22CF | 0 | 3 | Special for month of May 2024! Be the 1st person to book a party for June 2024, That is a party for 10 racers, 2 hours, party table decor, concessions, customized t-shirt for special birthday racer, 5 ft balloon garland and treat bags for each racer for $150! Includes your choice of track and race, concessions ticket for each racer for 1 meal, and our services. Book in the next 72 hours and get 2 extra bonus activities completely free! Bean bag toss and pin the helmut on the rider games set up for entertainment in between races! Mention this ad and get a winner's circle memory photo for birthday kiddo! <br /> To book msg or call 509 759 3021. Or msg this page or comment below! | RC Party Crashers 2 u | 5 | https://facebook.com/61557333674775 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828005 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079227 | 1723773970 | 810 | 982442220153257 | 1 | 1.4196481686986E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 112918190079374 | 0 | Brynn Ford | 120211176704100215 | amazon.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Forbidden Dark Romance! ๐ค๐๐ค | One-click this unforgettable series and binge read now! | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KLRQ4B?maas=maas_adg_E8CC8ACE3201DF399025E0430B9E4B4A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas | 1716067522 | 1.1291819007937E+14 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484332_1684435722301179_1164309111260870169_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eGV58F45TsYQ7kNvgGuzccq&_nc_oc=AdhH3avfCAyAARx0oXtIw0MU8dBqmHWCBQRucyE3utC34MN1NWgrGA4048vQR3stpkU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJt8IdMsX5wFrDxK13qxRFj1h2khoc0wgof9O4n-BUoQ&oe=664F1AB5 | person_profile | 0 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441276254_1213561276303158_4344353495757005857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zhD2VD32_roQ7kNvgE4ot6G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBwvqZruZurxDJSEn07g7tsPHZUml2cNf9H-Wo1qNXcsA&oe=664F2E81 | 0 | 3 | "There. I've done it. I've brought the devil out of him." ๐ค๐๐ค One-click this captivating dark romance now and read the entire series for free in Kindle Unlimited! GO TO AMAZON โก amzn.to/4aTaCc2 | Brynn Ford | 1471 | https://facebook.com/BrynnFordAuthor | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827786 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/25/25, 5:03 AM | 1716079223 | 1745575383 | 810 | 990807065817110 | 1 | 9.7355990760924E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 692396937461860 | 0 | Carls Rocks and Minerals | 6629534981723 | No button | NONE | multi_images | 1716071091 | 6.9239693746186E+14 | Carls Rocks and Minerals | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443699340_2757407181088416_8925106176435303022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FOiNwYvkjqMQ7kNvgG1NtwN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDX4hSHuFSKaJNaaaJPO0om9V7H9OQqlp_vBvke1LPEVQ&oe=664EFF2B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | FREE Shipping - I'm Selling huge High-Quality rocks & minerals on my website. I'm located in southern Delaware. I SELL Online ONLY! GO to: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carlsrocksandminerals.com%2F&h=AT2NOsvJNMhPpJ5WvTgcehvGol5KDyv7GVVtle5QQ2MvSwHBuL3DkTWB6dYvO_7eeKDsZz8g4CrdYJN34gxJBA2wJFMrtaRJAk7wYbrZOu65gFi34ukvfg6ejgAv62zqlG0IKEBmeTBvYw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.carlsrocksandminerals.com</a> (or Google Carls Rocks and Minerals to SEE a dozen or so Listings about my website!) BUY Now! Thanks! | Carls Rocks and Minerals | 22759 | https://facebook.com/carlsrocksandminerals | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828012 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723773971 | 810 | 466522865859962 | 1 | 4.127899216681E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1672123229685289 | 0 | My Medic | 6608326539768 | mymedic.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Stay Alive | Free Shipping + Lifetime Guarantee | https://mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits | 1716067487 | 1.6721232296853E+15 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405923_1415416482448217_8649424139770443887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K5UUf302Wb8Q7kNvgG0jmkn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBEyNMx28lpw8_ZPo_BvFJ3mRBunrh6pEHiBjvBC3W__g&oe=664F338D | person_profile | 0 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202488_1778986465926374_8793004989724471100_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TL3VBoGixjUQ7kNvgGT7wFO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxuY0vrE6ZTi22YmJ5UCbOpfq3kkAi7y_ylzTZyT1iHA&oe=664F1634 | 0 | 3 | The life-saving first aid kits EVERYONE is talking about. ๐ฅ | My Medic | 227705 | https://facebook.com/mymedicofficial | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828021 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723773971 | 810 | 1929912570757486 | 1 | 1.1231206387766E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15822102761 | 0 | Kevin Fowler | 120212443418170170 | kevinfowler.com | Apply now | NONE | image | Kevin Fowler in Kyle, TX! | http://www.kevinfowler.com/ | 1716069265 | 15822102761 | Kevin Fowler | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440940666_1144590510019574_8108260661620279262_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XZ6lkOuUaVwQ7kNvgE_pA_u&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAsi2Xz4FWcJ0dp_2mz9maR8mmJaPx2g-wM4F4jAUlzyg&oe=664F0757 | person_profile | 0 | Kevin Fowler | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442417808_1215176459451145_6251938716052230494_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DTQe_tHCmGgQ7kNvgEf7YHA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOBDRbfZeeuJQlAABB7B-gdPSAOZ3BcKHpqcAp1gY6lw&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | Kyle Fair A Tex-Travaganza<br /> Free Show THIS Sunday! <br /> <br /> Come on over to the Kevin Fowler merchandise table and get a FREE KF sticker with purchase! <br /> <br /> Kevin takes the stage at 4:30pmโฆ see yโall there!! | Kevin Fowler | 402062 | https://facebook.com/KevinFowlerMusic | 0 | APPLY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828069 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079229 | 1723773972 | 810 | 829968825679291 | 1 | 1.1245609521452E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101153455770238 | 0 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 120209769510330652 | eventbrite.com | Buy Tickets | NONE | dco | Nick Ellis + Friends at 14er Brewing | {{product.description}} | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nick-ellis-friends-comedy-show-in-rino-tickets-879162718357?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl | 1715634030 | 1.0115345577024E+14 | Nick Ellis Comedy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440603220_403411022665878_5106886567588179664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1H6WFGR6cS8Q7kNvgHea62w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjxlwQuciSiPHcLNbO2WaA65rK4XzJs-59Yus41OydUA&oe=664F2FCC | person_profile | 0 | Nick Ellis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436597992_992891652410321_4233685626010449661_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y3m7joWv72cQ7kNvgGvC0FV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_k0xj-F5aYCJue_qPiZOcKqbCQ3elpNzA0m6eRy5JeQ&oe=664F0C04 | 0 | 3 | FREE comedy night at 14er Brewing! Saturday 5/18 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 49 | https://facebook.com/nickelliscomedy | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828116 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773973 | 810 | 968020641527101 | 1 | 2.0576340279657E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209996005670603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066653 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442418141_979718393282241_1188689297904826172_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sXM_ZpXiPyYQ7kNvgFZLSR0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA-zTpTi59RVeTMO0MQUZ1NLZVrF1uMicUZYQMlYJPsBw&oe=664F34F7 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444489110_1119901739265620_5250629950545403844_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SdYriGJk-XoQ7kNvgGWhoNY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCaiGQ3R7BOzhYLXNLcFKDJYgg2MbVDoOCE2bEqYByKxw&oe=664F34FE | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828208 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079231 | 1723773973 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828338 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079233 | 1723773973 | 810 | 387699267605141 | 1 | 7.3189337348722E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555137160051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040263 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444136121_1160583495183538_3043514281770353230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t2mErksq9CUQ7kNvgEpm99K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBq3kQTHq-rEy0yRqXp2EdiW28Ph3Er1JPX82SoqBAiA&oe=664F3174 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440956637_841599151333645_547839661411277795_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eSctnUMOtH8Q7kNvgFtKkT_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0hTrZ3yuf2JwK4Txlwwgzc19cjms1tgAK3kuxtgPWNA&oe=664F2BCD | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828375 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079234 | 1723773974 | 810 | 782821260599318 | 1 | 1.0759265835057E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 117204024658491 | 0 | voznovusmilenio | 120211694726400002 | etix.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31551701/xxxtentacion-memorial-concert-los-angeles-1720 | 1716065166 | 1.1720402465849E+14 | voznovusmilenio | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/361886152_241944908660112_5806571870122202479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ogqL4dAHFMQQ7kNvgESQM4m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCmbROEZGxlsjWau8gVLbZlnTjYawLsS3NhV5R6CHPhIA&oe=664F2CC3 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Diego Guerra | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209447_995866015253923_2021772472824911209_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mBHVLPtVPpcQ7kNvgH-cwzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf5z0ETMSjOhUCtmJ1_OipxcB6iyAURJ0zwcJu3VhH8g&oe=664F10A3 | 0 | 3 | voznovusmilenio | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/voznovusmilenio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828372 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079234 | 1723773974 | 810 | 782821260599318 | 1 | 1.0759265835057E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 117204024658491 | 0 | voznovusmilenio | 120211694726400002 | etix.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31551701/xxxtentacion-memorial-concert-los-angeles-1720 | 1716065166 | 1.1720402465849E+14 | voznovusmilenio | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/361886152_241944908660112_5806571870122202479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ogqL4dAHFMQQ7kNvgESQM4m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCmbROEZGxlsjWau8gVLbZlnTjYawLsS3NhV5R6CHPhIA&oe=664F2CC3 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Diego Guerra | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209447_995866015253923_2021772472824911209_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mBHVLPtVPpcQ7kNvgH-cwzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf5z0ETMSjOhUCtmJ1_OipxcB6iyAURJ0zwcJu3VhH8g&oe=664F10A3 | 0 | 3 | voznovusmilenio | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/voznovusmilenio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828394 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079234 | 1723773974 | 810 | 959788465626731 | 1 | 1.8894787648116E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272502401 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065077 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442493203_1214496239925901_4934940903850975144_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lPMGmFUd94gQ7kNvgFn1Hd7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDW8DBT5C0Fq0fHRx4zLOW2kgzH5S0xLYo7UCvJzRsUFw&oe=664F30EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415661_458865929884354_4844799557684517172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5YUnC0lJpyQQ7kNvgEt4h1Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDRXEvzWmyNp3J4mJUlL9T7ISJV0SXj7MgAtJzOtxcHJQ&oe=664F3057 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Alexandra's Boutique. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828441 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079235 | 1723773974 | 810 | 7762865887109738 | 1 | 2.5785213408007E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 292143937897864 | 0 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 120208851426030499 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | AfroVibesCLT SAT, 3/2 | https://bit.ly/3V39fCk | 1715979267 | 2.9214393789786E+14 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159750_1176457073544832_3496984326676614408_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5PMSsZN7uGYQ7kNvgFOCdg8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhnskCmAPMCZgGhyzOjm0p7CweSqt5EjB53i3GfMD0-A&oe=664F04C0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 676 | https://facebook.com/djkatobeats | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827900 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/10/25, 6:40 AM | 1716079225 | 1744285204 | 810 | 1219628842753018 | 1 | 4.7736537142663E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707653720317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Cat, Dog Carrier for Pets Up to 16 Lbs, Soft-Sided Cat Bag Animal Carriers 17.5x11x11 Inches | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1587800402061612/ | 1716068657 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479491_404246349260039_3538693378677638437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mtZlpItF9fUQ7kNvgHX99NI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDFAcgzi8gk28rwTQBFfQLZeveCn9QF9_FT_tqG-ZKhvg&oe=664F00B4 | 1 | 3 | Cat, Dog Carrier for Pets Up to 16 Lbs, Soft-Sided Cat Bag Animal Carriers 17.5x11x11 Inches - $26.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> Pet Carrier: 17.5โ L x 11โ W x 11โ H, Recommended max load of 16 lbs cats small dogs. Please do not choose your carrier based on weight--please reference your pet's length and height in selecting a pet carrier size.<br /> Fits for under-seat dimensions of most airlines. Every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, please contact with airline before flying with your cats small dogs.<br /> <br /> Mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety. Carrying handles, adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used as seatbelt, and back strap can fasten the pet carrier to your luggage.<br /> <br /> Pet carrier comes with a removable base insert, which creates a solid surface for your pet to stand on, along with a removable & hand washable cozy fleece pet bed, which offers a cozy sleeping space for your traveling cats small dogs.<br /> "Toys for pets, of textile materials". Mostly used as a Toy of Fabric Pet Home for pets playing and relaxing.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828204 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079231 | 1723773975 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828250 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079232 | 1723773975 | 810 | 468061608976813 | 1 | 1.9183797752853E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102034845143680 | 0 | Honker Co. | 120211956221380242 | honkerco.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://honkerco.com/ | 1716065885 | 1.0203484514368E+14 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444483887_416674177921220_5487613580844515563_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LUU34hAWtdgQ7kNvgEZw-CO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCoNEu6u4ZVeShNtO5kafi09o0h_P1eUWRnOmyMc34r6A&oe=664F0345 | person_profile | 0 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445001120_1219005679089617_8144442744385217057_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=95z_RuuGTLEQ7kNvgHgLw10&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAIN9EDLJKeXl3_ZsIC3PIrOYYEsk2jjoWf9v-2qGAIXw&oe=664F2A9F | 0 | 3 | ๐จ Don't miss out <br /> ๐ข Get up to 50% off <br /> ๐ฅFree shipping over $100 | Honker Co. | 8415 | https://facebook.com/100065140416752 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827890 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079225 | 1723773975 | 810 | 820083722802646 | 1 | 9.8413191330736E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103653135338679 | 0 | Batteryevo | 120208529469590643 | batteryevo.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Get a Whopping 60% Off | get free shipping now! | https://batteryevo.com/batteryevo-deals/ | 1716068850 | 1.0365313533868E+14 | Batteryevo | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441160541_481414410907565_5952420319181977410_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K6-8OCs5gyEQ7kNvgHx2MON&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCNS5f3ETS6TpWNzOoVTV0QvFcOF66phWX8cwZLnF1VjQ&oe=664F0CC4 | person_profile | 0 | BatteryEVO | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443733715_835305907993945_128304502785366587_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=utB8wcRdO9kQ7kNvgG5f7Cb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYANLnSaBG0Mc0xWqQzkL6x29XngFzYViiOH2goxanA2bA&oe=664F21AB | 0 | 3 | The best price per kwh battery is now priced even better. Limited time offer for the 48V Rhino lithium battery ends soon. | Batteryevo | 1277 | https://facebook.com/Batteryevousa | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828293 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 10:53 AM | 1716079233 | 1746978826 | 810 | 307029975675137 | 1 | 8.1425015017398E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 319004787961302 | 0 | perfume park | 120208374531570620 | Send WhatsApp message | NONE | multi_images | https://api.whatsapp.com/send | 1716065669 | 3.190047879613E+14 | perfume park | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436358068_3758450264440520_9211663074438500494_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1O5qchGojW8Q7kNvgG3J1lH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYApgjnYfYo8TdfTcNr3lEP6PUNrpZfHNGCrXQJe453NDA&oe=664F252D | person_profile | 0 | perfume park | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441872496_2629074577299096_2484068180051155665_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mr62WgVvOZoQ7kNvgGVBQxC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMtV1ty5jI_xCN3KJaH69mZzm9xMIhyyy5KQcyF8MkQg&oe=664F30FA | 0 | 3 | Revolve original ๐๐๐ ๐๐<br /> <br /> 10 ๐๐๐ฌ 95 ๐๐ซ<br /> <br /> To Orders ๏ฟผโจ+97455831454<br /> โ Cash on Delivery <br /> โ Free Delivery | perfume park | 15 | https://facebook.com/61559502251645 | 0 | WHATSAPP_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827310 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079200 | 1723773977 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827406 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773977 | 810 | 1591268095006804 | 1 | 4.3738124536499E+14 | 1712991600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 233434309861187 | 0 | Marรญa Suarez | 120207381978220060 | appvideo.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://your-success.site/offer1-st-pre1/ | 1712804826 | 2.3343430986119E+14 | Marรญa Suarez | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436944312_729727295747075_9007141026583653857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4igDlYpBJKcQ7kNvgHu8vST&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCIYeiZvusGHxvfpUA_5QXLsVfma6ly3RGBeo8wRPYfIA&oe=664F2439 | person_profile | 0 | Marรญa Suarez | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436498407_358255889927933_1467597010908541913_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i-jHks5Fw7kQ7kNvgH1Toj_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDmoPVspgRl7l-Sw9nkgP2hsPCYnpNStvctQyvjqg4MDQ&oe=664F11A2 | 0 | 3 | Marรญa Suarez | 10 | https://facebook.com/61557135043931 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712818800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827311 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773978 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827312 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773978 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827313 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773978 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827465 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773978 | 810 | 994499292243336 | 1 | 2.2333250403422E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104021231725603 | 0 | Discover Weekly | 6588393141765 | sunwarrior.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ Start Managing Your Unwanted Weight | Collagen Slim OP2: Renew Your Beauty Naturally. Discover the magic of Collagen Slim OP2. Experience the revitalizing effects of collagen for your skin and body. | https://sunwarrior.com/pages/collagen-slim-op2 | 1715806446 | 1.040212317256E+14 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410804_1435210253768762_1879264143371106085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LzSs7KkC8JQQ7kNvgEB_UwY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBGoOWugzT6th1vy5iiMqc8IqHztasBA-b7lXrhArj3Xg&oe=664F0CCB | person_profile | 0 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441881611_406927285578734_9142968187149512605_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iEGQSXymvC4Q7kNvgGSDdXb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCmkB26KeTScywHUiTkB32fVJ5KoAitzmdaVmayAGPBbA&oe=664F1FDA | 0 | 3 | โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โI can recommend Slim Collagen Boost to anyone who wants to achieve an improvement in weight, skin & hair within a few weeks. I'm just thrilled!" ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Our unique Beauty Building Blend has collagen boosting super ingredients to help you achieve your beauty & weight loss goals!<br /> <br /> 5 Great Reasons To Try Us! โ <br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Aids in healthy fat reduction & weight loss<br /> ๐ฅ Ignites your metabolism & curbs your cravings<br /> ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ People will think you are aging backwards<br /> ๐ Very low in carbs & calories<br /> ๐โโ๏ธ Alleviates joint pain, stiffness & inflammation!<br /> <br /> ๐ Sunwarrior customers have noticed changes as early as 2 weeks & astonishing results after 3 months!<br /> <br /> Try Sunwarriorโs Slim Collagen Boost Risk-Free for 30 Days! | Discover Weekly | 1334 | https://facebook.com/discoverweekly001 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827314 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773978 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828019 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723773978 | 810 | 1105984037168235 | 1 | 9.06290917919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106563450892167 | 0 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 120207724331150068 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Do you have a website?","response":"Yes I do. My website has pictures of my work and reviews and allows you to book an appointment with me\ud83d\ude04 my website is: https:\/\/scarlatoshinedetail.com"},{"title":"How long do the details take and where do they take place?","response":"Details duration will vary based on vehicle size, the conditions it is in, type of seats and floor mats and many factors. I have exterior only details take me 3 hours, some interior details take me 5-7 hours and full details can take me 8-10 hours. It just depends. All details are done at my place."},{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":"I offer interior detail services and exterior detail services. Interior i do deep vacuuming, wipe down of all doors, door jams, dashboard and steering wheel components, plastics and leather treated, all seats, floor mats and carpet shampooed and extracted and steamed, wax and ceramic coating + more!"}],"text":"Hello! Please send me your vehicle(s) year, make and model followed by some pictures of the car so I can give you a free quoted price \ud83d\ude98\ud83e\uddfc\u2728"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067437 | 1.0656345089217E+14 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950759_1824338131400544_5298914551719449482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-IIN2XKUzdUQ7kNvgGKSj3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGdXOx2cQWQwKL8mqDn3ltQ_afG_VGNajIQXxwpo9hLg&oe=664F26AF | person_profile | 0 | โจScarlato Shine Auto Detailing ๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790556_453951867042391_7534849034261963032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7b2SayywXYMQ7kNvgHEkVX9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUEFZFXYX33sLjpjBDq9fhEncGlbv6DyBhtrzkHhJpHw&oe=664F1160 | 0 | 3 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 22 | https://facebook.com/100066612730350 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827482 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773979 | 810 | 944269297698125 | 1 | 9.9137224260829E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570880660341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009239 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470538_1407472673085480_4484360838952596575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lv8s3F-hIs0Q7kNvgFviERe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQ6RF0n4MWTEgD6qND2MecQKXfBeaTdVF8ONajjZ-Yfg&oe=664F25F7 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473008_454234297097374_1009861382439440766_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f0L43GW0Tj8Q7kNvgEedeGB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCAtmiH2TnOZj4vw7GGJFeq624yCUydb53opNEeE_ufLQ&oe=664F0ACE | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827488 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079213 | 1723773979 | 810 | 1162015314815978 | 1 | 9.6209885561147E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570878030341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009262 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471537_1460627201541903_2402641349438461682_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WIlTMSalyNUQ7kNvgEeUIrc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYoPWGvMOa-hzAlHpoDpOrOzyOoCxeJzFn1bH7ldkoEQ&oe=664F1E7E | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441514157_25670173132598493_5418721188017586178_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Nb2zkiPZ4mgQ7kNvgFkOdg0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoFeeP3AixO-J8BmKsP49xxk6HNf-6BwryAt-6ry3qEg&oe=664F0F38 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827468 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773979 | 810 | 1869433750168501 | 1 | 9.4847259040464E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104021231725603 | 0 | Discover Weekly | 6588393340165 | sunwarrior.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ Start Managing Your Unwanted Weight | Collagen Slim OP2: Renew Your Beauty Naturally. Discover the magic of Collagen Slim OP2. Experience the revitalizing effects of collagen for your skin and body. | https://sunwarrior.com/pages/collagen-slim-op2 | 1715806449 | 1.040212317256E+14 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436225479_1127036518500114_6053722192150572169_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uEY22ud5UNoQ7kNvgFBvgBR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBG9kLAhfhi9jWYgSNoLdGgFO9mYwlnRI8h5HKeepo95Q&oe=664F318D | person_profile | 0 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443734906_455179943542769_5352521656953374442_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zNceIo7FiYEQ7kNvgEjU4FR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD7yTypgrRwk1hp4xLwNHdAqdoYs4Su2XX0FNhjxQSu2w&oe=664F0B77 | 0 | 3 | โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โI can recommend Slim Collagen Boost to anyone who wants to achieve an improvement in weight, skin & hair within a few weeks. I'm just thrilled!" ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Our unique Beauty Building Blend has collagen boosting super ingredients to help you achieve your beauty & weight loss goals!<br /> <br /> 5 Great Reasons To Try Us! โ <br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Aids in healthy fat reduction & weight loss<br /> ๐ฅ Ignites your metabolism & curbs your cravings<br /> ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ People will think you are aging backwards<br /> ๐ Very low in carbs & calories<br /> ๐โโ๏ธ Alleviates joint pain, stiffness & inflammation!<br /> <br /> ๐ Sunwarrior customers have noticed changes as early as 2 weeks & astonishing results after 3 months!<br /> <br /> Try Sunwarriorโs Slim Collagen Boost Risk-Free for 30 Days! | Discover Weekly | 1334 | https://facebook.com/discoverweekly001 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827554 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079218 | 1723773979 | 810 | 1224518335188918 | 3 | 4.2029528072589E+14 | 1714201200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 283053551550394 | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 120209336719070468 | weokm.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๊ตฟ๋ ธ๋ฒจ์์ "๊ณ์ฝ ํด์ง: ๋์ค์ ๋ํ๋" ๊ฒ์ํ ํ ๋ ๋ง์ ์ฑํฐ๋ฅผ ์ ๊ธํด์ ํ ์ ์์ต๋๋ค. | https://weokm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9316&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714136025 | 2.8305355155039E+14 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841332_25592112210402892_8397642617881182669_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C_DeOwt9FD0Q7kNvgHVNpr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBVhFmRqDtTk36g7jVIt8eA8S80996NkRJ6crnaJHwzrQ&oe=664F179A | person_profile | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439893966_7867235389954210_1957941699168459515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA2XKRXvLcIQ7kNvgE5vsr7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUsMHuWwNTsap4mkViHrGbCgdZ2WTEA60fd6hTWkiHPA&oe=664F2F24 | 0 | 3 | ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ท๊ตญํ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ๋ฒ ์ผ์ ์ธ์ธ ์ ์ธ์ผ๋ก์, ์์ ๋ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก 8ํธ ๋งจ์ ์ผ๋ก ๋ณด๋ด์ก๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์ ๊ท์ ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๊ทธ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ํฐ ์์ด ๊นจ๋ํ๊ฒ ๋ชธ์ ์ป์ด์ผ ํ๊ณ ํฅ์๋ ํ์ฅํ ๋์๋ฅผ ์ ๋ ํ๊ฒจ์ ์ ๋๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ทจํฅ์ ์๋ฒฝํ๊ฒ ๋ง์ถ๊ธฐ ์ํด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ค๋ซ๋์ ๋ชฉ์์ ํ๊ณ ์คํฌ ์ ์ท์ผ๋ก ๊ฐ์์ ์ ํ, 2์ธต ์นจ์ค๋ก ์๋ค. ์ปดํจํฐ ์์์ ์ ๋ฌด๋ฅผ ๋ณด๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๋ค์ด์ค๋ ๊ธฐ์ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ํ๊ธ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ์ด๋ฆฌ ์.โ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๊ฐ์ ์ด ์์ด์ง ์์, ๋ด๋ดํ๋ฉด์๋ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ด ๋งํฌ๊ฐ ์ด์ด์ก๋ค. ๊ทธ ๋ชฉ์๋ฆฌ๋ ์์ ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฌด๊ฒ๊ฒ ์ง๋๋ฅด๋ ๊ฒ๋ง ๊ฐ์๋ค. ํ์์ ๋ฌด๋ค๋คํ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์ผ๋ฉด์๋ ์ข ์ก๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ์ฑ๊ฒฉ์ ๊ฐ์ง ๊ทธ๊ฐ ํน์๋ ํ๊ฐ ๋๊ธฐ๋ผ๋ ํ ๊น ๋ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์ง์ฒดํ์ง ์๊ณ ๋น ๋ฅธ ๊ฑธ์์ผ๋ก ๋ฌ๋ ค๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์์ ์ ๋๋ก ์๊ธฐ๋ ์ ์ ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ์๋ฝ ์์๋ฒ๋ ธ๋ค. ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ์์ด๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ๋ถ์ ์ ์ ์ ํค์คํ๋ ์ด์นํ. ํญ์ ๊ทธ๋ฐ ์์ด์๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ค๋ช ๋ ์์๊ณ ๋ถ๋๋ฌ์๋ ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ์๊ณ ์ถ์ ๋ฟ์ด์๋ค. ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ธ๊ตญ์ผ๋ก ์ถ์ฅ ๊ฐ๊ฒ ๋๋ฉด์ 3๊ฐ์์ด๋ผ๋ ๊ธด ์๊ฐ ๋์ ์ฌ์๋ฅผ ๋ง์ง์ง ๋ชปํ์ผ๋ ์ค๋ ๋ฐค์ ์ฝ๊ฒ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋์์ค ๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ์์ด ๋ณด์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์ ์ ๊ณฏ์๋จ์ด์ง ๋๊ฐ ๋์ด์์ผ ๋จ์๋ ๋๋ ๊ธฐ๋ฏธ๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋ค์ ์ ์์ ๊นจ์ด๋ ์์ ์ ๊ณ์๋ ์๋ฌด๋ ์์๋ค. ์์ค์์ ์ค์๊ธฐ ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ค๋ ค์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ชฝ์ผ๋ก ์์ ์ ํฅํ๋ค. ๊ฐ์ ๋ฆฌ ๋๋จธ๋ก ํ๋ฆฟํ๊ฒ ๊ท์ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ฆผ์๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋งค๋ฒ ๊ฒ์ฌ๋ฅผ ๋ง์น๊ณ ๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๊นจ์ด๋๊ธธ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆฐ ์ ์ด ์์๋ ๊ทธ์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ฐ๋ฐ ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฑธ๊น? ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ํผ๊ณคํ ๋ชธ์ ์ด๋์ด ์นจ๋์์ ์ผ์ผ์ผ ์ธ์ฐ๊ณ ์ฐฉํ ๊ณ ์์ด ๋ง๋ฅ ๋จ์๊ฐ ๋์ค๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ธ๋ค. ๋ช ๋ถ ๋ค, ์์ค์์ ๋ฌผ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ฉ์ถ๊ณ ๋จ์๊ฐ ์ค์ ํ์๋ฅผ ๋๋ฅธ ์ฑ ๊ฑธ์ด ๋์๋ค. ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋์์ ๋จ์ด์ง ๋ฌผ๋ฐฉ์ธ์ด ๊ทธ์ ๋์ ์ด๊นจ๋ก๋ถํฐ ์๊ณจ ์ธ์ ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ํ๊ณ ํ๋ฌ๋ด๋ฆฌ๋ค๊ฐ, ๊ฐ์ด๊ณจ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๋ถ๋๋ฝ๊ณ ๋ ๋จ๋จํด ๋ณด์ด๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ณต๊ทผ ์๋ก ๋ฏธ๋๋ฌ์ก๋ค. ์น๋ช ์ ์ผ ๋งํผ ์ ํน์ ์ด๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์กฐ๊ฐ์ฒ๋ผ ์๋ฆ๋ค์ด ์ผ๊ตด์ ์นผ๋์ ์ฐ์์ผ ํ ๋งํผ ๋ ์นด๋ก์ ๊ณ ๋๋ ทํ ์ค๊ด์์ ํนํ๋ ๋งค๋ ฅ์ ์ธ ๋ถ๋ถ์ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ฐ๋ฉด์๋ ๋ฒ์ ํ๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ๋ถ์๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ด๋ฟ๋ ๊ธด ๋๋งค์๋๋ฐ ๊ทธ์ฝํ๊ณ ๊น์๋ค. ํ ์ก์ ๋ ์์ด ์์๊ธด ๋จ์๋ค. ๋ฌธ์ ๋ผ๋ฉด ์จ๋ชธ์์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ฟ์ด๋ธ๋ค๋ ๊ฒ, ๊ทธ๋ก ์ธํด ์๋ฌด๋ ๋ค๊ฐ๊ฐ๊ธฐ ์ฌ์ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์๋๋ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ๊นจ์ด์๋ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์ธ๋ํ๊ฒ ํ๊ธ ๋ณด๋๋ ๊ทธ๊ฐ ์ ์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ด์ ์ค์ง ๋ง.โ โ์ค์ง ๋ง๋ผ๋ ๊ทธ๊ฒ ๋ฌด์จ ๋ป์ด์ง?โ ์์ํ ์์ ๋ฅผ ํฅํด ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๋ฌธ์ ํ๋๋ฅผ ๊ฑด๋ค์คฌ๋ค. โ์ด ๊ณ์ฝ, ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ํด์งํด์ผ๊ฒ ์ด.โ ์ ์ธ ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ๋ณด๋ ๊ทธ์ ์ผ ์ ์ ์ด ๋ฒ์ฉ ๋ค์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋์ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๋ ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ์ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ณ์ ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์์ฌ์์๊ฐ ์๋๋ผ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๊ธฐ ์ํด์์๋ค๋. ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ํ์ง ์ด์ ์ค ๋ ์ด ๋์๋ค. ์ธ์ ๊ฐ ์ด๋ฐ ๋ ์ด ์ฌ ๊ฑฐ๋ผ ์์์ ํ์ง๋ง ์ด๋ฐ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ๊ฐ ์ฌ ์ค์ ์๊ฐ์ง ๋ชปํ๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ด์ ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ค๊ณ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๋ณ๋ช ์ด๋ ํด์๋ ์์ด ํ๋ง๋ ํต๋ณด๋ก ๋๋ฌ๋ค. ์ฌ์ฅ์ด ์ฐ๋ฅด๋ฏ์ด ์ํ์ ธ ์ค๋ ๋๋์ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ๋๋ฅด๋ฉฐ ์์ ๋ ์ฒ์ฒํ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค์ด ์ท์ ์ ๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ๋ฐ๋ ๋ง ๋ ์์ผ๋ฉด ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋๋์. ์กฐ๊ธ๋ง ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆด ์ ์์๋์?โ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ํ๋ถ ์ธ์์ด ์์ง ์ผ ๊ฐ์์ด ๋จ์๋ค๊ณ ์์ฌ๊ฐ ๋งํ์๋ค. ์ถ์ด ๋๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ๊ทธ์ ๊ณ์ ์กฐ๊ธ ๋ ์ค๋ ๋จ๊ณ ์ถ์๋ ์์ ์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋ฌต๋ฌตํ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๋น์ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์์ฌ์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ๋ด๋น์น์ง ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ด๋ฏธ ์ง๋ ค๋ฒ๋ฆฐ ์ฅ๋๊ฐ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ณด๋ฏ์ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์นจ๋ฌต์์ ์์ ๋ ์๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์ด๋ ์์น์ ์๋์ง ์ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ค ๋ ์ด๋ ์๊ฐ์ด ํ๋ ์ง๋ง ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ฒ ๋ฐ์ธ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ด์ ์ด ๊ฟ๋ ๊ทธ๋ง ๊นฐ ๋๊ฐ ๋ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ์์ ๋ค๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ผ๋ถ๋ฌ ์ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ๋น๊ฒจ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ณ ์์ ๋ฏธ์๋ฅผ ์ง์๋ค. โ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฒ ๋ ธ๋ ค๋ณด์ง ๋ง์ธ์. ์ฅ๋์ด์์.โ ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก ๋ง์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์์ด์. ์ด์ ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋๋ฌ์ผ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ถ์ด ๋๋ฌด ์ข์๋ฐ์?โ ์ ์ธ ๋ฅผ ์ ๋ฆฌํ๋ ์ด์นํ์ ์์ด ์ฐ๋ ๋ฉ์ท๋ค. ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค๊ณ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์๋์๋ก ํ์ด๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ผ๊ตด์ ์ํ๊น์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ์ ํ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์์๊ณ ๋ง์น ์ด์ ์์ ๋ผ๋ ๋ฏ ์ฝ๊ฐ์ ํฅ๋ถ์ด ๊น๋ฆฐ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ง์ ๋์น์ด ๊ตฌ๊ฒจ์ก๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์๋ค๊ณ ?โ | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 320 | https://facebook.com/61557428073507 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827316 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773979 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827317 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079202 | 1723773979 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827318 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079202 | 1723773979 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827319 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079202 | 1723773979 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827320 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773979 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827321 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827322 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827323 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827324 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827326 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827327 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827328 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 725606959741705 | 2 | 1.3539039986504E+15 | 1711868400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208225540670635 | findokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://findokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10453&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711537210 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329656_7174131332684145_7171359901210969591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Cp8DSfRGzMQ7kNvgEAeOAI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXUCq7iz67Rqbg7msEN3iyP4RFMMVULI8cPMDjEEIjAA&oe=664F0067 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433091379_1827678001017196_1027919431267883652_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ybhuNt14-jYQ7kNvgFMdb3g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1mo5BzN0O8qLvy6wX9kkH-Qj7FDuu6eDIJ4tD-XJ7ng&oe=664F342F | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711609200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827329 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827330 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079203 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827331 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827332 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827333 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827334 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827813 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773980 | 810 | 1094946161599307 | 1 | 6.3975978502504E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 257742080765747 | 0 | wehavefuncomedy | 6602551620538 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/wehavefuncomedy | 1716070192 | 2.5774208076575E+14 | wehavefuncomedy | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/442650275_494112502950774_655132697510257864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=JPtjV3bs3dMQ7kNvgGEK4rL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCT1VZAY89zOb3goigPMOSYXz_A2v4xP7c43vWjEQaQhQ&oe=664F188B | ig_ads_identity | 1 | We Have Fun - A Comedy Show | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640924_1509095019984603_310572209840870835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDTppJprh-AQ7kNvgGfecpa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC28G9r6AFO59vuPxw9Rt7iFm5i-8isX0yTDuG9WvSUeQ&oe=664F2FEC | 0 | 3 | wehavefuncomedy | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/wehavefuncomedy | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827335 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773980 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827337 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773981 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827338 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079204 | 1723773981 | 810 | 761556849235366 | 1 | 2.3996955911129E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209335756550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709713014 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428708149_376410601844209_4318283062814204705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53sDBd2wTpkQ7kNvgE6P08Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8wafgeQsdw4EUj_JH5vmYhMcPs_qpxlrkzB5U3aRpSQ&oe=664F33F4 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428690053_1685607655303980_893446875975248377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fukEP7qGnU8Q7kNvgGSQ5-H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEXC-cI2PC8i3sPDzgVvarR10iCcJ08FP4eVy3VcFPAw&oe=664F0461 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709712000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827339 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827340 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827341 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827342 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827343 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827344 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079205 | 1723773981 | 810 | 787038972933495 | 2 | 6.4228591804786E+14 | 1712214000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10628&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712126847 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434608914_1452809671984165_6637372225268407731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AP4d57wDzS8Q7kNvgGdcPhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCUULO89Xk31iSpO3NGRLHUBHlBT7r56OUBZoI2wQ-kOA&oe=664F2F75 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435470921_797761321696071_7702599609975038141_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TdfJuEMvOmgQ7kNvgGeTNmw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOQyLvXXSk7OQxMayN5RICERi3phvhiqf2zdUR4o8L2g&oe=664F2B43 | 0 | 3 | One Neah โWhere the heck is she?โ I hear the Beta scream. I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827816 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079224 | 1723773982 | 810 | 2457183791159139 | 7 | 1.0878047958012E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 161022600602748 | 0 | Vivint | 6542126435214 | fb.me | Get Offer | NONE | dco | Protect Your Castle Today | http://fb.me/ | 1709767793 | 1.6102260060275E+14 | Vivint | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430092378_794107952575924_6515274893762272119_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9wP_WKoll-QQ7kNvgHvaBHA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRo2rPF1T5czJSdan8TVtDud_uEvlXKZ_XS_AzQcyGTQ&oe=664F2981 | person_profile | 0 | Vivint | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430673556_1075396303763949_5493963322972100012_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T8CHSRXc_fQQ7kNvgHavzyw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBd9A3I1VYkOSxNoN0evUxabZOx-mzim24f_ojxW_l7gg&oe=664F14DB | 0 | 3 | {{product.brand}} | Vivint | 519218 | https://facebook.com/VivintHome | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827351 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079207 | 1723773982 | 810 | 937387581440571 | 3 | 1.7847358786891E+15 | 1712646000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120210454864490237 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10628&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712126847 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434608914_1452809671984165_6637372225268407731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AP4d57wDzS8Q7kNvgGdcPhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCUULO89Xk31iSpO3NGRLHUBHlBT7r56OUBZoI2wQ-kOA&oe=664F2F75 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435470921_797761321696071_7702599609975038141_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TdfJuEMvOmgQ7kNvgGeTNmw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOQyLvXXSk7OQxMayN5RICERi3phvhiqf2zdUR4o8L2g&oe=664F2B43 | 0 | 3 | One Neah โWhere the heck is she?โ I hear the Beta scream. I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827355 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827356 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827357 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827358 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827429 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723773982 | 810 | 1130067324932509 | 1 | 2.1477390989176E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435277803711204 | 0 | Stonecress Designs | 120212872430940054 | stonecressdesigns.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Browse Our Rings | www.stonecressdesigns.com | https://www.stonecressdesigns.com/shopall | 1715425771 | 4.352778037112E+14 | Stonecress Designs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435618_476875531352631_4981842993256040660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5XriHssifAMQ7kNvgGlO2XE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCT0Qf-56dZHCiIMKxCh3L74IHkxkoHBZqB_QvxDvG9yQ&oe=664F0389 | person_profile | 0 | Roy C Bennett | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441867946_408375978702920_6949670693372410653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DZfWc_w5eWUQ7kNvgGWjEeK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB4S5jGAU47918efkMKl4KSyvvtVJbw6kayuDx-q6owLw&oe=664F0D39 | 0 | 3 | www.stonecressdesigns.com | Stonecress Designs | 1023 | https://facebook.com/RoyCBennett3 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827359 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827360 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827361 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773982 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827362 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773983 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827363 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773983 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827364 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079208 | 1723773983 | 810 | 948653906867221 | 2 | 4.1093228498685E+14 | 1711954800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120206972357940689 | wwwedb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10142&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711349982 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431575549_1596332861206338_6187708220026555043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ca-yeKW2-OEQ7kNvgGYi25j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAao59Fh75iUsYxTf8Xj4qArYymLHyGbzUfVfJXYkSGng&oe=664EFEE8 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434027721_1150398535978758_5691959922360740097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y1Ha1HPwRGoQ7kNvgFcWXyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6QQufQ0mgb0X3LiLZZ70TANGaWU0gQp7PfNImaGvvGQ&oe=664F0BB1 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711782000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827365 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827366 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827367 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827368 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827369 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827370 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827371 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827372 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079209 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827373 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827374 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1142273526960266 | 2 | 4.4029518837896E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120207532178210760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10426&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711216076 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433104099_954886269407631_9173812147149317760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yeHv_pgdFbcQ7kNvgGjeYOH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBC6NmbjY-wMdfJDN3N4RJ_p5GuwjdzfrvFqaT0It1Iyg&oe=664F0A94 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433230666_933939061596869_4888942677936875032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UDhw-nXFE_YQ7kNvgFEDihj&_nc_oc=AdiTqSeGB_lxNlUKNHvq7UWQ2rV2URyUQZNaLMKmrfZvSsVNEJZFXEl4j9ff5rG4Zag&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADkXjRuPSaSNKsjZvff8_pl5j8Cv745OO8Lp7b20tPjg&oe=664F0D12 | 0 | 3 | "Let me go!" Nicole Malone struggled to break free of the men holding her. She'd been having some drinks with a handsome guy and had excused herself to the restroom when a few unfamiliar men had captured her. She flailed, swinging punches and kicking at them. "How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you know who I am?" The men didn't respond. Nicole continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't. I bet you know who Jett Gustav is, right? Jett Gustav of Ginville City!" The men remained silent. Nicole screamed, "Let me go, or I'll tell him about this! He'll make all of you lose the right to call yourself men!" The men still didn't say anything. Jett was something of a god in Ginville City. He was influential in both business and politics and had the power to do anything he wanted. Everyone knew of him, and everyone feared him. Despite Nicole clamoring the whole way, no one paid her any mind. The men weren't afraid of her at all. They dragged her out of the bar and to a black car. "We've brought her, Mr. Gustav." Mr. Gustav? What? Nicole wondered whether she'd heard them wrong. Only one person in Ginville City could be addressed that way. She raised her eyes and peered into the car. It was dark inside. All she could see was a hand by the window. Nicole gulped. Such a beautiful hand had to belong to someone gorgeous! "Get her in here," a cold voice said. Before Nicole could get a grasp on the situation, she was stuffed into the car. Then, the door slammed shut behind her. "Couldn't you guys have been a little gentler? You were so rough!" she muttered while rubbing her arm. She glanced at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye. His face was shrouded in darkness, so she couldn't tell who he was. Her imagination ran wild as she observed the seemingly endless, long legs. Nicole wanted to get a good look at his face. But before she could lean closer to him, she sensed the iciness he exuded. She couldn't help wondering who the guy wasโthe dominance he exuded could give Jett a run for his money. There wasn't a single person in Ginville City that she feared. Now, she was genuinely curious to find out who the man was. She boldly leaned close to him to peer at himโit gave her a shock and made her shoot backward, plastering her back to the door. "Oh, my Goodness. It's a g-ghost!" Why did he look just like Jett? Nicole was so terrified that she turned to open the door. As soon as it popped open, she tried to get out. Then, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and pulled her back. "Ouch!" She fell backward and crashed against a hard body. The man chuckled and leaned forward, bringing his face out of the shadows. The dim lighting somewhat accentuated his flawless features. He leaned down to bring his lips close to Nicole's ear. There was a hint of a smile in his voice as he rasped, "Still so scared of me, huh?" It really was Jett! Wasn't he supposed to be in Firenheim? Jett's warm breath made Nicole tremble all over. She was so scared that she stuttered, "J-Jett, w-what are you doing back here?" Close to no one in Ginville City knew that Jett had adopted a little girl many years ago. When Nicole was seven, Jett had brought her out of the slums to the Gustav residence so she could give his grandfather, John Gustav, a blood transfusion. Later, she'd lost her family. Jett had taken pity on her and allowed her to remain at the Gustav residence. 12 years had passed since then. He treated Nicole pretty well. He'd never had her do any chores and even personally taught her to read and write when she was younger. But now that he was busy with work, he'd assigned the housekeeper, Susan Baker, to watch over her. If Nicole had to pick out something that she wasn't happy with, it would be that Jett was too strict with her. She wasn't allowed to play hooky, go drinking, or hang out at bars. She also wasn't allowed to put on thick makeup, dye her hair, paint her nails, or wear anything revealingโeven spaghetti straps were out of the question. Nicole also had a 10:00 pm curfew and had to report to him on whoever she went out with. He even wanted to interfere in her love life. But now, aside from dating anybody, she'd done everything Jett had forbidden her from doing. She'd thrown caution to the wind and set herself free while he'd been abroad. Why hadn't anyone informed her that Jett would be back tonight? Judging from how he looked, he must've come straight from the airport to catch her red-handed. What was she going to do? Jett said, "If I were to stay away for any longer, who knows what sort of havoc you would've wreaked?" He lifted her and placed her on his lap. Then, he tilted her head up. The thick makeup she had on concealed her innocent-looking face, which was red from the wine she'd drunk. She had oversized silver hoops dangling from her ears, and her nails were red and long. Her dress was short, though, and it revealed most of her back. She reeked of liquor. Jett's cold gaze was filled with flames, but there was a smile on his lips. "Look at you, Nikki. Were you planning on living out the rest of your days in this bar or something?" His voice was hoarse because he was holding himself back. He placed a hand on the exposed skin of her leg and played with the hem of her dress. "Do you know what the consequences of that are?" Nicole shuddered. "No, wait. I can explain, Mr. Gustavโฆ" She started pushing the blame on everything and everyone she could think of. Then, she pretended to weep. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I know what I did wrongโI shouldn't have gone to a bar or stayed out so late. I was really only there for some drinks, thoughโฆ" Jett looked like he was listening to her patiently, but his hands quickly loosened his tie to bind her wrists. As he deftly made a bow out of it, he said, "It's your fault for going drinking, Nikki. What did I tell you before leaving? You have a lot of nerve for going against my orders, don't you think?" Things would've been fine if Jett hadn't mentioned anything. Nicole exploded at his words. "How dare you bring this up! You left for half a year without saying a word to me. I didn't even know whether you were alive! "I thought you wouldn't come back ever! What right do you have to boss me around now that you've suddenly shown up again?" He was wrong if he thought he could have the upper hand in this and push her around. Two could play at this game. Jett watched as she exploded and smiled faintly. "Are you that resentful? I guess I won't be going anywhere else after this." What? He wasn't going anywhere else? Wouldn't that be the end of her days of freedom? No, she couldn't let that happen. Nicole immediately settled down and let her anger go. She smiled sweetly and said, "I was just complaining a little, Mr. Gustav. It doesn't matter what I think, really. Your work's what matters most." Jett hummed in agreement, then said, "I heard from Henry that you were dancing with your arms around another man tonight. Have you found yourself a boyfriend, Nikki?" Nicole paused, then shook her head diffidently. "You know best that I've been single for the past 19 years, Mr. Gustav. Henry must've been mistaken. That couldn't have been me!" "Ha!" Jett smirked mockingly and gripped her jaw. "Aren't you afraid that I'll hurt that boy if you keep lying to me?" She shrunk back fearfully. "W-What are you up to?" Jett's smile was cold and ruthless. It scared her. Still, she couldn't go against him and could only allow him to carry her out of the car. The atmosphere in the bar was lively. Suddenly, a bunch of bodyguards swarmed the place, making the main hall seem especially packed. The music stopped abruptly. Before everyone realized what was happening, a tall, toned man strode into the bar. Standing head and shoulders above the crowd, his dark and imposing coat made him noticeable. He had a dark suit on underneath and was carrying a young woman in a black dress with one arm. She perched on his arm like a canary. Chapter 2 Jett sat at a clean table and placed Nicole on his lap. He stroked her nose and asked, "Who drank with you, Nikki?" She pursed her lips nervously. Jett continued, "Not confessing, are you?" He looked up. "Trash the place, then." The bodyguards immediately got to work and started destroying things. "Wait, stop!" Nicole frantically grabbed Jett's arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gustav. I recognize my mistake now, really. I won't do it againโฆ" Jett held up a hand to stop the bodyguards. He smirked at the sight of her teary eyes. She was still so scared of him. He took on a sterner tone and said, "I'll ask you one more time. Who was it who drank with you?" Nicole stuttered, "I-I had a little too much to drink, so I don't remember anymore." Jett smiled kindly and caressed her head dotingly. "Oh, I see. You're not to blame, then." In the next second, he had someone drag the manager, Brian Marley, over. "M-Mr. Gustav!" A thin man stood before Jett and trembled in his boots. "W-What can I do for you?" "I want someone from you." Brian immediately understood what Jett meant. He had his people search for the gigolo who'd been drinking with Nicole earlier. But after a round of searching, Brian could only say, "I've asked around, Mr. Gustav. The guy isn't one of my employees. He seemed to have been a customer here." Jett's face was devoid of emotion. "I want to see him. If you can't find him, you'll die in his place. Do you understand me?" Brian shuddered in fear, then forced out a smile. "How am I going to find someone for you when there are so many people on this earth, Mr. Gustav? You're putting me in a tough spot here." Jett smiled. "Is that so?" His expression abruptly became frosty. "Take him away, Henry!" Brian collapsed to the floor as his knees gave out due to his terror. Henry Sullivan dragged him out heartlessly. He cried while struggling, "Help me! Mr. Gustav, please, have mercy! Mr. Gustav!" "Stop!" Nicole shouted. She glanced at Brian, who was begging for mercy on his knees. "What has he done to deserve this? I'm the only one at fault here. Why are you taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with this?" "He shouldn't even have allowed you into the bar!" Jett concealed his ruthlessness as he turned to look at her. He smiled gently and continued, "I'll let him go as long as you can find the brat, Nikki." He was threatening her. Nicole got up from his lap and stood before him with her head bowed, looking like a child who was in trouble. "I only had a few drinks with some guy, Mr. Gustav. We didn't do anything else. Can we go home now, please?" Only had a few drinks? "The surveillance cameras caught him touching you." Jett dragged her back to him as he exuded iciness. "Where did he touch you?" He'd seen all the surveillance footage on his way to the bar from the airport. Throughout the journey, his driver and assistant hadn't even dared to breathe loudly. "N-Nowhere." "Have you learned to lie to me, Nikki?" Her rebuttal only made Jett angrier. "Mr. Gustavโฆ" Nicole turned pale with fright. "Do you know how mad I was when I saw you with your arms around that brat?" Nicole couldn't help shuddering. Jett's chilly fingers brushed her soft lips. His eyes were a little bloodshot. She met his gaze but didn't dare to speak. Suddenly, his hand moved to settle behind her ear. Jett dragged her forward with a hand on the back of her neck. He lifted his head slightly so that his lips were pressed to her ear. "Looks like you haven't taken any of my warnings seriously!" His tone was ice-cold. Nicole shuddered. She'd been drunk and out of it earlier. She hadn't stopped the guy from dragging her onto the dance floor. Indeed, they'd danced together, but that was the extent of it. After all, Jett had forbidden her from coming into contact with anyone of the opposite gender since she was a child. He wouldn't even allow any boys with crushes on her to hold her hand. Bad things would happen to them if he were to find out about them doing anything to Nicole. The guy from tonight was someone from her college, so she couldn't rat him out. Otherwise, knowing Jett, she was certain the guy would meet a horrible end. Nicole broke free from Jett's grasp. "I'm already 19, Mr. Gustav. Could you stop keeping me on such a tight leash?" "You want me to stop controlling you?" Jett's gaze darkened. He pulled Nicole back to him and placed a hand on her waist. "Say that again." A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She took a deep breath and forced herself to remain steadfast as she said, "Legally, my guardian's right to manage and control me would've ended when I turned 18. "Now that I'm 19, it's up to me who I want to drink with. Look at those other women who'd already been through several boyfriends even before they turned 18โฆ" Jett shot to his feet. His tall stature made him loom over Nicole. "So, you want to get a boyfriend?" Nicole was scared by the look on his face and took a step back. "Mr. Gustavโ" He gripped her jaw. "You're forbidden from dating before you're 20. Or have you forgotten the rules I set for you?" He looked down at her and took in the fear in her eyes. "I'll find him myself. I don't want to hear you pleading on his behalf when the time comes." Nicole moved her lips, wanting to say something. But Jett released her and turned to leave. He seemed to make everything darker and colder everywhere he went. "Let him go." Brian looked like he'd been saved from certain death. "Thank you, Mr. Gustav!" Jett left without another look back. Nicole sagged in relief once he was gone. There wasn't anyone to oppress her anymore. Brian hurried over to her. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Malone. I really owe you one for this. If you come again in the future, please don't hang around with guys anymore. Bring your girlfriends along. Your drinks will be on the house." Nicole glared at him. "Did you just have to mention that? Aren't you worried that Jett will tear your bar down?" "I can just ask him for compensation if he does. My bar's in need of some renovation, anyway." Brian nudged her, looking somewhat exultant over her misfortune. "What's with the misery, princess? Mr. Gustav's just jealous. All you need to do is coax him a little." "Jealous? What are you talking about? He just thinks I've challenged his authority by disobeying him." Jett was a control freak who wouldn't allow anyone to say or do anything against him. Nicole saw that he was almost gone. After a brief moment of hesitance, she followed him while biting her lip. โฆ Nicole had just exited the bar when she saw Jett getting into the car. She thought he would leave without her, but the car remained parked by the roadside. The driver didn't even start the engine. She shuffled over to the car and pulled the door to find it was locked. She stood outside awkwardly. Just then, Henry approached her. "Could you unlock the door, Henry? Jett's locked himself inside. He does this every time he's mad. How can I explain if he won't let me in?" Nicole tugged her hair irritably. Henry was Jett's personal bodyguard and secretary. Wherever Jett went, he would be there. He tried to unlock the door with the car keys, then knocked on the window. Nothing worked. Nicole couldn't help muttering, "He gets mad just because of a couple of retorts. Don't you think he's too petty, Henry? It's fine if he doesn't let me into the car, but why is he locking you out as well?" Henry gave her a side-eye. "The windows may be sound-proof, but I'd advise you to hold your tongue, Ms. Malone. Mr. Gustav hurried over here immediately after getting off the plane and even turned down a dinner appointment just so he could see you. He hasn't eaten anything so far." Nicole pouted. Jett hadn't come here to see herโhe was here to punish her! Still, she shut up and waited for Jett to calm down. Little did she know that it would take half an hour. She only had a skimpy dress on. The night breeze made her shiver. So be itโif he refused to let her into the car, she wouldn't just stand around and freeze to death. She would take a cab home. Nicole turned around huffily to leave. "Take another step if you dare," a cold voice rang out behind her. Chapter 3 Nicole stiffened and turned back. The car's window had been rolled down. Jett sat by it and watched her icily. Nicole was scared. It was rare to see Jett, who was usually so gentle, look so cold. She walked over to him and said in an aggrieved tone, "Are you finally willing to talk to me, Mr. Gustav? I've been standing out here for so long that my legs hurt." Jett took in her face, which was red from the cold, but didn't respond. He frowned slightly and said, "Henry." Henry pulled out a lighter. Seeing this, Nicole snatched it from him and bent down so that she was at eye level with Jett. "I'll get that for you, Mr. Gustav." Jett glanced at her. The night breeze had messed up her hair. She sniffled as she blocked the wind with a hand. Her teary eyes shimmered in the light of the lighter's flame. The sight of her made one feel sorry for her. Finally, Jett leaned over to her. Nicole hurriedly leaned forward. Then she said cheekily, "Can I get in the car now, Mr. Gustav? It's freezing out here. What will we do if I catch a cold?" Jett snorted. "I'll kick you to the curb if you do." His words were cold, but the doors unlocked in the next second. Nicole knew this trick would work every time. She flung the lighter back at Henry and hurriedly got into the car. Once inside, she sneezed a few times. A cozy blanket was thrown over her head. "Wrap yourself up. I'll throw you out of the car if you have the nerve to fall sick." Nicole tugged the blanket down and looked at Jett in surprise, but the latter averted his gaze. He rolled up the window, and leaned back. He shut his eyes, still looking irritated. Nicole held the blanket. It oozed Jett's scent and enveloped her with warmth. The car stopped before a large mansion. After getting out, Nicole followed Jett inside with her head bowed the whole time. Suddenly, she rammed into his back. She rubbed her head while baring her teeth in pain. "What the heck?" Jett turned around to give her a menacing smile. "You're smart, Nikki. You changed the locks while I was away." She'd forgotten about that! The house belonged to Jett. The original pin had been Nicole's birthday. Jett was always away on business trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for half a year at a time. He was afraid of Nicole getting up to all sorts of hijinks when she was alone at home, so he'd left Susan behind to keep an eye on her while also taking care of her daily needs. Susan had gone home for one night, so Nicole had taken the opportunity to have some drinks at a bar with her best friend, Cindy Lowe. To prevent anyone from catching her off guard, she'd changed the locks. Nicole giggled and said, "I don't know what happened to them today, but the locks wouldn't work. I had to get them changed." "They've worked fine for more than a decade. Something just had to go wrong with them today, huh?" Jett retorted. He tugged her to him and gave her a chilling smile. "Were you afraid that I would suddenly return and catch you hiding a man at home, Nikki?" "You're overthinking this, Mr. Gustav. There's no way there'd be another male species in the house aside from you, let alone another man. Even the mosquitoes have to be female!" Afraid that Jett wouldn't let the matter slide, Nicole hurried forward to unlock the door with her thumbprint. The door swung open to reveal a dark house. Nicole seemed to hear something, though. Then, she heard something clatter. She was so frightened that she turned and threw her arms around Jett. "T-There's a ghost, Mr. Gustav!" Jett frowned. He'd heard the noise as well. Had someone broken into the house? He flipped the lights on. A sound came from the couch. Jett and Nicole looked in its direction. Then, Nicole screamed and clapped her hands over her eyes. Why was there a bared man on the couch? "This is what you meant when you said there wouldn't be another male species in the house, huh?" Jett pulled Nicole's hands down. She looked dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening. "Back already, Nikki?" the guy said amorously. Nicole faltered, then turned to look at him. She almost had the daylights scared out of her. What was Frankie York doing here? Wasn't he the guy who'd drunk and danced with her earlier? He was Callie Lennox's latest rumored boyfriend. Nicole had run into him and Callie at the bar earlier. The latter had had her arm in his as she'd mocked Nicole for being single and unlovable. She'd also mocked Nicole for being so desperate that she was at the bar to find herself a man. Callie had even gone as far as to throw popcorn at Nicole, making her the laughingstock of the bar. How could Nicole possibly let Callie get away with that? She'd deliberately invited Frankie to drink with her, then led him over to her table with Callie watching them the whole time. Still, what was Frankie doing in Gustav Mansion? How had he gotten in? The situation was so creepy! Frankie was lying spread-eagled on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. He looked so comfortable that it was as if he was back in his own home. More importantly, he had a pair of Jett's pajamas laid out underneath him. He was even drinking a bottle of wine that Jett had stashed away for years! Goodness, was he trying to murder her? Only the heavens knew how much effort Nicole had put into appeasing Jett earlier. She was doomed! She hurriedly looked up. Sure enough, there was a murderous look on Jett's handsome face. He looked like he was going to explode. "Uh, I need to make something clear first. I don't know him." Nicole quickly drew a line between herself and Frankie. If Jett were to find out how they were involved with each other, she and Frankie were both dead meat! Still, Frankie had called her "Nikki" earlier. Jett wasn't deaf. He scowled and took a step forward to approach Frankie. Nicole grabbed him and blinked earnestly at him. "You have to believe me, Mr. Gustav. I have no idea where this freak came from. Thank God you were here. Otherwise, who knows what he would've done toโ" Before she could finish, Frankie said, "I've been waiting for you for ages, Nikki. I missed you, babe. What took you so long to get home?" Nicole's knees almost gave out. Jett grabbed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled dangerously and said, "No wonder you had the locks changed, Nikki. You had such a huge surprise waiting to welcome me home." "No, that's not it. Listen to me, Mr. Gustav. Iโ" "Why aren't you coming over here, Nikki? I can't wait to have fun with you!" Frankie got to his feet and stumbled over to Nicole. Nicole was panicking so badly that she was close to throwing out expletives. She gripped Jett tightly and said, "Let's call the cops, Mr. Gustav. What if this freak does something crazy? I don't want him to hurt you." Frankie stopped before Nicole. He reeked of wine. He reached out to pull Nicole into his arms. But before he could touch her, a hand gripped his wrist tightly. He immediately turned pale from the pain. "Ouch! Let go! You're going to break my wrist!" Jett flung him aside. He staggered backward. Only then did Frankie notice Jett behind Nicole. He roared, "Who are you?" Jett gave him an icy look. "And who are you, you shameless?" "How dare you call me that! Youโ" "Shut up, Frankie!" Nicole glared at him and deliberately raised her voice. "What are you doing? What right do you have to shout at him? Get out of my house right now!" She could only pray that Frankie would take heed and leave immediately. God knew how scary Jett was when he was really mad. Frankie's eyes turned red after Nicole had shouted at him. He pointed at Jett in disbelief and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're chasing me away for him, Nikki. Didn't you say you've had a crush on me for ages?" "Iโฆ" Nicole felt a headache coming on. She had no way to explain the situation. "Wait, no. What does that have to do with you coming over to my place for no reason?" "No reason? Were you just playing me, Nicole? Didn't we agree to meet at your place so that we could give each other essential oil massages? You suddenly disappeared at the bar after telling me you were going to the restroom!" Frankie continued, "I searched high and low for you there. Since everyone was leaving, I came over to your place to look for you. I never would've expected you to cheat on me, though!" His voice reverberated around the spacious mansion. Nicole's heart sank. What was this about a massage and cheating on him? She'd only said those things to him to piss Callie off! In fact, she was all talk and no action. She never would've expected Frankie to take her seriously and even come all the way here. Didn't the idiot know Jett was looking all over for him? He'd served himself on a silver platter! What was she going to do now? The way things were at the moment, she and Frankie were both doomed! "Ha." Suddenly, a sneer rang out behind her. Chapter 4 Nicole shuddered and stopped Jett, who looked like he wanted to get physical. "This is all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Gustav. Don't listen to his crapโฆ" Jett pushed her away. "I was wondering why we couldn't find him who was drinking with you despite scouring the bar." He gave Frankie a nasty look. "It turned out you were at my home the whole time." "Your home? How shameless can you be? This is Nikki's home, and it'll be my home in the future!" Frankie snarled. He was brimming with confidence despite being a head shorter than Jett. "Your home?" Jett snorted and glanced at Nicole. "Looks like my house would've ended up becoming someone else's if I hadn't returned in time." Nicole felt like there was a hand around her throat. She urgently gave Frankie a look. "Stop digging your grave here! Hurry up and go home!" Frankie didn't listen, though. He continued to poke the sleeping bear. "You look like you're getting on in years, old man. Don't tell me you're thinking of taking a young wife at your age! "There's no way Nikki would like someone like you. If I were you, I'd back out while it's not too late. You should really know your placeโฆ" "Frankie, I'm begging you. Please, stop talking." Nicole tugged on Frankie's sleeve with her head bowed. "Go home, please! We can talk about this tomorrow!" "Don't be scared, Nikki! I'm not afraid of him at all! I'll protect you!" Frankie whipped out a golf club from the stand nearby and pointed it at Jett. "Return Nikki to me, or I'll have no choice but to resort to violence!" "Wait, put the golf club down, Frankie!" Nicole's heart leaped to her throat. She shouted, "He's my uncle, and this is his house! You can't treat him like this!" "What?" Frankie looked dumbfounded. After a long silence, he tugged on the silk robe he had on. "So this is his?" She couldn't believe this was what he was focusing on. "Not only is the robe his, but also the wine you drank. Even the golf club you're holding is his. Everything here belongs to him! He only needs to say the word to get you kicked out of here!" Frankie was dumbstruck. It took him several seconds to wrap his mind around the situation. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He put the club down and said, "We're on the same side here, sir, so don't be mad at me. I'm Nicole's boyfriend. We'll be a happy family in the future." Boyfriend? A family? Frankie didn't notice the grim look on Jett's face at all. He even shook Jett's hand and continued, "I'm not going to disturb you any longer since you've just returned tonight. I'll treat you to a meal some other day." Nicole was so embarrassed that she wanted to slap herself. "He's drunk, Mr. Gustav. I'll have him head home first before I explain everything to youโฆ" She wanted to tug Frankie's hand away but found that Jett was holding on to it. She couldn't get it out of Jett's grasp at all. "You like Nikki?" Jett stared at Frankie. The latter nodded seriously. "I hope you'll allow us to be together." "I raised Nikki. If you want to be her boyfriendโฆ" Jett paused here and smiled eerily. "Shouldn't you get on your knees and beg me for permission?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the air seemed to turn to ice. "W-What?" Before Frankie could return to his senses, Jett kicked him behind the legs, making him plop onto his knees. Nicole's eyes widened. "Mr. Gustav!" Frankie struggled to get up. Jett held him down and sneered. "This is the man you were trying to protect, Nikki. No, he can't be considered an actual man." Frankie howled in pain as Jett looked up at Nicole. "How do you want him to die? You choose, Nikki." Nicole's jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was scarier and more powerful than she'd imagined. โฆ Frankie was flung into the swimming pool with a loud splash. He choked and flailed in the water. As soon as his head came above the water, a bodyguard would push him back under. Jett stood by the pool and he watched Frankie emotionlessly. Then, he said to Henry, "Get a few burlier men over here. Show him a good time." "Yes, sir." Nicole watched them from a window on the second floor. She watched as the men pushed Frankie under the water. Suddenly, Jett turned around and met her gaze. She shrunk back and hurriedly drew the curtains. Then, she returned to her room and paced it. If Jett wouldn't let Frankie off the hook, would he do the same to her? She quickly lifted the sheets and got into bed, pretending to be asleep. Soon, someone opened her room door. She had her back to the door and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a short pause at the door before some footsteps rang out. Jett stood by Nicole's bed for a while before bending down and straightening Nicole's body out of her curled-up position. Then, he pulled the sheets around her, turned on the A/C, and left. That was odd. Had he let her off the hook just like that? It wasn't like him. Nicole lifted the sheets and sat up before turning on the bedside lamp. As soon as the room was lit, she screamed in fear. She stared at Jett, who stood by the door. Under the dim lighting, he looked absolutely terrifying. Nicole shuddered. "M-Mr. Gustav, what are you still doing here?" "I wanted to see how long you could keep the act up." Jett remained by the door, looking menacing. "I'll give you ten minutes to explain yourself." "I'm sleepy, Mr. Gustav. Could we talk about this tomorrow?" "Sure." Jett strode over to her and lifted her from the bed. "How could you keep me in the dark after getting yourself a boyfriend, Nikki? Didn't I tell you that you weren't allowed to date anyone before turning 20?" Then, he pinned her face down on the bed and lifted the hem of her nightgown. "What are you doing, Jett Gustav? Youโ" Nicole panicked. Before she could finish her sentence, a bolt of pain shot through her, starting from her behind. She widened her eyes in shock. "Y-Youโ" Jett smacked her again. Nicole's face turned red as she struggled. She felt humiliated. "How dare you hit me on the beihind, Jett! You shameless man! Youโฆ Youโฆ" Jett kept a hold on her neck and rasped, "Did you forget what you said at the bar? I've gone easy on you for far too long, Nicole. Let's settle the score in one go!" Nicole was so infuriated that she forgot to keep up the innocent act. She flailed and yelled at the top of her lungs. For as long as she could remember, Jett had never laid a hand on her. The only time he'd done anything remotely close to that was when she'd held hands with a boy as a child. He'd smacked her on the palm back then. For that, she'd given him the cold shoulder for a week. Now, she couldn't move with him pinning her to the bed. Ultimately, all she could do was cry and beg for mercy. "I know I made a mistake, Mr. Gustav. Please, stop. I really know where I went wrong now!" Nicole's perky behind was now red from Jett spanking it. Underneath the dim lights, it looked like a ripe peach. Jett's palm seemed to heat up at the sight. His throat constricted. Chapter 5 Jett knew things would get out of hand if he and Nicole were to continue like this. He pulled the hem of her nightgown down and flipped her around to face him. Then, he gripped her jaw and glared at her. "Do you know how much effort I put into raising you? Look at you, throwing yourself at a brat who's still wet behind the ears. How cheap do you think you are?" He was so angry that his words came out harsher than usual. Once, at a function meant for the upper crust, someone in the know had approached Jett. He wanted to introduce his son to Nicole as a way of forming a relationship with Jett. At the time, Jett had snorted disdainfully. "Honestly, even a piece of trash thinks he has the right to become in-laws with me. Do you think any Tom, Peter, and Harry is a good match for the young lady that I raised?" He'd even gone so far as to claim that he wanted to marry Nicole off to the best men in Ginville City. "How dare you humiliate me like that, Jett! H-How could you hit me on the behind like that?" Nicole cried. "Because you're a fool! Don't you know your own worth? You're a member of the Gustav family. How can you get together with a brat like that? He even said he was going to be a family with me in the future. Is he worthy?" Jett was starting to lose control. Nicole was humiliated by his treatment of her and yelled angrily, "If he isn't worthy, are you?" Jett stiffened. The anger in his eyes seemed to be extinguished by her words. As he stared at her red face, he said hoarsely, "Break up with him. You're not allowed to have anything to do with him in the future. If you don't do as I say, I'll either tie you up or make him disappear from this world!" With that, he hastily wiped her tears away before pulling the sheets around her. Then, he hurried off. "You shameless, Jett!" Nicole shouted. Then, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sobbed, feeling ashamed. She wasn't a child anymore. How could he spank her like he'd done when she was a kid? He was shameless. Utterly shameless! โฆ Nicole didn't manage to get any sleep that night. The next day, she went to college with dark circles under her eyes. She was a sophomore this year. Thanks to Jett's "nurturing", she'd skipped two grades in elementary school and was now the youngest in her year. She was an architecture major. It was tougher for women to excel in this major, and it also wasn't easy to find work. Nicole had only picked it because Jett had been against it. When she arrived at the classroom, she walked over to Cindy and flopped onto her seat after throwing her bag down. She slumped onto the table. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've got withdrawal symptoms or something. Why so down?" A classmate sitting in front of them turned around, looking concerned. Cindy was painting her nails. She said flippantly, "I bet she had an impulsion from seeing someone handsome." "Uhโฆ" The classmate looked awkward. She knew Cindy had always been the type to run her mouth, so she didn't take the latter seriously. Nicole sighed three times in succession. Cindy leaned close to her. "What's wrong? Come on. Tell me how things went between you and Frankie last night." "Let me catch up on my sleep first. I'll fill you in when I wake up." By the time Nicole woke up, the classroom was already empty. "Finally awake, are you?" Cindy asked. Nicole raised her head. There were marks on her face from pressing it against her hands. She saw Cindy admiring her freshly painted nails. Cindy said, "Spit it out. Did you win Frankie over last night?" Nicole told her about everything that had happened. "Wait, Jett's back?" Cindy's expression stiffened. "No wonder you suddenly went missing last night. He didn't do anything to you, did he?" She and Nicole had been friends for so long that she knew how strict Jett was with Nicole. That, coupled with the fact that she was also terrified of Jettโฆ Whenever Nicole got into trouble, Jett would teach Cindy a lesson after teaching Nicole one. "Don't even mention that. I don't know what got into Frankie to make him just go over to my place like that. Hold up!" Nicole gave Cindy a suspicious look. "How did he know where I live? I just changed the locks yesterday, so you and I are the only ones who know the new pin. Were you the one who told him?" Cindy's eyes darted around. "You were the one who said you wanted to win him over, didn't you? When you disappeared after heading to the restroom last night, Frankie panicked. "He said he wanted to go to your place to look for you. I was drunk, so I gave him the pin. I didn't expect him to actually be crazy enough to head over there!" Nicole glared at her. "I was wondering what he was doing at my place. Turns out you sold me out!" "Ahem. Don't be mad, babe. I was drunk!" Cindy quickly changed the topic. "Look at how glum you are. Come on, I'll take you to a cafรฉ for some drinks." They packed their bags and stood up to leave the classroom. Just then, a figure charged toward them and stood in their way. "Nicole!" Before Nicole even saw who it was, the person swung a hand at her face. Cindy quickly tugged Nicole back, making the person miss the mark. The person raised her hand to slap Nicole again. Cindy quickly caught her by the wrist. "Try that again, Callie, and I'll rip your throat out!" Cindy flung Callie aside. Callie staggered backward before steadying herself. She glared daggers at Nicole, looking like she wanted to spit fire. "You're a shameless girl, Nicole!" Nicole frowned. "What are you acting all crazy about this time?" "How dare you call me crazy! I've yet to settle the score with you for taking Frankie away before my very eyes last night!" Nicole looked at her emotionlessly. "You were the one who insulted me first, weren't you?" "Hmph! So what if I did? Wasn't that what you deserved? It's all your fault for disgusting me!" Callie was Nicole's nemesis at university. They'd never gotten along. There had been rumors recently about Callie having a crush on Frankie. He was considered a genius in their major. Naturally, many female students had crushes on him. Callie had only managed to ask him out because of her status as the daughter of the Lennox family. Last night, at the bar, Nicole had been minding her own business when Callie had stormed over to her and humiliated her for no reason. She'd even gotten someone to pour popcorn all over Nicole to make Frankie laugh and have everyone else make fun of her. "Oh. Well, I could say the same to you. So what if I took Frankie away from you? Don't you deserve to have your man snatched from under your very nose? It's your fault that you're not as pretty as I am!" Nicole gave Callie a taste of her own medicine. Callie snorted scornfully. "I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Do you think you're a goddess or something just because you have a few people chasing after you? You're still a single girl that no one wants. "Look at you, not having even dated anyone despite already being 19. And you claim to be prettier than me! I don't know where you get your confidence from." Callie crossed her arms. "Did those guys chasing after youโthey're bad-looking as heck, by the wayโmake you think you're better than you are? Honestly, take a look at yourself in the mirror." She leaned close to Nicole and said haughtily, "You bumpkin!" "You're asking for it, Callie!" Cindy wanted to slap Callie, but Nicole stopped her. "It's just a waste of my time and breath arguing with you, Callie. It won't change the fact that Frankie doesn't want you." Nicole smacked her lips, seemingly reminiscing about what had happened last night. She continued, "He's got a pretty good body, really. He might be lacking in length and stamina, but that's okay. I can help him train up on that." "What? Did you guys get a room last night?" Callie's expression changed. "Do you even need to ask?" "How dare you sleep with the man I'm interested in! I'll give you a punch!" Callie trembled with rage. If not for Cindy keeping her at arm's length, she would've charged forward to rip Nicole's throat out. "I'd advise you to watch out for your image, Callie. There are people everywhere here. You wouldn't want them to see that the daughter of the Lennox family is no different from a shrew, would you?" Callie gnashed her teeth. She looked murderous as she snarled, "I wanted to remind you about somethingโFrankie isn't here today." Nicole raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me to ask where he is?" "Ha. Judging from the way you look, you have no idea where he is, either." Callie sneered. "Didn't you guys sign up for the architectural competition? If he can't participate, there's no way your group will win anything!" With that, she turned and stormed off, leaving Nicole to gape at her. The architectural competition Callie had mentioned was organized by Dykas University. The team that won first place would win the right to compete for a slot in a student exchange program. But there was also a rule that if someone were to participate as an individual, they would be accepted as a student at Dykas University. Nicole wanted to leave the country, but Jett had forbade her. She had to get that slot in the student exchange program through this competition. There was only one problemโthe final product was with Frankie, and today was the deadline for submission. Nicole called Frankie, but the call couldn't go through. She ran over to Frankie's dorm to look for him, but his dormmate informed her that he hadn't seen Frankie since last night. He was missing. There was probably only one person who knew where he wasโJett. A chill ran down Nicole's spine as she thought about what Jett had said. She told Cindy, "I can't get coffee with you, Cindy. I have something important to attend to." "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?" "It's something that will affect the rest of my life!" Chapter 6 After bidding Cindy farewell, Nicole called Henry. She didn't dare to call Jett. As soon as the call was connected, she asked, "Is Jett at the office, Henry?" "Yes, Ms. Malone. He's having a meeting. Did you need him for something?" Nicole didn't say anything. She hung up and took a cab to Gustav Tower. But she was stopped by a security guard as soon as she stepped inside. "Hold it, young lady. Who are you here for?" "Jett Gustav." The security guard appraised her. She was a brave one, bursting into the building and demanding to see Jett like that. But did she think Jett was someone she could see whenever she wanted? "You're not the first woman to come here and demand to see Mr. Gustav, young lady. Wait in line!" He pointed behind him. There were a bunch of people in the lounge, and they were all women. Jett had just returned to the country. Were they that desperate to see him? "I need to see him about something urgent. Could you let meโ" Before Nicole could finish, the security guard cut her off. "No can do, miss! I'm a professional security guard, and I have a work ethic. Acting coquettish with me won't work!" Nicole was at a loss for words. She hadn't been coquettish at all. In truth, Nicole's petite stature, innocent-looking face, and sweet voice had given the security guard the wrong idea. He said, "If I let you in and you disturb Mr. Gustav, I'll lose my job, young lady. Please, don't make things hard for me!" He didn't know who Nicole was and refused to let her in without an appointment. Left with no choice, Nicole called Henry. Yet the call couldn't go through. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical juncture? She could only wait in the lounge. Before she even sat down, a piercing voice rang out. "My, my. Where did this brat come from? This just shows how Mr. Gustav's charm knows no endโeven a brat is here to fight for a piece of the pie! Does she think he'll fall for that flat body of hers? He wouldn't even be interested!" A long-haired woman with thick makeup mocked Nicole scornfully. Nicole pretended to be naive as she asked, "Are all of you here to see Jett Gustav?" "Why else would we be at Gustav Corporation?" The woman snorted. "You're so rude, brat. How can you just address Mr. Gustav by his full name?" Everyone in Ginville City knew to address Jett as "Mr. Gustav". On the other hand, Nicole had always addressed Jett by his name. She only called him "Mr. Gustav" whenever she wanted to butter him up. When she was a kid, Jett would tell her off for addressing him by name. She didn't even know when things had changed, but he'd stopped reprimanding her for being rude and had allowed her to do as she wished. Nicole snapped out of her reverie. "Why are you all here to see him?" "Once, a woman tripped and fell before Mr. Gustav's eyes. He carried her into his car and even gave her a million as compensation. What do you think we're here for?" Nicole looked thoughtful. "It's my first time hearing that he's so generous." "He's always treated women gently and with magnanimity." "That's nonsense. He's not as good as you think he is. He's a devil!" Nicole muttered to herself. Still, the woman heard her. "Stop making it sound like you know him!" She snorted and strutted off to touch up her hair and makeup. It was a mystery as to how these women had gotten wind of Jett's return to the country. As soon as he was back, they'd filled the lounge to the brim. Countless women wanted to win his heart, yet none had succeeded. His friends had even made fun of him for being celibate. Indeed, it was weird. Throughout the years, Nicole hadn't seen him with another woman. He was already in his 30s, yet he only hung out with men. Wasn't there something abnormal about that? Then again, that wasn't her concern. She had to find out where Frankie was so she could get her hands on their final product and submit it for the competition. Nicole sat in a quiet corner. After a while, she saw everyone else stand on their feet and charge toward the elevator. "It's Mr. Gustav. He's here!" Jett was surrounded by a bunch of senior executives as he strode out of the elevator. His bodyguards immediately kept the crazed women away from him. "Mr. Gustav, it's me! We met each other two nights ago. You said I looked like your first love!" "Look at me, too, Mr. Gustav! We had a meal together once!" "Mr. Gustav, I'm expecting! The baby's yours!" "Mr. Gustav, Mr. Gustavโฆ" The women threw themselves at Jett like their lives depended on it, and their voices were more shrill than the others. If not for the bodyguards keeping them at bay, they probably would've swallowed Jett whole. Nicole pursed her lips and watched him from afar. He looked calm and unruffled. His eyes were on the path he wanted to take. His gaze didn't flit around or focus on anyone else. He was regal, noble, and arrogant. Describing him with these words was the most fitting choice. Nicole suddenly wanted to prank him a little. She cocked her head as she wondered what she could do to make herself stand out among the crowd. How could she get Jett to notice her? After some thought, she stood up and approached the crowd. She used her petite stature to her advantage and squeezed through the crowd. Then, she sneaked underneath the bodyguard's arms and charged toward Jett. Then, she plopped onto her knees before him and grabbed his pant leg. She cried, "Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Silence descended upon the crowd at her cry. Everyone was forced to stop. The crowd's attention moved from Jett's face to Nicole's. No one could believe their ears. The other women had already gone to such lengths to catch Jett's attention, yet Nicole was more far-fetched than they were. How dare she claim Jett was her father? "Where did you come from, you crazy kid? How dare you spout nonsense like that! What are you guys still standing around for? Kick her out!" a senior executive roared. He was worried Nicole would piss Jett off. A bodyguard hurried forward to pull Nicole away, but a slender hand stopped him. He faltered and looked up to meet a cold, imposing gaze. Jett kept the bodyguard away from Nicole, then waved a hand to dismiss him. The senior executives watched Jett, feeling dumbstruck. "I've finally found you, Dad. It's me, Nikki. Don't you remember me anymore?" Nicole tugged on Jett's pants and rubbed her nose on the leg. Everyone clenched their fists at the sight of her wiping her snot on Jett's pants. They looked like they were going to explode. No, they couldn't stand for this. How could someone treat the almighty Jett Gustav like that? "How dare you wipe your snot on Mr. Gustav's pants?" someone roared as they pointed at Nicole. Henry gave them an icy look, making them step back in fright. Did the guy have a death wish? What audacity he had to point a finger at Jett's precious treasure! Jett lowered his head and tilted Nicole's face up. "What did you just call me?" Nicole met his gaze. Tears pooled in her red eyes as she called out in an aggrieved tone, "Dad!" Her voice reverberated around the spacious lobby. How daring of her to have raised her voice! Just as everyone thought Jett was going to throw her out, he released her jaw and caressed her head. "That's a good girl." He mussed up her hair. Nicole was dumbfounded, as were the senior executives. The crowd was equally astonished. Jett continued, "It's cold on the floor. Get up." Nicole couldn't return to her senses. Her original plan had been to prank Jett and humiliate him in public. It was his punishment for spanking her behind last night and making her lose sleep. To her surprise, not only had he responded to her without a trace of anger, but he'd also acted so naturally! Seeing that Nicole was dumbstruck, Jett sighed and bent down to pick her up. She was so petite that it was almost as if he were truly carrying a child in his arms. He wiped her crocodile tears away and said, "Are you hungry, Nikki? What do you want to have? I'll buy it for you." Nicole stiffened. She lowered her voice and asked, "Are you being serious, Jett?" Jett looked at her and smirked lazily. "What's wrong, my precious daughter? You're the one who got on your knees and called me your father, right?" He'd pressed his lips to her ear. When he spoke, his warm breath fanned over it. It made her goosebumps rise, and she laughed awkwardly. "I was just joking with you, Mr. Gustav. The way you're actingโฆ Aren't you worried you'll affect your image as Gustav Corporation's president?" He raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about that." He didn't care about his image and reputation? Nicole felt like she'd made the wrong call. Jett hadn't walked into her trap at all. "Since you're here, Nikki, I have something I need you to do." "What is it?" she asked curiously. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827375 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827376 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827377 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827378 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827379 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773983 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827380 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079210 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1185409379502618 | 1 | 1.0737519736949E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507355240173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801728 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433223726_3698233977081342_7297770340712227834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kKAd-dXE1_kQ7kNvgH6FN5A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiWQUVsNB6fpwvY1Ln6lRwO0MLUhoyR23OuUE0FiVK5w&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434329684_777512484326036_7796219313607939952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W_Vr_4F2TLQQ7kNvgH9ou29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAguEHivQFaL8ajDdBTi3fmNskCcAh1s2pwiskBC47HQ&oe=664F1E18 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1711868400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827381 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827382 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827383 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827384 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827385 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827386 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828017 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1105984037168235 | 1 | 9.06290917919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106563450892167 | 0 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 120207724331150068 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Do you have a website?","response":"Yes I do. My website has pictures of my work and reviews and allows you to book an appointment with me\ud83d\ude04 my website is: https:\/\/scarlatoshinedetail.com"},{"title":"How long do the details take and where do they take place?","response":"Details duration will vary based on vehicle size, the conditions it is in, type of seats and floor mats and many factors. I have exterior only details take me 3 hours, some interior details take me 5-7 hours and full details can take me 8-10 hours. It just depends. All details are done at my place."},{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":"I offer interior detail services and exterior detail services. Interior i do deep vacuuming, wipe down of all doors, door jams, dashboard and steering wheel components, plastics and leather treated, all seats, floor mats and carpet shampooed and extracted and steamed, wax and ceramic coating + more!"}],"text":"Hello! Please send me your vehicle(s) year, make and model followed by some pictures of the car so I can give you a free quoted price \ud83d\ude98\ud83e\uddfc\u2728"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067437 | 1.0656345089217E+14 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950759_1824338131400544_5298914551719449482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-IIN2XKUzdUQ7kNvgGKSj3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGdXOx2cQWQwKL8mqDn3ltQ_afG_VGNajIQXxwpo9hLg&oe=664F26AF | person_profile | 0 | โจScarlato Shine Auto Detailing ๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790556_453951867042391_7534849034261963032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7b2SayywXYMQ7kNvgHEkVX9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUEFZFXYX33sLjpjBDq9fhEncGlbv6DyBhtrzkHhJpHw&oe=664F1160 | 0 | 3 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 22 | https://facebook.com/100066612730350 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827387 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079211 | 1723773984 | 810 | 1188396372566420 | 1 | 2.6528728665155E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 107581612289660 | 0 | New world publications | 120210222923420170 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712144545 | 1.0758161228966E+14 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434538693_7989513004396963_3818397193078176916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZKM0bXOI-cQ7kNvgHkD2Dc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt7XecwAEvIyz87MiTbR16Li6vknUEyxkc0RgPxcfi5A&oe=664F2384 | person_profile | 0 | New world publications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434631613_949024593606673_2661181656448065553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zJotPNNDoq8Q7kNvgFusCpx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEHnfGosgxWmg6rWcqgxVC87QIDfTEv3lNc6HHz1YDrg&oe=664F2408 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | New world publications | 3362 | https://facebook.com/100090352943774 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827053 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827054 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827133 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774024 | 810 | 417503044379644 | 4 | 9.6563946849474E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 304608852727712 | 0 | Mobile World | 120209506122650233 | gentlyuseddevices.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | โFree Shipping โ12-Month Warranty | https://gentlyuseddevices.com/ | 1715407610 | 3.0460885272771E+14 | Mobile World | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471607_804634594950453_4100819064975293584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Em6jYPfBgSwQ7kNvgELWbZ2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCa-_tKdgj6rRuJKAqiFl4_8EkK90nuMBs_p-K8vlrXBg&oe=664F0188 | person_profile | 0 | Mobile World | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316802_1210780603616029_5931301961616882443_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_TOBIndZduYQ7kNvgFdj3LQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBTndv80KRIi7K9li54992W5A3eseqAEx3DnTsQ7zySQA&oe=664F20BB | 0 | 3 | Don't want to splurge on the newest iPhone? Only ๐๐น$109 ๐๐นRenewed 14 Pro Max. All devices are 100% functional and come with 12 months warranty. | Mobile World | 171 | https://facebook.com/61558731956998 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827056 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827058 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827059 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827582 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774024 | 810 | 1405291730102587 | 6 | 4.5578051355499E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827060 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827061 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827062 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827063 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827583 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774024 | 810 | 1405291730102587 | 6 | 4.5578051355499E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827064 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827065 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827066 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774025 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827067 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774025 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827584 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1405291730102587 | 6 | 4.5578051355499E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827068 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774025 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827069 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827070 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 455910226890285 | 2 | 1.402307137138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827071 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827585 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1405291730102587 | 6 | 4.5578051355499E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827072 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827073 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827074 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827075 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827076 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774025 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827077 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827078 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827079 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827080 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 1631502747650514 | 1 | 2.6552201781037E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693570779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085844 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249835_457038766717875_6087571149512061423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FgOoenh53hkQ7kNvgEfCA1z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCf0crIyJTKw0HLGSK8JBJ8ItK9-ysAC4ZLzs8GHm6_EA&oe=664F2BDC | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441211331_1085417092523225_8041669308499620511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xXcRRwHw3xgQ7kNvgGFLkll&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNlCV5zoX9C68TKKPrmfD61wG9MCrov0-q0LXjH7pXkw&oe=664F0352 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827081 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827082 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827083 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827597 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774026 | 810 | 467543175709774 | 2 | 1.7773779093411E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 394086074103975 | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | 120208845434960525 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Welcome to Your Sparkling Oasis! | ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1713873731 | 3.9408607410398E+14 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439683740_1606274496884439_5168911973763716421_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qnz_uNUrKocQ7kNvgFNs_3F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeXzV9-apuXRx_u_VKyGTgwRdCnwzl5vGV9JgnSSv-ng&oe=664F18AC | person_profile | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437601265_799985528290893_1620697720978370385_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tHyC5AQsoIEQ7kNvgFFYBtC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYACeTcldKk-rMRjlvcUYW92-5RnAQx-LWLOzhLB1Xm4-w&oe=664F2B6D | 0 | 3 | ๐ | Pro Housekeepers | 1932 | https://facebook.com/prohousekeepers | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827084 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827087 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827736 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774026 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827088 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827089 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827090 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 419884320825184 | 2 | 9.8322917290411E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750980002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251588 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440431022_1166780181174166_1449615004424045769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0V0HQqGCDVUQ7kNvgE5D_n6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6dStMDWK57_LyArIc1QcEhUYoPfquBhWT5Wjoy35bcQ&oe=664F0737 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326607_1101917951061451_218003203580443970_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g-AZgGKXlHcQ7kNvgHaiRcW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIgyeGkhc19iQPGhbcqfeSzg0eHYhd2GsxGTNycILRUQ&oe=664F0736 | 0 | 3 | Felix White was my childhood sweetheart. From the moment we were born, the elders in our families had us engaged to one another. I liked him a lot and he treated me well. I had thought he'd be happy to marry me. But I was wrong... At a gathering, there was another lively discussion about my future marriage to Felix. Aunt Mel, Felix's mother exclaimed. "How time flies! A couple more years, Lulu'll be my daughter-in-law!" I felt sweet inside and stole a glance at Felix, but he didn't look happy. "You're right! Maybe when they graduate, we'll have our grandchildren." Mom chimed in. "Mom...Aunt Mel...I'm only 18." I protested. Talking about the child made me feel embarrassed. As usual, my little protest didn't work. They were still talking feverishly. I didn't want to waste my breath, but Felix suddenly stood up. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. He glared at me and spat, "It's all your fault. Stop shamelessly following me everywhere!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I don't like her!" He yelled. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. Dad clenched his fists and Mom also looked angry. Seeing that, Uncle Austin, Felix's father shouted at Felix, "Brat, apologize!" "I am not wrong!" Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. In a rage, Uncle Austin grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him. Felix slumped to the ground in pain, leaving a streak of blood on the floor. He shot me a scathing glare. "Are you happy now, Luna?" Why would I be happy? I was not the one to blame for this mess! If he didn't like me he should have rejected me earlier instead of accusing me of shamelessly clinging to him! I was not shameless. I just thought we loved each other. "Felix, listen to me, I just likeโ" I tried to explain. "But I don't need your LIKE!" Felix interrupted me with a look of disgust. I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was the reason why he humiliated me, then I would gladly change! I gritted my teeth. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that I will NEVER bother you again." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827091 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774026 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827438 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774026 | 810 | 774670891435230 | 1 | 3.8192924149149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18349378739 | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 6496581804879 | certifiedangusbeef.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Explore Mouthwatering Recipes. | https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/grilling/ | 1715356697 | 18349378739 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955107_8167130819981718_1997958134337683046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYtOB0jKbKwQ7kNvgFDWhbi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBY5YYacNP4-CDxr5gIv0QMFTP5qJ1LYB8gD9NQ38OO7g&oe=664F2A1B | person_profile | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463996_326316633815924_3854270161973612600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_2qDSfBqNfwQ7kNvgE9dAY0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADTP6P2PZJ0Ewwf6v7Bo2X2aAT2B2td9JfvCJBLL2uAw&oe=664F2E63 | 0 | 3 | Ready for a flavor adventure? ๐๐ด | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 1111837 | https://facebook.com/CertifiedAngusBeef | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827092 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827093 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827094 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827095 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827134 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774027 | 810 | 798847425524669 | 2 | 4.1767678452405E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236877869518483 | 0 | Mobile Center | 120211036230840116 | mobileresalehub.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | 12 month warranty & 30-day to change. | https://mobileresalehub.com/ | 1715510581 | 2.3687786951848E+14 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441257660_1094764401824325_6223625233035073077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dsE9zGYTU_8Q7kNvgECH8hr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA2et2nq62ychSHNubA_wrDPfn22PPfaSyiZ6-NQGtZEg&oe=664F14C0 | person_profile | 0 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441264124_422804250551207_157590697400640904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ojE1wa1JjjwQ7kNvgE4uzoe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoLEQfnQ9eBm5p8SxgaGjDb3o5abEbIP4jxCkjEqK2ww&oe=664F25E7 | 0 | 3 | ๐Discover outstanding iPhone deals! Up to 70% cheaper than new! โ Free delivery โ Cheap iPhone โ 12 month warranty โ expert customer service โ 30-day to change. | Mobile Center | 154 | https://facebook.com/61558186127895 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827097 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827098 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827099 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827100 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 858887796262509 | 2 | 8.0915660068031E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211247750770002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715251568 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172556_1000382361510248_6179197804503582160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPxXTLxjvkAQ7kNvgEjIOzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZjSueSECyGbYY7LlNadtSLpYARZih2gxVU4h3uSO5Kg&oe=664F1225 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144895_433133876341869_1863517058371972618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcLx0nfZdjMQ7kNvgEWRP6H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMoGqXrCHLI9_EF2x8Qpbz1FjNQ2zJjzl87npLBeIjsQ&oe=664F0EDD | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. Felix and I grew up together. Our parents were best friends, and they tried to pair us up again just now. I've liked him since little, and he's always been really good to me. But now this good boy glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, all the discussion about our wedding halted, and the room turned dead silent. I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'll never marry her, so you all can just forget it!" His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. It was fine if he didn't like me, and he could have told me in private, yet he had to trample all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ My father was always mild-mannered, yet his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father was the first to react. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "Who taught you to behave like that?" The slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! My son, Are you alright?" But Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. Felix struggled to stand up and turned to leave, but I forced the humiliation down and called out, "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827101 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827102 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827103 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827242 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1086529679437962 | 1 | 4.205586438356E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120205967718520334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Transform Your Space With Precision | Landscaping experts. | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/ | 1705564904 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420190041_346766758283651_4311395696293819188_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LZXDLij_3FoQ7kNvgHJfIFh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy8F7h1cAEtey6DW9SHYr5MsAgPlSkpSIVg6of1fUX2w&oe=664F2DEB | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420181046_920308233008002_3085060648356899485_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iKkfiM1Lqe4Q7kNvgEVjwC6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzV2Z1LVr2FOAytFdEmNHIng8ymjlkbiXmcAPK4mis3Q&oe=664F2548 | 0 | 3 | Landscaping experts. | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1707897600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827104 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827106 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774027 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827107 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827243 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1086529679437962 | 1 | 4.205586438356E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120205967718520334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Transform Your Space With Precision | Landscaping experts. | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/ | 1705564904 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420190041_346766758283651_4311395696293819188_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LZXDLij_3FoQ7kNvgHJfIFh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy8F7h1cAEtey6DW9SHYr5MsAgPlSkpSIVg6of1fUX2w&oe=664F2DEB | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420181046_920308233008002_3085060648356899485_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iKkfiM1Lqe4Q7kNvgEVjwC6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzV2Z1LVr2FOAytFdEmNHIng8ymjlkbiXmcAPK4mis3Q&oe=664F2548 | 0 | 3 | Landscaping experts. | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1707897600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827108 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827109 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827110 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079152 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1154523119004398 | 2 | 1.4377422001822E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120211289111250002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715329887 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399618_2321306068077367_7267370041668681897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7nLTD8Tl0AoQ7kNvgEw_XyH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvzCBYQHZeym4ynJanAoCNegKMrVjGyNroWXKTXoUJYA&oe=664F1093 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442385369_1121751435801135_773466184479018381_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JrR-ZalwKOUQ7kNvgF3moG8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCGfkxBls_tYugFJwyy3wCHM0VU3zY_D1_cSfVSx_OyJg&oe=664F234F | 0 | 3 | My crush actually flipped the table and humiliated me in front of our whole family! During dinner, everyone was engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about my wedding to Felix. I've known Felix since we were born. I liked himโa lot, and he's always been nice and gentle to me. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827111 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827244 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774028 | 810 | 1086529679437962 | 1 | 4.205586438356E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120205967718520334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Transform Your Space With Precision | Landscaping experts. | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/ | 1705564904 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420190041_346766758283651_4311395696293819188_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LZXDLij_3FoQ7kNvgHJfIFh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy8F7h1cAEtey6DW9SHYr5MsAgPlSkpSIVg6of1fUX2w&oe=664F2DEB | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420181046_920308233008002_3085060648356899485_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iKkfiM1Lqe4Q7kNvgEVjwC6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzV2Z1LVr2FOAytFdEmNHIng8ymjlkbiXmcAPK4mis3Q&oe=664F2548 | 0 | 3 | Landscaping experts. | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1707897600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827112 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827113 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827114 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827115 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827116 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827117 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827118 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827119 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774028 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827246 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1743723312807882 | 1 | 1.3199004653399E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120207253776240427 | www.ccplohio.org | Contact us | NONE | video | Enrich Your Journey Beyond Books | Ignite your knowledge. | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1705554481 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420097207_912538046777862_1082205696628937572_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1JlZjjvfQocQ7kNvgECgZQp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAwGZBHzA0k1A3mb6e7fpFPw5TrBF8vgQVSVCsSkczaQw&oe=664F15A5 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | From captivating children's programs to versatile meeting spaces, curated articles, and language learning opportunities. | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1706601600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827120 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774029 | 810 | 2115068452192199 | 1 | 7.5946080672893E+15 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827121 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774029 | 810 | 989757509447482 | 11 | 1.1720555042106E+15 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207623405290738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | ๐นThis series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1714125814 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439653549_1492081098184092_2520230055688059346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2gis3HRIfGAQ7kNvgHfdhAN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcHVGTLcVJT9NLx85nA8ctPAWQtTSnfi4Btz0n_8dDDQ&oe=664F1B8F | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439672237_968708498225044_5845263724250189725_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MemAErkt-QUQ7kNvgE2Z93P&_nc_oc=AdgDcORwr1aUflIF9FbemyJrz7sAORPVm65CYgpmZb_DZ23uukwKtQas8V5poO_-gg4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCO6n0C4qVOoSrns5CTatuWjHPq7tb4GSHCl5Wb4ayyZw&oe=664F02E8 | 0 | 3 | ๐๐After humiliated by his bride-to-be on the wedding rehearsal but Adam was soon told his true identity as the heir of the richest family in the US. On the journey of returning as a CEO, taking over his familyโs business, our true heir gradually finds out his true love, who has been by his side from the very beginningโฆ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1714201200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827124 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079153 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827464 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774029 | 810 | 807990614184322 | 1 | 3.3621486956814E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104021231725603 | 0 | Discover Weekly | 6588393142565 | sunwarrior.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ Start Managing Your Unwanted Weight | Collagen Slim OP2: Renew Your Beauty Naturally. Discover the magic of Collagen Slim OP2. Experience the revitalizing effects of collagen for your skin and body. | https://sunwarrior.com/pages/collagen-slim-op2 | 1715806446 | 1.040212317256E+14 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436120960_1624751948287413_940346882424950991_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b6CSXtMiauIQ7kNvgF2T3Gv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB3odiA36xPKmeSn1vu8HuN1ZP0YbkC3euADmsKzTzNxg&oe=664F15B3 | person_profile | 0 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477800_1006411704457044_4949343066852588531_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z_kd1IbkaBgQ7kNvgGgGMlR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAzFKvl28KMvY9WmTR7EVktupVYMdrvjWe8iY-Ssc81Iw&oe=664F17AF | 0 | 3 | โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โI can recommend Slim Collagen Boost to anyone who wants to achieve an improvement in weight, skin & hair within a few weeks. I'm just thrilled!" ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Our unique Beauty Building Blend has collagen boosting super ingredients to help you achieve your beauty & weight loss goals!<br /> <br /> 5 Great Reasons To Try Us! โ <br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Aids in healthy fat reduction & weight loss<br /> ๐ฅ Ignites your metabolism & curbs your cravings<br /> ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ People will think you are aging backwards<br /> ๐ Very low in carbs & calories<br /> ๐โโ๏ธ Alleviates joint pain, stiffness & inflammation!<br /> <br /> ๐ Sunwarrior customers have noticed changes as early as 2 weeks & astonishing results after 3 months!<br /> <br /> Try Sunwarriorโs Slim Collagen Boost Risk-Free for 30 Days! | Discover Weekly | 1334 | https://facebook.com/discoverweekly001 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827125 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079154 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827126 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079154 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827127 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079154 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827128 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079154 | 1723774029 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827129 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079154 | 1723774030 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827130 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827131 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827132 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 1493095901562766 | 1 | 2.937409771013E+14 | 1713337200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208581582510653 | werarts.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | SIGUE LEYENDO | https://werarts.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10839&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713162685 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170269_1182020586300662_7038971858175890584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qZjb0UfE5bkQ7kNvgEQRGIf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCokPX9ij_aBd2Y8q8-EF-vcT4ZPUvYqXcyVPGSGaltxg&oe=664F11E4 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078399_1880991625655362_3371924047159049792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1j3lyKBEAtkQ7kNvgFyyhWQ&_nc_oc=AdhAudYJYJj1vfhZcWoBARj28HXymgB5iTbN1Id8YzrZ_wur7_vfkjH-4jZGSQ39nog&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgi3m65z7ElBrYM7fRgUnU5er-f_n1O-7oyNy7hjoNvg&oe=664F0D47 | 0 | 3 | PREFACIO โ ยกTe odio! โยฟQuรฉ acabas de decir? โEl hombre mirรณ a la mujer y en sus ojos azules se desatรณ una tormenta. Pero ella no se inmutรณ y se mantuvo firme, alzรณ la barbilla demostrรกndole que ya no era esa chiquilla tonta e ingenua. โLo que escuchaste. Si hubieras sabido quiรฉn eras en realidad, jamรกsโฆ โsus ojos verdes se clavaron en el hombre โ jamรกs me hubiera entregado a ti. Las palabras de la mujer eran como gasolina al fuego y los pensamientos de Santino fueron en todas las direcciones, la sola idea de que ella pudiera pertenecer a alguien mรกs hacรญa que sus demonios afloraran. Lo hacรญan querer acabar con cualquiera que se atreviera a posar sus ojos en ella. Sonriรณ y luego llevรณ sus manos a los botones de su camisa, y el corazรณn de Sophia se agitรณ. No habรญa nada que hacer; ella lo deseaba, aunque le hubiera mentido, le hubiera vendido la fachada de alguien que no era, su corazรณn, asรญ como su cuerpo le pertenecรญan. Santino caminรณ lentamente hacia ella al momento que se quitaba la camisa y su poderoso pecho cubierto de tatuajes quedรณ al descubierto. Ella tragรณ saliva, sintiendo cรณmo su centro despertaba por รฉl, su cuerpo traidor se rendรญa ante el toque de su marido. โยฟQuรฉโฆ quรฉ vas a hacer? โpreguntรณ nerviosa. Santino se detuvo lo suficientemente cerca como para que sus alientos se mezclaran, sus dedos รกsperos acariciaron su mejilla y ella tuvo el instinto de cerrar los ojos y dejarse llevar. โRecordarteโฆ โsusurrรณ al oรญdo de la mujerโ recordarte a quiรฉn pertenecesโฆ SOLO ERES UNA MUJER HUMILDE UN AรO ANTESโฆ โ ยกNo voy a casarme! ยกNo! ยกDe ninguna manera! โSophia se mantuvo firme, su mirada ardรญa con una mezcla de miedo y desafรญo. Norma, su tรญa, la mirรณ con sus ojos inyectados en sangre por la furia, se levantรณ de su silla y caminรณ alrededor del escritorio con pasos medidos que resonaban en el lujoso estudio. โ ยฟCรณmo dices? โpreguntรณ, aunque mรกs parecรญa una demanda que una pregunta. โLo que escuchaste, tรญa. No voy a casarme solo porque tรบ no quieres sacrificar a tu hija โreplicรณ Sophia, su voz era temblorosa, pero llena de valentรญa. La ira de Norma estallรณ como un volcรกn; su mano se alzรณ y abofeteรณ a Sophia con una fuerza que la hizo tambalearse. โEscรบchame bien โgruรฑรณ, para luego agarrar el cabello de Sophia con tanta fuerza que las puntas de sus dedos se volvieron blancas. โHas sido una carga en esta casa, una molestia, y si digo que te casas, ยกte casas! Sophia, con el rostro enrojecido por la bofetada y los ojos acuosos no por el dolor, sino por el coraje, se negรณ a ceder. โNo โdijo con determinaciรณn, su voz apenas un susurro, pero firme. โNo voy a casarme. Norma Sanz la odiaba, sรญ, odiaba a Sophia con cada fibra de su ser, no solo porque era la hija de su hermana, sino porque representaba todo lo que habรญa despreciado en su vida. La รบnica razรณn por la cual habรญa aceptado a Sophia bajo su techo era la herencia que el padre desconocido habรญa dejado; algo que le permitirรญa vivir en comodidad el resto de sus dรญas. โBien โdijo Norma con un tono helado, soltando a Sophia con tal brusquedad que la joven cayรณ hacia atrรกs, golpeรกndose la cabeza contra la mesa frente al sofรก. โEncontrarรฉ la manera de doblegarte. De alguna manera u otra conseguirรฉ mis propรณsitos, Sophia. No lo olvides โla amenazรณ con un susurro venenoso โno eres nadie frente a mรญ. Sophia, desde el suelo, levantรณ la vista hacia la mujer que habรญa hecho de su vida un infierno. Recordรณ las noches oscuras en el รกtico y el hambre a la que habรญa sido sometida. Muchos se preguntarรญan por quรฉ soportรณ tanto. La respuesta era simple: su madre. Su tรญa habรญa pagado los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre enferma y eso la ataba a esta casa y a esta mujer cruel. Pero en su corazรณn, Sophia sabรญa que algรบn dรญa encontrarรญa la forma de liberarse. Norma le dio una sonrisa antes de inclinarse hacia ella, sus ojos tan verdes como los de la joven brillaban con un desdรฉn y un odio puro. โEres igual a ella โescupiรณ con desprecio, y su zapato de tacรณn presionรณ con fuerza la mano de Sophia. โ ยกAhhh! โexclamo Sophia, el dolor irradiando desde su mano aplastada. Pero incluso en medio del tormento, se negรณ a mostrar su debilidad. โTu madre fue una desgracia para nuestra familia, y tรบ solo eres una mujer humilde, y, aun asรญ, ยฟte crees con derecho a negarte? โcontinuรณ Norma, cada palabra como una daga envenenada destinada a herir. Sophia levantรณ sus ojos hacia su tรญa. A pesar de que las palabras le dolรญan profundamente, su mirada era desafiante, inquebrantable. โYa te dije, no me casarรฉ โreiterรณ con una voz que, aunque rasgada por la emociรณn, no mostraba rastro de duda. Norma sonriรณ con mรกs frialdad, un gesto que no llegaba a sus ojos. Asintiรณ lentamente, como si reconociera el desafรญo de Sophia y lo aceptara. Luego, sin mรกs palabras, retrocediรณ y se dirigiรณ hacia la salida del estudio, su silueta imponente recortada contra la luz que se filtraba por la puerta. โEso lo veremos, querida sobrina โdijo sin girarse, su voz flotando en el aire con la certeza de una amenaza. โEso lo veremos. Sophia permaneciรณ en el suelo y su cuerpo temblaba con la adrenalina del enfrentamiento. Mientras escuchaba los pasos de su tรญa, desvanecerse, sabรญa que este era solo el comienzo de su lucha. Pero estaba decidida; esta era su vida y serรญa ella quien decidirรญa su destino, no importaba lo que su cruel tรญa intentara hacer para controlarla. Sophia regresรณ a su habitaciรณn y en ese momento sonรณ su celular, se trataba de Jenna, su mejor amiga. โJannaโฆ โSophia, ยฟacaso lo olvidaste? โ ยฟOlvidar quรฉ? โHoy es mi cambio de departamento, quedaste en venir y ayudar. Sophia suspirรณ, de hecho, lo habรญa olvidado, los รบltimos dรญas habรญa estado enfocada en buscar un trabajo, querรญa ser independiente y conseguir un trabajo estable que pagara los gastos mรฉdicos de su madre y poder finalmente escapar del infierno en el que vivรญa. โBien, estarรฉ allรญ en media hora. โOk, date prisa, luego iremos con los chicos al cafรฉ. La llamada se cortรณ con la risa contagiosa de Jana, se habรญan conocido en una de las clases de la universidad y desde entonces se habรญan vuelto mejores amigas. Sophia tomรณ su bolso y se fue a toda prisa. Cuando la puerta principal de la mansiรณn se cerrรณ, Norma saliรณ del estudio mirando hacia la puerta por donde acababa de salir Sophia. โMamรก, ยกยฟquรฉ vas a hacer?! โpreguntรณ Serena, la hija biolรณgica de Norma. De hecho, Serena y Sophia se parecรญan mucho, todo se debรญa a que Norma y la madre de Sophia Natalie eran gemelas. โConseguirรฉ la manera cariรฑo, no te preocupes โ mirรณ a su hija y sonriรณ โno dejarรฉ que arruines tu vida con un monstruo y lisiado. Ella no iba a permitir que su hija arruinara su vida junto a un hombre que estaba condenado a una silla de ruedas. TE COMPRE UNA ESPOSA โLos envรญos estรกn listos. โdijo Andrรฉ, el mejor amigo y mano derecha de Santino. Santino Dโ Luca, sentado en su silla de ruedas, asintiรณ levemente. Sus ojos azules, normalmente llenos de una intensidad ardiente, parecรญan distantes, perdidos en pensamientos mรกs allรก de los negocios. โLos mexicanos estarรกn contentos con la mercancรญa. โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ, una sonrisa sutil asomando en su rostroโNos han hecho el pago adelantado. Este serรก el primero de muchos negocios. Hubo un silencio. Andrรฉ observรณ cรณmo su jefe procesaba la informaciรณn, esperando una reacciรณn que confirmara su presencia en el momento. Pero Santino estaba en otro lugar, su mente atormentada por recuerdos y preguntas sin respuesta. โSantinoโฆ ยฟSantino, estรกs escuchando? โpreguntรณ Andrรฉ, su tono ahora teรฑido de preocupaciรณn. El hombre parpadeรณ, volviendo al presente con un suspiro casi imperceptible. โSรญ. โrespondiรณ con voz ronca, como si cada palabra le costara. โDijiste que los mexicanos pagaron el envรญo y que haremos mรกs negocios. Andrรฉ lo mirรณ fijamente, una ceja arqueada en expresiรณn de duda. โEso lo dije hace rato. Te estaba diciendo que todos estรกn preguntando por ti. No puedo seguir excusรกndote y dar la cara todo el tiempo. En algรบn momento tendrรกs que volver al frente. Ademรกs, en la empresa los accionistas estรกn tensos. Ya sabes cรณmo son. Una mueca cruzรณ el rostro de Santino. Desde su salida del hospital, seis meses atrรกs, se habรญa recluido entre las paredes de su mansiรณn, negรกndose a enfrentar el mundo exterior. No se sentรญa listo aรบn, preferรญa mantener esa fachada de hombre desvalido y amargado. Pero no era solo una fachada; la amargura era real. El accidente habรญa descubierto la verdadera naturaleza de aquellos que lo rodeaban, una realidad que no podรญa ni querรญa olvidar. โLo harรฉ, Andrรฉ, pero no todavรญa. โdijo Santino con una voz que, aunque tranquila, llevaba el peso de una decisiรณn irrevocable. โNecesito seguir manteniรฉndome lejos, dejar que el responsable tome confianza y muestre su rostro. Andrรฉ suspirรณ, su expresiรณn era un lienzo de frustraciรณn y lealtad. โ ยฟQuรฉ ha pasado con las investigaciones? โpreguntรณ, buscando alguna esperanza. โAรบn nada. โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, su tono endureciรฉndose. โLos vรญdeos del taller donde estaba el auto fueron borrados y los empleados afirman no saber nada. Pero es un hecho que el auto fue manipulado. No fallaron los frenos por nada, Santino. El hombre en la silla de ruedas apretรณ los dedos con tanta fuerza que sus nudillos se volvieron blancos. Sus ojos se oscurecieron, reflejando una sed de venganza que no necesitaba palabras. โSigue investigando. โordenรณ. โMientras tanto, yo seguirรฉ con mi fachada. No me conviene que sepan la verdad. Andrรฉ se inclinรณ hacia delante y preguntรณ en voz baja. โ ยฟNi siquiera tu madre? โNo. โcontestรณ con una firmeza que no dejaba lugar a dudas. โNi siquiera ella. โ ยฟEstรกs pensando queโฆ? โAndrรฉ comenzรณ a decir antes de ser interrumpido. โNo seas imbรฉcil. โlo regaรฑรณ. โPor supuesto que no dudo de mi madre, pero si llegase a saber la verdad, no podrรญa mantenerlo en secreto. Ya la conoces. Andrรฉ tenรญa que reconocer que Santino tenรญa razรณn. Justo cuando iba a verbalizar su acuerdo, la puerta del estudio se abriรณ con un movimiento suave pero decidido. La figura de una mujer elegante y con una presencia que llenaba la habitaciรณn se delineรณ en el umbral. Era ella, la madre de Santino tenรญa un porte digno y una mirada que parecรญa atravesar las paredes que su hijo habรญa levantado a su alrededor. โMadre. โdijo Santino, maniobrando su silla de ruedas para acercarse a ella. Grecia Dโ Luca, con su elegancia innata a sus cincuenta aรฑos, no podรญa evitar la preocupaciรณn que sentรญa por su hijo, aunque รฉl ya fuera un hombre hecho y derecho. โCariรฑo, te perdiste el desayuno y vas por el mismo camino con el almuerzo. Tienes que alimentarte. โ expresรณ, inclinรกndose para dejar un beso en la frente de su hijo. Andrรฉ, observando la escena desde su lugar, sonriรณ ante el intercambio. La calidez maternal siempre tenรญa un efecto en รฉl, un recordatorio de la humanidad que aรบn residรญa en los rincones de aquel negocio endurecido. โMamรก. โgruรฑรณ Santino, con una mezcla de afecto y molestia. โNo tengo hambre y ademรกs estoy en un asunto importante con Andrรฉ. Comerรฉ mรกs tarde. โNo. โreplicรณ ella con seriedad. โComerรกs ahora. โSe irguiรณ y sus ojos se tornaron solemnes, lo que captรณ inmediatamente la atenciรณn de su hijo. โ ยฟQuรฉ pasa? โpreguntรณ รฉl, percibiendo la gravedad del asunto. โPrimero come yโฆ โMadre, no tengo tiempo. Ve al grano y dime quรฉ pasa. โla interrumpiรณ Santino con impaciencia. Grecia a veces no soportaba el temperamento de su hijo. Antes del accidente que se llevรณ a su marido y dejรณ a su hijo confinado a una silla de ruedas, รฉl era amable, dulce y sonriente. Ahora, se habรญa vuelto amargado y frรญo, y ni siquiera ella era inmune a su nueva personalidad. โBien, entonces serรฉ directa. โdijo con firmeza, mirando fijamente a los ojos verdes de su hijo, un reflejo de los suyos propios. โHe organizado una boda. Las cejas de Santino se fruncieron, un mal presagio creciรณ en su interior. โTu abuelo te ha comprado una novia. Santino tardรณ un momento en procesar la noticia, era como si las palabras de su madre fueran un idioma extranjero que luchaba por entender. Cuando las piezas finalmente encajaron, su respuesta fue visceral. โ ยกยฟTe volviste loca?! ยกยฟPerdiste la cabeza, Grecia?! โexclamรณ con una mezcla de incredulidad y enfado. โ ยกModela tu lenguaje, jovencito! โle regaรฑรณ Grecia, imperturbable ante el estallido de su hijo. โTendrรกs 30 aรฑos, pero sigo siendo tu madre, Santino, y no me vas a hablar en ese tono. El hombre apretรณ los dientes y tomรณ un par de respiraciones profundas, intentando recuperar el control. โMadre, no necesito una esposa. โgruรฑรณ. โEstoy bien como estoy. ยฟQuรฉ te hace pensar que quiero a una mujer incordiando todo el dรญa? โ ยฟNo la necesitas? ยฟEstรกs seguro? โpreguntรณ Grecia, su voz era un manto de preocupaciรณn maternal. โHijo, tรบ no ves lo que yo veo. Te estรกs consumiendo en tu propio dolor. Has dejado tu vida de lado, ya no sales, te la pasas amargado, no recibes a nadie. Y apenas tienes 30 aรฑos. El hecho de que estรฉs en una silla de ruedas no significa queโฆ La risa burlona de Santino interrumpiรณ el discurso de su madre, llenando el estudio con su amargura. โMadre, de verdad que eres รบnica, โdijo con un tono que rozaba la condescendencia. โSoy tu hijo y siempre me verรกs con ojos de amor, peroโฆ ยฟNo me ves? โpreguntรณ, y sus ojos se oscurecieron aรบn mรกs detrรกs de la mรกscara. Sรญ, Santino usaba una mรกscara para ocultar su rostro quemado. El accidente le habรญa arrebatado mรกs que la movilidad de sus piernas; tambiรฉn habรญa desfigurado su cara, por lo que llevaba una mรกscara que cubrรญa la mayor parte de su rostro, dejando solo su boca a la vista. Grecia mirรณ a su hijo con un dolor que solo una madre puede sentir. A sus ojos, Santino era perfecto tal como era, y su corazรณn se desgarraba cada vez que veรญa lo que se habรญa convertido. Ella habรญa estado de acuerdo con su suegro con la esperanza de que una compaรฑera pudiera hacerle compaรฑรญa y, con suerte, descongelar su corazรณn helado. โYa estรก decidido, Santino, โdijo Grecia con decisiรณn. โTendrรกs una esposa, yo quiero nietos, quiero alegrรญa en esta casa, y, ademรกs, quiero que vuelvas a sonreรญr. El hombre en la silla de ruedas se conmoviรณ por las palabras de su madre, de verdad no querรญa herirla, pero decirle la verdad no era posible en ese momento, asรญ que tenรญa que seguir con su personaje. โPues me niego. โreplicรณ. โsi traes a esa mujer aquรญ, le voy a hacer la vida imposible, madre. โsentencio โtanto que no durarรก unas horas, no quiero, ni necesito una esposa. Ademรกs โpregunto burlรณn. โ ยฟquiรฉn se casarรญa con un lisiado y un monstruo? SIN CORAZรN โSanto cielo, Sophia, ยกestรกs muy caliente! โexclamรณ, Janna, su voz teรฑida de ansiedad mientras tocaba la frente de su amiga, buscando confirmar sus sospechas. Sophia intentรณ ofrecer una sonrisa tranquilizadora, aunque pรกlida y dรฉbil. โNo te preocupes, estoy bien, solo es un resfriado โrespondiรณ con una voz que pretendรญa ser firme, pero que no lograba ocultar el leve temblor provocado por la fiebre. Janna frunciรณ el ceรฑo aรบn mรกs preocupada. โPero eres asmรกtica yโฆ โHizo una pausa, sopesando sus palabras antes de continuar con determinaciรณn. โ ยฟSabes quรฉ? Vayamos al hospital. La reacciรณn de Sophia fue inmediata, levantando una mano en seรฑal de detenciรณn. โNo โdijo con firmeza, aunque su voz se suavizรณ al explicar su situaciรณn. โEstoy bien, de verdad, ademรกsโฆ no tengo dinero para pagarlo. Su expresiรณn se tornรณ triste al recordar la dependencia financiera de su tรญa, ella era quien administraba su herencia y apenas le proporcionaba lo justo para sus gastos universitarios y algunas medicinas para su madre. Janna, mostrando una mezcla de frustraciรณn y compasiรณn, se apresurรณ a ofrecer una soluciรณn. โPuedo pagarlo por ti, tengo algo ahorradoโฆ Sophia sacudiรณ la cabeza, rechazando la generosidad de su amiga. โNo, Janna, sรฉ que eso es para tu sueรฑo de abrir tu propia cafeterรญa. โlanzรณ una sonrisa triste mientras agregaba โVoy a estar bien, lo prometo. Su determinaciรณn era fรฉrrea, aunque no podรญa ocultar completamente su vulnerabilidad. Janna suspirรณ, reconociendo la obstinaciรณn de su amiga. โEstรก bien, pero me llamas en cuanto llegues, ยฟvale? โOk โrespondiรณ Sophia, acercรกndose para envolver a Janna en un abrazo leve, pero lleno de gratitud y afecto. Lo que ninguna de las dos sabรญa era que esto le estaba dando la oportunidad perfecta a la tรญa de Sophia para avanzar con sus planes ocultos. * โSeรฑora, la niรฑa Sophia, estรก ardiendo en fiebre โexpresรณ la empleada con preocupaciรณn, interrumpiendo el tranquilo momento de Norma mientras tomaba su tรฉ de la tarde. La menciรณn de la fiebre de Sophia hizo que Norma alzara una ceja, un gesto que mostraba su personalidad frรญa y calculadora. โ ยฟFiebre dices? โpreguntรณ Norma, su tono impregnado de indiferencia. โSรญ, seรฑora, desde que llegรณ se veรญa mal. Creo que debemos llamar al mรฉdico o llevarla al hospital โinsistiรณ la empleada, esperando provocar algรบn atisbo de compasiรณn en su ama. Pero Norma respondiรณ con una determinaciรณn helada, poniรฉndose de pie y dirigiendo una mirada amenazante hacia la empleada. โNadie va a llamar a nadie y no iremos a ningรบn hospital โdeclarรณ โMejor llama un taxi. โ ยฟUn taxi? Pero seรฑora, ellaโฆ โLa empleada intentรณ protestar, preocupada por la salud de Sophia, pero fue interrumpida bruscamente. โ ยฟTe pago para que hagas preguntas? ยฟO es que quieres ser echada a la calle? Te recuerdo que tienes un mocoso que alimentar โamenazรณ Norma. La empleada bajรณ la cabeza con impotencia, consciente de que su situaciรณn econรณmica y familiar la hacรญa vulnerable a las humillaciones de la mujer. โLo siento, seรฑora โmurmurรณ, resignada a seguir las รณrdenes. โBien, ahora ve a hacer lo que te ordenรฉ โexigiรณ Norma con frialdad. Una vez sola, se dirigiรณ hacia la habitaciรณn de Sophia, ubicada en el รกrea de servicio. Era un viejo depรณsito con filtraciones, reflejaba el desdรฉn con el que Norma trataba a su sobrina. Al entrar, sus ojos se clavaron en la figura dรฉbil de Sophia, y el odio que sentรญa por ella burbujeรณ en su interior. โDebiste haber muerto, apenas abriste tus ojos, Sophia. Pero no, sobreviviste y te quedaste para torturarme una y otra vez โsusurrรณ con veneno en su voz. โPero yo voy a condenarte, a hacer tu vida, un infierno mรกs de lo que ya es. Norma se acercรณ lentamente a Sophia, su paso era medido, casi como si disfrutara del dramatismo del momento. Con un gesto que parecรญa mรกs una formalidad que una verdadera preocupaciรณn, tocรณ la frente de Sophia. Estaba demasiado caliente, una fiebre lo suficientemente alta como para mantener a Sophia en un estado de inconsciencia. La gravedad de su estado era evidente, pero la preocupaciรณn parecรญa estar ausente en los ojos de la mujer. โSeรฑora, el taxi estรก esperando โinformรณ la empleada desde la puerta, sus ojos cargados de lรกstima al mirar a la joven acostada en el catre. A pesar de la urgencia, su tono era resignado, como si ya conociera la respuesta a cualquier pregunta que pudiera surgir sobre el bienestar de Sophia. โBien, ve por Tomรกs โordenรณ Norma sin mirar a la empleada. La mujer esta vez no preguntรณ, se dio la vuelta y poco despuรฉs regresรณ con Tomรกs, el jardinero, un hombre de aspecto robusto cuya expresiรณn reflejaba una mezcla de confusiรณn y preocupaciรณn. Sin embargo, sabรญa que no era su lugar cuestionar las รณrdenes de la seรฑora de la casa. Asรญ que, por orden de Norma, cargรณ en sus brazos a Sophia con cuidado y la metiรณ en el taxi. A pesar de su apariencia ruda, sus movimientos eran gentiles, tratando de perturbar lo menos posible a la joven enferma. Luego, siguiendo las instrucciones precisas de la seรฑora de la casa, pagรณ al taxista el doble de la tarifa habitual y le dio la direcciรณn que ella le habรญa ordenado. Mientras el taxi se alejaba, la expresiรณn en el rostro de Norma era indescifrable. ยฟEra satisfacciรณn? ยฟIndiferencia? Solo ella sabรญa cuรกl era el destino final de Sophia y quรฉ esperaba lograr con esto. Cuando el taxi se detuvo delante de las grandes puertas negras, la opulencia de la mansiรณn detrรกs de ellas era evidente incluso desde la distancia. Un guardia de seguridad se acercรณ rรกpidamente al vehรญculo, su mirada inquisitiva dejaba claro que no cualquier visitante era bienvenido. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres? โpreguntรณ el guardia, su voz profunda y autoritaria. El taxista, al ver el aspecto intimidante del hombre y de los muros que protegรญan la propiedad, tragรณ saliva nerviosamente antes de responder. โYo solo cumplo รณrdenes, me dijeron que la trajera aquรญ โexplicรณ, intentando mantener la calma. Su mirada se desviรณ hacia el espejo retrovisor, donde podรญa ver a Sophia aรบn desmayada en el asiento trasero. Uno de los guardias de seguridad se asomรณ al interior del taxi y, al ver a Sophia en ese estado, no pudo evitar preocuparse. Hablรณ brevemente por su micrรณfono, y despuรฉs de unos minutos de espera que parecieron eternos para el taxista, abriรณ la puerta trasera del vehรญculo. Y con una mezcla de eficiencia y cuidado, el guardia cargรณ en brazos a Sophia y se dirigiรณ hacia la gran casa, mientras tanto, el taxista, aliviado de haber cumplido su tarea y ansioso por alejarse de ese lugar tan intimidante, se apresurรณ a irse tan rรกpido como pudo. La mansiรณn, con sus puertas ahora cerrรกndose lentamente detrรกs del guardia y Sophia, escondรญa los secretos y las decisiones que aguardaban dentro. NO QUIERO QUE MUERA EN MI CASA Cuando Sophia abriรณ los ojos, su frente se arrugรณ cuando vio la extraรฑa habitaciรณn. Se levantรณ lentamente y mirรณ a su alrededor solo para encontrarse con una anciana de aspecto dulce. โQuรฉ bueno que despertรณ, seรฑora โdijo la mujer acercรกndose. Sophia frunciรณ mรกs las cejas y repitiรณ. โ ยฟSeรฑora? Yoโฆ ยฟDรณnde estoy? โNo se levante todavรญa, pasรณ una mala noche y el mรฉdico dijo que debรญa descansar. โdijo la mujer instรกndola a acostarse. โNoโฆ yoโฆ quiero saber dรณnde estoy. El corazรณn de Sophia latรญa a toda velocidad y un nudo se formรณ en su estรณmago. โQuiero irme, esta no es mi casa. Saliรณ de la cama tambaleรกndose y la empleada se apresurรณ a ayudarla. โSeรฑoraโฆ no es bueno queโฆ โ ยกNo me llames, seรฑora! โSophia dijo demasiado alto โNo soy ninguna seรฑora. Esta no es mi casa y exijo saber por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. Yoโฆ โse llevรณ una mano a la cabeza para calmar el dolor. โSeรฑora, usted no puede irse, el joven Santino ya sabe que estรก aquรญ y ordenรณ que le prepararan el desayuno. โ ยฟSantino? โmiro a la mujer ahora con mรกs confusiรณn โ ยฟQuiรฉn rayos es Santino? ยฟY quiรฉn dice que voy a comer con รฉl? En otra habitaciรณn de la mansiรณn, el ambiente era completamente distinto. Andrรฉ, con una expresiรณn seria, le entregรณ un iPad a Santino, quien esperaba con impaciencia. La pantalla mostraba la informaciรณn detallada de la mujer que en ese momento enfrentaba un confuso despertar en su casa. โEso fue todo lo que encontrรฉ sobre Serena Michel. Es hija de Tom Michel y Norma Sanz. รl tiene una empresa en el ramo automotriz y no va muy bien; asรญ que hizo algunos prรฉstamos โexplicรณ Andrรฉ, mientras Santino examinaba la imagen de la chica en el dispositivo. รl observรณ detenidamente la foto. Serena Michel no era fea, pero tampoco habรญa algo en ella que la hiciera destacar a primera vista; se podrรญa considerar alguien simple. โ ยฟNos deben dinero? โpreguntรณ, aunque ya conocรญa la respuesta. โSรญ, es por eso, que tu abuelo organizรณ esta boda. Lo dejarรก libre de deudas si la chica se casa contigo โrespondiรณ Andrรฉ, sabiendo que esta noticia no serรญa del agrado de su amigo. Santino soltรณ un bufido sarcรกstico. โMi abuelo a veces es un poco entrometido. Cree que no puedo liderar la empresa y la organizaciรณn solo. Andrรฉ tomรณ asiento frente a su amigo, mirรกndolo con seriedad. โTal vez tenga razรณn, Santino. Tal vez es tiempo de que tomes una esposa. Es bueno para ti en todos los aspectos, ademรกs debes dejar ir aโฆ La mirada de advertencia de Santino lo hizo callar de inmediato. Siempre que mencionaba a esa persona, se ponรญa de mal humor. โNo lo hago por ella โdijo con voz firme y decidida. โLa verdad es que no necesito una esposa. Eso solo significarรญa debilidad, y tรบ y yo sabemos que en este negocio los dรฉbiles caen. Yโฆ โSus ojos se entrecerraron, dejando entrever una determinaciรณn feroz. โNo quiero distracciones para cazar al culpable. โSรญ, claro. Crรฉete eso tรบ mismo, pero a mรญ no me engaรฑas. El รบnico motivo por el que no quieres comprometerte es porque aรบn sigues amando a Kiara โAndrรฉ dijo con una mezcla de comprensiรณn y desafรญo. La tensiรณn en la habitaciรณn creciรณ. A pesar de las complicadas circunstancias que rodeaban el acuerdo matrimonial con Serena, era evidente que el corazรณn de Santino aรบn pertenecรญa a alguien mรกs. La menciรณn de ese nombre hizo que Santino regresara al pasado, a una รฉpoca en la que la inocencia aรบn formaba parte de su vida. Kiara Ferrara, la hija de un socio de su padre, habรญa sido su compaรฑera desde la infancia. Crecieron juntos, compartiendo juegos, sueรฑos y, eventualmente, un amor juvenil que parecรญa destinado a florecer con el tiempo. Pero cuando la traiciรณn por parte del padre de Kiara se descubriรณ, afectando profundamente los negocios y la confianza entre las familias, su padre se opuso fรฉrreamente a que ambos continuaran su relaciรณn. A pesar de las advertencias y los obstรกculos, Santino se impuso, creyendo en el amor que pensaba que compartรญan. Sin embargo, la realidad era mucho mรกs amarga de lo que jamรกs podrรญa haber imaginado. Kiara no era la mujer que รฉl creรญa amar; en realidad, habรญa sido nada mรกs que un peรณn en manos de alguien que nunca lo habรญa amado de verdad. Kiara habรญa estado engaรฑรกndolo con su primo Damiano, una traiciรณn que destrozรณ el corazรณn de Santino y fracturรณ su capacidad de confiar nuevamente. Cuando descubriรณ la traiciรณn de Kiara, la confrontaciรณn fue inevitable. Las palabras se tornaron en gritos, los gritos en acusaciones, hasta que el destino intervino de la manera mรกs trรกgica. Kiara terminรณ muerta en un accidente esa misma noche, una conclusiรณn abrupta y fatal a su historia. Y aunque sabรญa que era una traidora, Santino no pudo evitar sentir un profundo dolor y culpa por lo sucedido. Desde ese momento, se jurรณ a sรญ mismo que nunca mรกs volverรญa a confiar en una mujer. โSantino, ยฟme estรกs escuchando? โAndrรฉ chasqueรณ los dedos delante de su amigo. โSรญ, perdรณn, ยฟquรฉ decรญas? โSantino saliรณ de sus cavilaciones, su mirada perdida finalmente enfocรกndose en su amigo. Andrรฉ suspirรณ. โDije que la hija de Tom Michel es una joyita. Investiguรฉ un poco mรกs y descubrรญ que la chica no es una dulce paloma; le gusta la bebida, alojarse yโฆ โAndrรฉ, rio burlรณn โacaba de tener un aborto. Las cejas de Santino se apretaron. โ ยฟUn aborto? โAsรญ es, tenรญa una relaciรณn con un capitรกn de fรบtbol, terminaron y ella se quedรณ con el paquete. โCielos, Andrรฉ, ยฟcรณmo consigues tanta informaciรณn? El hombre se carcajeรณ. โMรกximo es bueno en ello, su gente es muy eficiente. Santino asintiรณ. Mรกximo DโLuca era su otro primo, unos aรฑos mayor que รฉl y sobre todo leal. Tenรญa una empresa de seguridad e investigaciรณn que trabajaba para el gobierno y todo aquel que pudiera pagar sus servicios. โRecuรฉrdame enviarle un regalo por el nacimiento de sus trillizos. โEstaba muy molesto contigo โcontinuรณ Andrรฉ โdijo que vendrรญa en cualquier momento, asรญ que prepรกrate, tu madre junto a tu tรญa Brenda serรกn un duro frente. Santino rodรณ los ojos y siguiรณ viendo la fotografรญa en el iPad. โ ยฟY quรฉ piensas hacer con tu prometida? โpreguntรณ tentativamente Andrรฉ โDado que anoche le diste una habitaciรณn, supongo queโฆ โEn primer lugar, ella no es mi prometida, porque no pienso casarme con ella. Y, en segundo lugar, le di una habitaciรณn porque estaba medio muerta, ยฟes que no viste? โ ยกAy, perdรณn! Estรกs de un humor de perro. Y pensรกndolo bien, quizรกs la fiebre sea por alguna infecciรณn, ya sabes cรณmo son esas clรญnicas clandestinas. Seguramente la familia pensรณ que se te ablandarรญa el corazรณn โse rio divertido โse nota que no te conocen. Santino apagรณ el iPad y rodรณ la silla hacia atrรกs. โNo hagas conjeturas equivocadas. Solo la dejรฉ quedarse porque no querรญa que muriera en mi casa. PRIMER DESAYUNO EN FAMILIA โSeรฑora, por favorโฆ โel ama de llaves tratรณ de hacer entrar en razรณn a Sophia. โYa te he dicho que me voy. No sรฉ quรฉ demonios pasa, pero no soy ninguna seรฑora y no sรฉ por quรฉ estoy aquรญ. ยกExijo ver a ese tal Santino! โMi seรฑora, por favor, baje la voz. โEl tono de la empleada era nervioso. โAl joven Santino no le gustan los escรกndalos y ademรกs tiene mal carรกcter, lo mejor serรก que lo obedezca en todo. โ ยฟObedecer? โSophia alzรณ una ceja. โ ยฟY quรฉ se supone que soy: un perro amaestrado? โNo, no, mi seรฑora โel ama de llaves se apresurรณ a explicarle. โEs solo queโฆ โ ella mirรณ hacia la puerta y bajรณ la voz. โรl no era asรญ, se volviรณ asรญ. Las cejas de Sophia se fruncieron y la curiosidad picรณ en ella. โ ยฟA quรฉ te refieres? โBueno, รฉl cambiรณ mucho despuรฉs del accidente โdijo la mujer en tono bajo. โEl auto donde viajaban รฉl y su padre explotรณ, el seรฑor muriรณ y el joven Santino sobreviviรณ, pero a un alto costo. Su cuerpo quedรณ lleno de quemaduras yโฆ โla mujer bajรณ la cabeza โsus piernas no volvieron a funcionar. Ademรกs, ahora usa una mรกscara que oculta su rostro y se volviรณ un ser amargado y frรญo. Los ojos verdes de Sophia se dilataron. โ ยฟDices que estรก en silla de ruedas y usa una mรกscara? La mujer asintiรณ. โSรญ, pero ojalรก lo hubiera visto antes, no habรญa rostro como el suyo, era guapo y todas las mujeres se morรญan por estar con รฉl. โEl ama de llaves suspirรณ. โCuando volviรณ a casa ordenรณ retirar todas las fotografรญas de รฉl, dijo que no querรญa verse como era antes y que estaba prohibido sacarlas del รกtico. Sophia estaba muy confundida, pero tenรญa la leve impresiรณn de que sabรญa lo que estaba pasando. โBueno, el caso es que yo no soy la seรฑora y no voy a casarme con ese tal Santino, por favor ve por รฉl y dile que quiero verlo. โSeรฑoraโฆ โ ยกQue no me llames, seรฑora! โSophia la regaรฑรณ. โLlรกmame Sophia si no es mucha molestia. โEstรก bien, le dirรฉ al joven que usted quiere verlo. Cuando el ama de llaves se fue, sonรณ el celular de Sophia, afortunadamente lo habรญa dejado en el bolsillo de su pantalรณn. โ ยฟHola? โGracias a Dios que contestas โdijo Janna del otro lado. โTe llamรฉ un par de veces anoche, pero no contestaste, estaba muy preocupada. ยฟCรณmo estรกs? Sophia mirรณ la habitaciรณn y suspirรณ. โEstoy bien, pero tengo mucho que contarte. ยฟSigue en pie la oferta de mudarme contigo? โSabes que sรญ, ยฟya te decidiste a mandar al diablo a tu tรญa? โDigamos que voy a empezar a labrar mi propio camino. โEsa es la actitud que debiste tener desde un principio, yo voy a apoyarte en todo, y con lo de tu herencia, contratemos un abogado, tu tรญaโฆ โJanna, ahora no quiero pensar en eso, lo รบnico que me importa es encontrar un buen trabajo para poder pagar el tratamiento de mi madre. La herencia me da igual. โNo deberรญas decir eso, no sabes quรฉ tipo de herencia es, quizรกs tu padreโฆ โMi padre nos abandonรณ a mi madre y a mรญ. Eso es todo, lo que รฉl me haya dejado no me interesa. Ahora debo colgar, te llamarรฉ mรกs tarde. Sophia colgรณ la llamada y se dejรณ caer en la inmensa cama soltando un suspiro. De repente las cortinas comenzaron a moverse y ella se tensรณ. Su corazรณn se agitรณ y su estรณmago se entumeciรณ. Y antes de que ella gritara, un pequeรฑo niรฑo apareciรณ delante de ella. โยกยกMAMI!! Sophia se quedรณ congelada por un momento, mirando al pequeรฑo niรฑo que acababa de aparecer de entre las cortinas, llamรกndola โmamiโ con una voz que destilaba inocencia y confusiรณn. Por un instante, su corazรณn se detuvo, y luego, como si se reactivara, comenzรณ a latir frenรฉticamente. โ ยฟQuiรฉn eres tรบ? โpreguntรณ, tratando de mantener la calma. El pequeรฑo de seis se lanzรณ sobre el regazo de Sophia, ella fue tomada por sorpresa, pero un momento despuรฉs lo apartรณ. โNiรฑoโฆ Yoโฆ no soy tu madre. โClaro que sรญ โrespondiรณ el pequeรฑo mirรกndola con ojos brillantes de emociรณn. โLlevo mucho tiempo esperando una madre y finalmente papรก me trajo una casa. ยซยฟPapa? ยฟQuiere decir que este niรฑo es hijo de ese tal Santino?ยป La cabeza de Sophia trabajaba a toda velocidad. Apartรณ nuevamente al niรฑo y se agachรณ delante de รฉl, dรกndole una sonrisa. โCreo que hay una confusiรณn, yo no puedo ser tu mamiโฆ yoโฆ Las palabras se cortaron cuando ella vio la carita triste del niรฑo, los ojos que hace un momento brillaban de felicidad ahora estaban llenos de tristeza. โPensรฉ que eras tรบ, papรก, dijo que traerรญa una mamรก para mรญ, todos mis amigos de la escuela tienen a sus madres y yoโฆ nunca puedo llevar a la mรญa a las actividades escolares. El corazรณn de Sophia se apretรณ, ella podรญa entenderlo mรกs de lo que pensaba. Aunque no tenรญa seis aรฑos, tambiรฉn extraรฑaba a su madre. โA ver, primero dime cรณmo te llamas. El chiquillo sonriรณ de nuevo y se presentรณ. โMi nombre es รngelo Dโ Luca y soy hijo de Santino Dโ Luca, papรก parece amargado, pero es bueno, espero que pronto me den una hermanitaโฆ aunque serรญa mejor un hermano, las niรฑas son muy tontas y no pueden jugar aโฆ โEspera, esperaโฆ โSophia tapo la boca del pequeรฑo โCreo que vas muy rรกpido โdijo nerviosa. โYoโฆ no voy a darte una hermanita y tampoco un hermanito, lamento queโฆ En ese momento la puerta se abriรณ y era el ama de llaves. โSeรฑora, el desayuno estรก listo, el joven Santino se reunirรก con usted en un momento. โ ยกGenial! โexclamo el pequeรฑo รngelo โnuestro primer desayuno en familia. Sophia sintiรณ cรณmo la situaciรณn se deslizaba entre sus dedos como arena. La palabra โfamiliaโ resonรณ en su mente, creando un eco que no podรญa ignorar. รngelo, con su inocencia y sus esperanzas, habรญa creado un escenario que Sophia no sabรญa cรณmo manejar. Mirรณ al ama de llaves, buscando algรบn tipo de ayuda o guรญa en sus ojos, pero la mujer solo le ofreciรณ una sonrisa comprensiva y un gesto para que la siguieran al comedor. โVamos, รngelo โdijo Sophia finalmente, tomando de la mano al pequeรฑo. A pesar de la confusiรณn y la sorpresa, no podรญa negar el calor que le producรญa el entusiasmo del niรฑo. โVamos a desayunar. NO TE CREAS LA SEรORA Cuando Sophia bajรณ las escaleras, Santino ya los estaba esperando. El hombre sentado en su silla de ruedas no dejaba de ser atractivo, y ella no pudo evitar detallarlo. Llevaba un antifaz que cubrรญa casi todo su rostro, sin embargo, su boca cerrada estaba a la vista, y se demorรณ demasiado tiempo en los rosados. ยซยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Sophia? ยกDeja de mirarlo y termina con esto de una buena vez!ยป Se regaรฑรณ a sรญ misma. Sin embargo, sus ojos curiosos no obedecieron; siguiรณ mirando y se detuvo en los guantes de cuero, asumiรณ que seguramente las llamas habรญan quemado tambiรฉn sus manos. Siguiรณ mirando y, cuando finalmente sus miradas se encontraron, vio los ojos mรกs hermosos que jamรกs hubiera visto, eran de un azul casi verdoso, y estos hicieron que su corazรณn se agitara y que su estรณmago se tensara. Era un hecho: รฉl la ponรญa nerviosa. De repente, รngelo soltรณ su mano y corriรณ hacia รฉl. โ ยกPapi! โgritรณ el pequeรฑo, sentรกndose en su regazo. โ ยกCumpliste tu promesa, has traรญdo una mamรก a casa! Sophia abriรณ los ojos y estaba a punto de sacarlo de su error otra vez, cuando Santino le ordenรณ al ama de llaves que sirviera el desayuno. La piel de Sophia se erizรณ por todas partes y, sin poder evitarlo, su cuerpo reaccionรณ a su voz. Era el tipo de voz que harรญa que obedecieras, esa voz que querrรญas te dijera cosas prohibidas al oรญdo. Sophia se obligรณ a salir de su trance. ยซBasta, Sophia, ยฟquรฉ te pasa? Nunca has tenido a una pareja, sรญ, pero eso no quiere decir que vas a fantasear con desconocidosยป se dijo a sรญ misma. Mirรณ nuevamente a Santino y agregรณ en su mente ยซaunque sean atractivos y con rosados perfectos para besarยป Mientras el desayuno se servรญa, el silencio se instalรณ por un momento, solo roto por los sonidos cotidianos del ama de llaves preparando todo. Sophia intentaba recomponerse, luchando internamente con sus emociones y la extraรฑa atracciรณn que sentรญa hacia el hombre en silla de ruedas. โ ยฟVas a quedarte ahรญ mirando? โdijo Santino con frialdad. Sophia saliรณ de su estupor y tomรณ asiento donde le indicรณ el ama de llaves, estaba dispuesta a ir al grano, pero la queja de รngelo la interrumpiรณ. โNo me gusta el tomate, ยฟpor quรฉ siempre le ponen tomate a mi sรกndwich? โJoven รngelo, son รณrdenes de su padre. Debe comer vegetales, esโฆ Pero รngelo interrumpiรณ. โ ยกPero no me gustan! Papรก, no quiero comer tomate. Santino, que no estaba para las malcriadeces de su ahijado, le gruรฑรณ severamente. โTe comerรกs todo lo que hay en el plato, รngelo, y espero que esto no se repita. No quiero castigarte de nuevo. El chiquillo le dio una mirada triste y replicรณ. โEs solo el tomate, papรก, no me gustaโฆ Dile aโฆ โ ยกHe dicho que te lo comas! Y no quiero volver a escucharte. No te levantas hasta quรฉโฆ โOiga, no le hable asรญ โinterrumpiรณ Sophia sin poder evitarlo. โEs solo un niรฑo, sea mรกs amable y explรญquele. รngelo mirรณ a Sophia como su salvadora, se levantรณ y caminรณ hacia ella para abrazarla. โMamรก me apoya, papรก, por favor escรบchala. Santino mirรณ fijamente a Sophia y su paciencia se agotรณ. โLlรฉvate a รngelo โle ordenรณ al ama de llaves. La mujer no se hizo esperar, tomรณ al pequeรฑo de un brazo dispuesto a llevรกrselo, pero el joven luchรณ. โ ยกNo, no quiero! ยกQuiero comer con mi nueva madre! โJoven รngelo, haga caso, su padreโฆ โ ยกDรฉjalo! โordeno Sophia con dureza. โNo quiere ir, asรญ que no debes obligarlo. El ama de llaves la mirรณ estupefacta y luego buscรณ la mirada de Santino, era como si estuviera buscando una respuesta a quiรฉn obedecer. Santino dejรณ sus cubiertos con brusquedad y rodรณ su silla de ruedas en direcciรณn a Sophia. โVeo que te tomas muchas atribuciones, Serena โescupiรณ el nombre como si le asqueara. Sophia se sorprendiรณ, pero mantuvo la fachada. Recordรณ las palabras de su tรญa el dรญa anterior y cรณmo querรญa que ella suplantara a su prima; esta hubiera sido una excelente oportunidad para desenmascararla, pero no iba a poner en riesgo a su madre. Sabรญa que su tรญa Norma era capaz de cualquier cosa. โยกยกยกLina!!! โde pronto Santino gritรณ con ira y casi de inmediato apareciรณ una mujer con el rostro pรกlido. โ ยฟSรญ, seรฑor? โLlรฉvatelo โordenรณ. La mujer agarrรณ a รngelo en brazos, y este pataleรณ y llorรณ. โ ยกNo, quiero a mi mami! ยกQuiero quedarme con ella! ยกMami! โVamos, รngelo, pรณrtate bien โdijo la mujer tratando de calmarlo, aun cuando el pequeรฑo dejรณ salir sus lรกgrimas, ella no se detuvo y subiรณ las escaleras con รฉl. Luego, Santino mirรณ al ama de llaves de nuevo. โLlรฉvale su desayuno y dile que estรก castigado hasta que yo lo decida. โSรญ, seรฑor โla mujer asintiรณ y tomรณ el plato para luego irse. Cuando finalmente estuvieron solos, Santino dejรณ salir todo su veneno. โLlevas aquรญ solo unas horas y ยฟcrees que puedes convertirte en la seรฑora de esta casa? ยฟCrees que puedes complacer a mi hijo? ยฟPiensas que por el hecho de que te enviaron medio muerta a la puerta de mi casa voy a aceptarte? โรฉl formรณ una sonrisa burlona. โPues dรฉjame decirte esto, Serena Michel, no me interesa emparentar con una vagabunda como tรบ. Una que es solo una fรกcil que se vende al mejor postor y crรฉeme, puede que estรฉ en silla de ruedas y sea un monstruo, pero, aun asรญ, tengo mis lรญmites y nunca caerรญa tan bajo con una mujerzuela como tรบ. Sophia abriรณ los ojos con sorpresa; jamรกs en sus 22 aรฑos habรญa sido insultada de tal manera, sabรญa que se meterรญa en problemas, pero ella iba a defender su honor. Sin pensarlo y con la sangre hirviendo, levantรณ su mano dispuesta a abofetearlo; sin embargo, su movimiento fallรณ. Santino fue demasiado rรกpido y sostuvo su muรฑeca antes de que ella le volteara la cara del bofetรณn. El silencio se apoderรณ del ambiente por un momento, mientras ambos se miraban fijamente. La tensiรณn se volviรณ palpable, un combate de voluntades donde cada uno sostenรญa la mirada del otro sin ceder. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713164400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827136 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 2653490268142926 | 1 | 1.8676215569854E+15 | 1712473200 | regular_page | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120210454205490779 | okmstudio.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10549&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712315649 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433923186_755455479693362_1037705198570906748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8Rn_irmiUD4Q7kNvgHeKeyk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD31V2LMWf4angYQgBP5JE5mLKoVZz7Qrqhtsti1HCUiw&oe=664F28A4 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434408489_730742422598410_4093505724007534351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d44kq44hrCAQ7kNvgGo24N9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoZeipTynL3r80ntouUi0Zfdbwr511oFRj1VoUsbOQyg&oe=664F0DEF | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827137 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 2653490268142926 | 1 | 1.8676215569854E+15 | 1712473200 | regular_page | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120210454205490779 | okmstudio.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10549&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712315649 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433923186_755455479693362_1037705198570906748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8Rn_irmiUD4Q7kNvgHeKeyk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD31V2LMWf4angYQgBP5JE5mLKoVZz7Qrqhtsti1HCUiw&oe=664F28A4 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434408489_730742422598410_4093505724007534351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d44kq44hrCAQ7kNvgGo24N9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoZeipTynL3r80ntouUi0Zfdbwr511oFRj1VoUsbOQyg&oe=664F0DEF | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827138 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079155 | 1723774030 | 810 | 2653490268142926 | 1 | 1.8676215569854E+15 | 1712473200 | regular_page | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120210454205490779 | okmstudio.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10549&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712315649 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433923186_755455479693362_1037705198570906748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8Rn_irmiUD4Q7kNvgHeKeyk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD31V2LMWf4angYQgBP5JE5mLKoVZz7Qrqhtsti1HCUiw&oe=664F28A4 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434408489_730742422598410_4093505724007534351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d44kq44hrCAQ7kNvgGo24N9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoZeipTynL3r80ntouUi0Zfdbwr511oFRj1VoUsbOQyg&oe=664F0DEF | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827139 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079156 | 1723774030 | 810 | 2653490268142926 | 1 | 1.8676215569854E+15 | 1712473200 | regular_page | taken-down | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120210454205490779 | okmstudio.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10549&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712315649 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433923186_755455479693362_1037705198570906748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8Rn_irmiUD4Q7kNvgHeKeyk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD31V2LMWf4angYQgBP5JE5mLKoVZz7Qrqhtsti1HCUiw&oe=664F28A4 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434408489_730742422598410_4093505724007534351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d44kq44hrCAQ7kNvgGo24N9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoZeipTynL3r80ntouUi0Zfdbwr511oFRj1VoUsbOQyg&oe=664F0DEF | 0 | 3 | "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford's back." "Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Really?" Yasmin Starr was busy with her drafts. When she heard that her husband was back, her eyes lit up. She drew the curtains before her to see a shiny car driving along the path leading to the villa. She saw a man in the car. His handsome face was visible from where she stood; his actions and carriage exuded a regal air. It really was him! Yasmin's heart started racing. Her face burned at the thought of the things they did whenever he came home. Every kiss they shared was searing and passionate. It made her shy yet nervous. Just then, the door to her room swung open. Blake Ford walked in. Yasmin smiled at him. "Mr. B!" "Come here." He loosened his tie. She walked over to him shyly. In the next second, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hard kiss. She moaned before sinking into the kiss. Then, he carried her to the bed and had his way with her. Blake looked like the celibate and gentle type, but he was no gentleman on bed. He wouldn't let Yasmin off the hook without making her cry. Yasmin shut her eyes as she savored the experience. This time, Blake was wilder than he'd ever been. He was only satiated when she begged him to stop with tears streaming down her face. He lifted the sheets and strode into the bathroom. Shortly after, there was the sound of running water. Yasmin remained in bed, lying there without an ounce of strength in her body. She and Blake had been secretly married for two years now. At first, it hadn't been a marriage of love. Her father had forced Blake to wed her. So, in the beginning, he didn't like her much. But she adored him. She'd done everything she could to chase after him and treat him well. Finally, he'd returned her feelings. Yasmin's heart pounded as she recalled how wild and enthusiastic he'd been tonight. She couldn't help feeling sweet. Would their marriage get better from now on? Once she bore him a child, they'd be a happy family of three. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open. Blake walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had an amazing body, but his expression seemed somewhat menacing. He hadn't even wiped the beads of water dripping from his hair as he asked brusquely, "Do you have a baby?" Blake held up a test. It had been placed on the toilet bowl, where he'd taken it. Yasmin sat up. She was a little scared of not being able to read him. "I don't know yet. I bought it this morning." "Why did you buy it?" "I've been feeling nauseous lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. You told me to do a test if I had any symptoms." Yasmin's big eyes were filled with innocence. Blake said, "Go do the test now." "I'll wait until you're done showering." He was obviously not done yet. "Do it. Now." His expression was frosty. Yasmin didn't dare delay further. It just so happened that she needed to pee, so she did the test at the same time. A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Blake was sitting on the touch. He looked up when he heard her come out. His eyes were like dark whirlpools as he looked at her. "How is it?" "There's only one line, Mr. B." Yasmin was rather disappointed. She didn't have a baby. It was impossible to tell whether Blake's eyes were filled with disappointment or relief. He said calmly, "Get me something to wear." "Are you still going out so late at night?" "Yeah." His voice was as cold as ever. Yasmin didn't say anything else. She went to the walk-in wardrobe. She was actually very disappointed. Deep down, she wanted to bear a child. The Ford family wanted her to have a child, as did Blake. But no matter what treatments and supplements she'd taken over the past two years, she'd still failed to conceive. Besides, she was reluctant to let Blake go. Over the two years of their marriage, her love for Blake had only grown deeper. He was always too busy for her, though. Sometimes, he would be away from home for up to half a month. Now that they'd finally been reunited, he was leaving again. ###6891225### Chapter 2 Yasmin felt a little bitter. She grabbed some dark clothes from the wardrobe and returned to the room. There, she heard Blake talking to someone on the phone. "Don't be scared. Have Alicia keep an eye on you. I'll be right there." His voice was a brand of tenderness that Yasmin had never heard before. She stopped short. Suddenly, the sweetness she'd felt earlier dissipated. She asked tentatively, "Who was that, Mr. B?" He glanced at her, his tall stature domineering. He said coldly, "No one." "Was it a woman?" "It's none of your business." He grabbed the clothes from her and put them on. Usually, he would have her put them on for him. Would every man start to be repelled by their wives once they fell in love with someone else? Yasmin's stomach started convulsing. It looked like she had a stomach problem. She felt horrible. Blake got dressed and turned to leave. Yasmin was on high alertโa woman's sixth sense was powerful. She ran to the door and said, "I'm feeling a little sick, Mr. B. Could you stay the night?" Blake turned to look at her. He was unbelievably handsome, but there was something about him that just made him seem heartless. "Have Mary call the family doctor if you're not feeling well. Also, I won't be back for some time." With that, he headed downstairs. His figure went further and further away under the warm lights. Yasmin suddenly felt dazed. Why did it feel like she'd never truly held a spot in his heart? A wave of nausea washed over her. She ran to the bathroom and vomited her dinner. This was followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She was as pale as a sheet as she struggled to crawl to the bed. She'd just laid down when another bolt of pain shot through her. Yasmin ran to the bathroom again. This time, there was only bile. She she had food poisoning! She grabbed her phone weakly to call Mary Gould. "My stomach hurts, Mary. Take me to the hospital." Mary ran upstairs. When she saw Yasmin sprawled on the carpet, drenched in sweat, she hurriedly called the driver. They took Yasmin to the hospital. When they arrived, Mary helped her inside the clinic. The doctor gave her a painkiller before instructing her to do an ultrasound. They needed to determine whether it was acute cholecystitis or gastritis. Yasmin's stomach stopped hurting once the painkiller was administered. It lifted her spirits somewhat. Mary helped her to the ultrasound room. But there, they met someone unexpectedโBlake. "Mrs. Ford, look! It's Mr. Ford!" Mary looked happy. Yasmin looked in the direction she pointed. She saw Blake standing not too far away. A wave of delight washed over her. She was about to call out to him when she saw another woman. The woman came out of the room with a hand supporting her back. She held a report. "The doctor said the baby's fine, Blake." His cold face immediately became tender. "That's good to know. Remember to watch what you eat in the future. Now that you're to be a mother, you have to be careful about the food you consume." "Okay. I'll watch out from now on." The woman smiled gently. Yasmin was rooted to the spot with astonishment. Her gaze went from delight to disbelief. She stared at them. The woman wore a light-colored, demure dress, and she was beautiful. Her long hair was glossy, and her eyes were right. She exuded a cool yet bewitching air. ###6891226### Chapter 3 Yasmin suddenly recalled something a friend of Blake's had once said. He'd told her, "There's a woman who lives in Blake's heart. They met in Merania, and he's pined after her for years. You and her look pretty similar, actually." At the time, Yasmin had been indignant. She felt that the woman was no match for her since she was already a thing of the past. Now, her dream had been shattered. As she watched how tender Blake was toward the woman, she felt like a sharp blade had been driven right into her heart. It hurt so much that all her organs felt like they were cramping. Blake shielded the woman from the crowd as they turned to leave. Suddenly, he caught sight of Yasmin standing not too far away. Mary was with her. He frowned. The woman asked gently, "Do you know her, Blake?" "Yeah. She's my wife, Yasmin Starr," he said plainly. "Why don't you head to the car first, Giselle? I'll be right behind you." "Okay." Giselle O'Shea nodded obediently. Before she left, she turned to look at Yasmin. Their gazes met in mid-air. Giselle appraised her and smiled faintly. Yasmin's heart constricted as bitterness seeped through it. Blake walked over to her. He was tall enough to block out the light above her head. "What are you doing here?" Mary was about to answer when Yasmin asked, "Who is she?" Why was Blake at the hospital with her for a prenatal check? Did she have his child? She stopped her thoughts there, not daring to think any further. "Don't ask about things that have nothing to do with you." Blake avoided her question. Yasmin's eyes turned red. "Can't I even ask a question when you've had an affair?" "An affair? Do you even have the right to say that?" Blake's gaze was menacing. "Have you forgotten how we got married? Also, I made it clear to you when we married that I would never love you." The blood drained from Yasmin's face. She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to calm down. "So I'm nothing but a disgusting buddy to you?" "Something like that." Yasmin smiled self-deprecatingly. "I see. You were mad at my dad for tricking you, so you thought you wouldn't waste the opportunity and just get me, huh?" "Stop talking." Blake's gaze was laser-sharp. So, she couldn't even talk now? Yasmin's heart sank to the depths of hell. She refused to listen and continued, "Now that the woman you love is back, what are you going to do to me?" He pursed his lips. His silence disappointed her. Yasmin's stomach started hurting again; even the painkiller wasn't doing anything to stop it. As the pain intensified, she finally passed out. โฆ It was already daytime when Yasmin woke up. She opened her eyes with a frown to see Blake leaving the room. She had an IV drip. "Mr. B!" she called. She almost fell out of the bed. Mary caught her. "Be careful, Mrs. Ford." "Where has Mr. B gone?" "That woman called him, so he went to see her." Yasmin jolted. "Don't let this upset you too much, Mrs. Ford. Your health should be your priority," Mary said, looking sad. "After doing the ultrasound, you were diagnosed with acute gastritis arising from food poisoning. You've already gone through three IV drips, so you're really weak now." Yasmin couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had acute gastritis, but Blake had abandoned her after one phone call from Giselle. It looked like she was no match for Giselle at all. "Have something to eat, Mrs. Ford." Mary brought her a bowl of oatmeal. Yasmin shook her head. "Set it aside for now, Mary. I don't want to eat anything yet." Just then, her phone, which had been placed on the bedside table, rang. She answered it wanly. "Hello?" ###6891227### Chapter 4 "Yaz, did you know about your precious Mr. B cheating on you?" The phone call was from Yasmin's best friend, Eunice Salle. "I saw it all over the news first thing in the morning! He's gotten together with a pianist named Giselle O'Shea, and it looks like she's even carrying a baby. "The paparazzi caught them at the hospital together. Hurry and go check it out!" Yasmin's heart constricted. She checked the news. There were tweets everywhere on Twitter talking about the photos of Blake accompanying Giselle to the hospital last night. Blake was the CEO of Windmere Group and had countless assets under his name. He was the most eligible bachelor in the city. This was why his private life had always been under intense scrutiny. Now that he'd gotten caught accompanying a woman to the hospital, it immediately became a trending topic. The netizens had even managed to dig out Giselle's personal information. She was a renowned pianist in Merania. She and Blake were childhood sweethearts. They had a strong bond. After growing up, she'd gone abroad to study while Blake had waited for her for ten years. Now that Giselle was back, they could finally be together. Everyone on the Internet was going crazy over their relationship. They were all lamenting the glory of their love. In just one morning, Giselle's Twitter account had gained three million followers. The one thing Yasmin noticed was that Giselle had been in Merania. It matched up with what Blake's friend had told her before. So, she was Blake's true love. Yasmin smiled mockingly. "Did you see it, Yaz? I can't believe this nonsense is all over the Internet. I can't take itโI have to go teach these people a lesson!" Eunice gritted her teeth. Yasmin stopped her. "Don't do anything. I already know about it." "Wait, you do?" "Yeah." Eunice's voice shot up an octave. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to do anything about him getting involved with another woman? Shouldn't you be teaching that woman a lesson?" Yasmin sighed. "Didn't you see what those people are saying? She's Mr. B's true love. He's waited for her for a decade." "I couldn't care less whether she's his true love or a call girl he hired. She's in the wrong for getting involved with him despite knowing he's married!" "Forget it." Yasmin sounded tired. "My marriage to Mr. B has always been a one-sided thing. I'm tired now." Besides, her manners and upbringing wouldn't permit her to get physical with Giselle. In fact, if she were to cause a fuss, the whole city would know what a terrible marriage she had. She and Blake had indeed been married, so she didn't want things to turn ugly. After a moment of silence, Eunice said, "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to keep this up or get a divorce?" "A divorce is all I want now." Yasmin looked at the needle on the back of her hand. She was sick, yet he was accompanying Giselle. Her heart was now dead. "Since he doesn't care about me, I won't force things anymore." "I'll always support you, Yaz. You're so pretty. There are plenty of men who'd love to be with you. You don't have to be so hung up on a scumbag!" "Thanks for comforting me." She was grateful to have Eunice by her side when she was at her worst. After hanging up, Yasmin rested for a while. When she was finally done with her IV drip, she felt better. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, but she was still rather weak. Mary and the driver took her home. She fell asleep again. Blake returned that night. As he took his coat off, he asked Mary, "Where is she?" "Upstairs. She's sleeping." Mary added, "Mrs. Ford was quite sad to see that you weren't around when she woke up this morning, Mr. Ford." Blake fell silent. After a pause, he went upstairs. He easily pushed the room door open. Yasmin was curled up on the bay window like a cat. Her long hair fell from the seat to the floor. It made her seem that much more skinny and petite. Why was she sleeping there when she was sick? ###6891228### Chapter 5 Blake frowned and approached Yasmin. Her eyes were shut. There was a sort of childlike quality to her face as she slept, but it didn't take away from her beauty. Her naturally pink and moist lips were puckered slightly. They were as tempting as water to a parched man in the desert. Blake's anger dissipated at this sight. He bent down to lift her into his arms. At the warmth, Yasmin subconsciously buried her head against his neck. She wanted more of it. Blake looked down at her. His gaze was too deep for others to tell what he was thinking. Then, he placed her on the bed. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble, "You're nothing, Mr. B โฆ" Blake paused. He rested a hand on her face and caressed it. She was deeply asleep but subconsciously sucked on his finger. His breathing hitched. "Yasmin?" Was she awake? She didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her side and held his hand to her cheek. She looked wholly dependent on him. Blake lowered his head and kissed her. Yasmin felt like her tongue was numb from being kissed. As she woke up blearily, the first thing she saw was a handsome face that had been zoomed in. Before she could say anything, Blake kissed her again. He slipped a hand underneath her dress. His gaze was fiery enough to set her ablaze. Yasmin's expression turned icy. She bit his tongue hard. "What the h...!" With that, a bolt of pain shot through Blake. He released her. She rolled away from him, wrapping the sheets around herself as she glared at him. "What?" He gave her an icy look. "That's my line. Did you come here to see me after your date with your mistress? Don't you find yourself dirty?" Yasmin looked furious. Blake's gaze turned frosty. "She's not a mistress. Don't spout nonsense." "How is she not a mistress when she already has your child?" Blake didn't answer her. Instead, he said, "Don't you dare hurt her." Yasmin sneered. "How could I possibly hurt her? Do I look like a monster to you? Or do you think I'm powerful enough to go against you?" "Just don't bother her." Yasmin trembled. She didn't expect him to be so protective of her. She fell silent, looking frosty. "How's your stomach?" Blake sat by the bed and broke the silence. "What does it have to do with you?" Yasmin was mad at the mention of this. She'd been languishing in the hospital room while he'd been with another woman. No wife on this earth would be able to accept something like that. She was so mad that tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. She said bluntly, "Let's get divorced, Blake." "What did you call me?" Blake shot her an icy look. She'd always addressed him as "Mr. B". Blake was eight years older than Yasmin and exuded a natural dominance. In the past, she would be scared of him if he were to so much as glance at her, let alone give her such an icy look. But now, Yasmin didn't care anymore. She met his gaze head-on. "I called you by your name. From now on, I will only ever call you that. Also, I said, let's get divorced." The thought of a divorce had been reverberating in her mind since she'd woken up that morning to see him leave the hospital room. If he couldn't even be bothered to be by her side when she was hospitalized, what was the point of keeping him? He would only exasperate her. "What did you say?" Blake thought he'd heard her wrong. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare." "I regret everything now, Blake. I don't want to be with you anymore," Yasmin enunciated, her voice steady and clear. "Let's get divorced." She'd be much better off kicking a heartless man like him to the curb as soon as possible. He was the one who said he'd never love her, anyway. Blake sneered. His gaze was harsh. "What's this trick you're trying to pull this time?" He even thought she was just playing the fool by demanding a divorce. It showed that when a man didn't love a woman, he would think she was just playing games, even if she were to throw herself off a building. ###6891229### Chapter 6 Yasmin was dead at heart, and her eyes were dull. "I'm not throwing a tantrum, Blake. I'm being serious. I've been stuck in a loveless marriage for two years, and I've had enough." Over more than 700 days, she'd gone from hopeful to despondent. She was tired of living like this. "Have you forgotten that your father was the one who sent you to my bed?" Blake's eyes darkened. "He went to such lengths to force me to marry you, yet you're now demanding a divorce. Do you even hear yourself? "Go ahead and throw whatever tantrum you want, but don't take things too far. Men hate it when women are too fussy, you know." Indeed, Yasmin's father, Stuart Starr, had sent her to Blake's bed. At the time, something had gone wrong with Stuart's company. He foresaw himself ending up behind bars and had been afraid of his enemies going after Yasmin. So, he'd orchestrated for Yasmin to end up in bed with Blake. Then, he'd informed the paparazzi and the Ford family about this, forcing Blake to marry Yasmin. Stuart had some of Windmere Group's trade secrets. He'd threatened to release them if Blake didn't protect Yasmin. And that was how Stuart had tricked Blake into marrying Yasmin. Blake had harbored a grudge against him and Yasmin for it. On their wedding night, he'd warned Yasmin, "Your father gave you to me, so you have to atone for his sins. Obey every word I say. Don't ever go against me." That year, Yasmin was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. She'd been terrified, and she'd nodded with red eyes. "I understand, Mr. B." "Don't call me that!" Blake snarled. "I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Yasmin's eyes were filled with sorrow as she recalled their past. She didn't hate Stuart. She knew he'd forced Blake to marry her because he wanted to protect her. It had been two years since then. Stuart was still in prison but would be released in a few years once he'd served his full sentence. "I know you're still harboring a grudge against me and my father for forcing you into this marriage. Now, I'm setting you free," she said. She despised him for cheating on her but was still grateful that he'd kept her safe for two years. Blake looked at her icily. Then, he sneered. "That stupid studio of yours isn't making a single cent. Can you really feed yourself if we get divorced?" Yasmin and Eunice had set up their own studio. It was still early days and had yet to bring in profits. "No entrepreneur makes money when they first started. It takes time. I know I'm not earning anything yet, but I'll work hard. I've graduated and grown up, Blake. I don't need your protection anymore," Yasmin said. Blake knitted his brows tightly. "So that's what it is. You want a divorce because you don't need me for anything anymore. Do you really think reality's that sweet, Yasmin? Your family forced me to marry you when they needed me. Now that you don't need me anymore, you're demanding a divorce." "I'll admit that my father made a mistake, but haven't I been atoning for his sins for the past two years? I've obeyed you at every turn. I've never gone against you. Besides, don't you want to be free? Your mistress had a baby. Don't you want to give her and your child what they deserve?" "My matters have nothing to do with you," Blake said coldly. Yasmin fell silent. Indeed, he'd never allowed her to ask about his matters. She turned to leave the room. An ugly look crept onto Blake's face as he dragged her back and pinned her to the bed. He circled her with his arms and looked down at her sharply. Yasmin was caught off guard. "What are you doing?" "You're always talking about how much you love me, right? Look at how you have to announce it every day." There was a hint of anger in his face. "Are you really willing to watch me ride into the sunset with another woman? Doesn't it upset you?" Yasmin lowered her eyes. She said softly, "Not anymore." It did upset her, but she didn't want to love him anymore. | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827141 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079156 | 1723774030 | 810 | 384575984389499 | 1 | 9.3611511482572E+14 | 1711263600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108712015285720 | 0 | Zasusportswear | 120207896974210568 | zasuwasportswear.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Hot Summer Deals! | Hot summer sale๐ | https://www.zasuwasportswear.com/ | 1711201404 | 1.0871201528572E+14 | Zasusportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434169469_716800173953008_5982729189800300726_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SegW8jP6Ob4Q7kNvgFkW8Dy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD1buAWf9MCKbYFvWOYUfzpUZjXEDltOEckBOhu2wyqEA&oe=664F0DD1 | person_profile | 0 | zasuwasportswear | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434109479_989695059434643_2847750671227500194_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=66AEyRp9h-YQ7kNvgFifkYm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCDZ2D1NSGEUqYULlHGvh2RJOhPgbF3albGhDcff27-Cw&oe=664F19BC | 0 | 3 | Sizzlin' hot summer at ZASUWA! <br /> Buy three and get one free. | Zasusportswear | 1629 | https://facebook.com/100084678466384 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1711177200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827144 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079156 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827145 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079156 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827146 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079156 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827147 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079157 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827556 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774031 | 810 | 1224518335188918 | 3 | 4.2029528072589E+14 | 1714201200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 283053551550394 | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 120209336719070468 | weokm.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๊ตฟ๋ ธ๋ฒจ์์ "๊ณ์ฝ ํด์ง: ๋์ค์ ๋ํ๋" ๊ฒ์ํ ํ ๋ ๋ง์ ์ฑํฐ๋ฅผ ์ ๊ธํด์ ํ ์ ์์ต๋๋ค. | https://weokm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9316&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714136025 | 2.8305355155039E+14 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841332_25592112210402892_8397642617881182669_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C_DeOwt9FD0Q7kNvgHVNpr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBVhFmRqDtTk36g7jVIt8eA8S80996NkRJ6crnaJHwzrQ&oe=664F179A | person_profile | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439893966_7867235389954210_1957941699168459515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA2XKRXvLcIQ7kNvgE5vsr7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUsMHuWwNTsap4mkViHrGbCgdZ2WTEA60fd6hTWkiHPA&oe=664F2F24 | 0 | 3 | ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ท๊ตญํ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ๋ฒ ์ผ์ ์ธ์ธ ์ ์ธ์ผ๋ก์, ์์ ๋ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก 8ํธ ๋งจ์ ์ผ๋ก ๋ณด๋ด์ก๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์ ๊ท์ ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๊ทธ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ํฐ ์์ด ๊นจ๋ํ๊ฒ ๋ชธ์ ์ป์ด์ผ ํ๊ณ ํฅ์๋ ํ์ฅํ ๋์๋ฅผ ์ ๋ ํ๊ฒจ์ ์ ๋๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ทจํฅ์ ์๋ฒฝํ๊ฒ ๋ง์ถ๊ธฐ ์ํด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ค๋ซ๋์ ๋ชฉ์์ ํ๊ณ ์คํฌ ์ ์ท์ผ๋ก ๊ฐ์์ ์ ํ, 2์ธต ์นจ์ค๋ก ์๋ค. ์ปดํจํฐ ์์์ ์ ๋ฌด๋ฅผ ๋ณด๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๋ค์ด์ค๋ ๊ธฐ์ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ํ๊ธ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ์ด๋ฆฌ ์.โ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๊ฐ์ ์ด ์์ด์ง ์์, ๋ด๋ดํ๋ฉด์๋ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ด ๋งํฌ๊ฐ ์ด์ด์ก๋ค. ๊ทธ ๋ชฉ์๋ฆฌ๋ ์์ ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฌด๊ฒ๊ฒ ์ง๋๋ฅด๋ ๊ฒ๋ง ๊ฐ์๋ค. ํ์์ ๋ฌด๋ค๋คํ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์ผ๋ฉด์๋ ์ข ์ก๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ์ฑ๊ฒฉ์ ๊ฐ์ง ๊ทธ๊ฐ ํน์๋ ํ๊ฐ ๋๊ธฐ๋ผ๋ ํ ๊น ๋ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์ง์ฒดํ์ง ์๊ณ ๋น ๋ฅธ ๊ฑธ์์ผ๋ก ๋ฌ๋ ค๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์์ ์ ๋๋ก ์๊ธฐ๋ ์ ์ ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ์๋ฝ ์์๋ฒ๋ ธ๋ค. ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ์์ด๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ๋ถ์ ์ ์ ์ ํค์คํ๋ ์ด์นํ. ํญ์ ๊ทธ๋ฐ ์์ด์๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ค๋ช ๋ ์์๊ณ ๋ถ๋๋ฌ์๋ ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ์๊ณ ์ถ์ ๋ฟ์ด์๋ค. ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ธ๊ตญ์ผ๋ก ์ถ์ฅ ๊ฐ๊ฒ ๋๋ฉด์ 3๊ฐ์์ด๋ผ๋ ๊ธด ์๊ฐ ๋์ ์ฌ์๋ฅผ ๋ง์ง์ง ๋ชปํ์ผ๋ ์ค๋ ๋ฐค์ ์ฝ๊ฒ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋์์ค ๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ์์ด ๋ณด์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์ ์ ๊ณฏ์๋จ์ด์ง ๋๊ฐ ๋์ด์์ผ ๋จ์๋ ๋๋ ๊ธฐ๋ฏธ๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋ค์ ์ ์์ ๊นจ์ด๋ ์์ ์ ๊ณ์๋ ์๋ฌด๋ ์์๋ค. ์์ค์์ ์ค์๊ธฐ ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ค๋ ค์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ชฝ์ผ๋ก ์์ ์ ํฅํ๋ค. ๊ฐ์ ๋ฆฌ ๋๋จธ๋ก ํ๋ฆฟํ๊ฒ ๊ท์ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ฆผ์๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋งค๋ฒ ๊ฒ์ฌ๋ฅผ ๋ง์น๊ณ ๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๊นจ์ด๋๊ธธ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆฐ ์ ์ด ์์๋ ๊ทธ์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ฐ๋ฐ ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฑธ๊น? ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ํผ๊ณคํ ๋ชธ์ ์ด๋์ด ์นจ๋์์ ์ผ์ผ์ผ ์ธ์ฐ๊ณ ์ฐฉํ ๊ณ ์์ด ๋ง๋ฅ ๋จ์๊ฐ ๋์ค๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ธ๋ค. ๋ช ๋ถ ๋ค, ์์ค์์ ๋ฌผ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ฉ์ถ๊ณ ๋จ์๊ฐ ์ค์ ํ์๋ฅผ ๋๋ฅธ ์ฑ ๊ฑธ์ด ๋์๋ค. ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋์์ ๋จ์ด์ง ๋ฌผ๋ฐฉ์ธ์ด ๊ทธ์ ๋์ ์ด๊นจ๋ก๋ถํฐ ์๊ณจ ์ธ์ ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ํ๊ณ ํ๋ฌ๋ด๋ฆฌ๋ค๊ฐ, ๊ฐ์ด๊ณจ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๋ถ๋๋ฝ๊ณ ๋ ๋จ๋จํด ๋ณด์ด๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ณต๊ทผ ์๋ก ๋ฏธ๋๋ฌ์ก๋ค. ์น๋ช ์ ์ผ ๋งํผ ์ ํน์ ์ด๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์กฐ๊ฐ์ฒ๋ผ ์๋ฆ๋ค์ด ์ผ๊ตด์ ์นผ๋์ ์ฐ์์ผ ํ ๋งํผ ๋ ์นด๋ก์ ๊ณ ๋๋ ทํ ์ค๊ด์์ ํนํ๋ ๋งค๋ ฅ์ ์ธ ๋ถ๋ถ์ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ฐ๋ฉด์๋ ๋ฒ์ ํ๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ๋ถ์๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ด๋ฟ๋ ๊ธด ๋๋งค์๋๋ฐ ๊ทธ์ฝํ๊ณ ๊น์๋ค. ํ ์ก์ ๋ ์์ด ์์๊ธด ๋จ์๋ค. ๋ฌธ์ ๋ผ๋ฉด ์จ๋ชธ์์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ฟ์ด๋ธ๋ค๋ ๊ฒ, ๊ทธ๋ก ์ธํด ์๋ฌด๋ ๋ค๊ฐ๊ฐ๊ธฐ ์ฌ์ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์๋๋ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ๊นจ์ด์๋ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์ธ๋ํ๊ฒ ํ๊ธ ๋ณด๋๋ ๊ทธ๊ฐ ์ ์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ด์ ์ค์ง ๋ง.โ โ์ค์ง ๋ง๋ผ๋ ๊ทธ๊ฒ ๋ฌด์จ ๋ป์ด์ง?โ ์์ํ ์์ ๋ฅผ ํฅํด ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๋ฌธ์ ํ๋๋ฅผ ๊ฑด๋ค์คฌ๋ค. โ์ด ๊ณ์ฝ, ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ํด์งํด์ผ๊ฒ ์ด.โ ์ ์ธ ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ๋ณด๋ ๊ทธ์ ์ผ ์ ์ ์ด ๋ฒ์ฉ ๋ค์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋์ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๋ ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ์ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ณ์ ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์์ฌ์์๊ฐ ์๋๋ผ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๊ธฐ ์ํด์์๋ค๋. ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ํ์ง ์ด์ ์ค ๋ ์ด ๋์๋ค. ์ธ์ ๊ฐ ์ด๋ฐ ๋ ์ด ์ฌ ๊ฑฐ๋ผ ์์์ ํ์ง๋ง ์ด๋ฐ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ๊ฐ ์ฌ ์ค์ ์๊ฐ์ง ๋ชปํ๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ด์ ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ค๊ณ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๋ณ๋ช ์ด๋ ํด์๋ ์์ด ํ๋ง๋ ํต๋ณด๋ก ๋๋ฌ๋ค. ์ฌ์ฅ์ด ์ฐ๋ฅด๋ฏ์ด ์ํ์ ธ ์ค๋ ๋๋์ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ๋๋ฅด๋ฉฐ ์์ ๋ ์ฒ์ฒํ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค์ด ์ท์ ์ ๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ๋ฐ๋ ๋ง ๋ ์์ผ๋ฉด ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋๋์. ์กฐ๊ธ๋ง ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆด ์ ์์๋์?โ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ํ๋ถ ์ธ์์ด ์์ง ์ผ ๊ฐ์์ด ๋จ์๋ค๊ณ ์์ฌ๊ฐ ๋งํ์๋ค. ์ถ์ด ๋๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ๊ทธ์ ๊ณ์ ์กฐ๊ธ ๋ ์ค๋ ๋จ๊ณ ์ถ์๋ ์์ ์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋ฌต๋ฌตํ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๋น์ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์์ฌ์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ๋ด๋น์น์ง ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ด๋ฏธ ์ง๋ ค๋ฒ๋ฆฐ ์ฅ๋๊ฐ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ณด๋ฏ์ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์นจ๋ฌต์์ ์์ ๋ ์๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์ด๋ ์์น์ ์๋์ง ์ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ค ๋ ์ด๋ ์๊ฐ์ด ํ๋ ์ง๋ง ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ฒ ๋ฐ์ธ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ด์ ์ด ๊ฟ๋ ๊ทธ๋ง ๊นฐ ๋๊ฐ ๋ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ์์ ๋ค๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ผ๋ถ๋ฌ ์ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ๋น๊ฒจ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ณ ์์ ๋ฏธ์๋ฅผ ์ง์๋ค. โ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฒ ๋ ธ๋ ค๋ณด์ง ๋ง์ธ์. ์ฅ๋์ด์์.โ ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก ๋ง์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์์ด์. ์ด์ ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋๋ฌ์ผ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ถ์ด ๋๋ฌด ์ข์๋ฐ์?โ ์ ์ธ ๋ฅผ ์ ๋ฆฌํ๋ ์ด์นํ์ ์์ด ์ฐ๋ ๋ฉ์ท๋ค. ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค๊ณ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์๋์๋ก ํ์ด๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ผ๊ตด์ ์ํ๊น์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ์ ํ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์์๊ณ ๋ง์น ์ด์ ์์ ๋ผ๋ ๋ฏ ์ฝ๊ฐ์ ํฅ๋ถ์ด ๊น๋ฆฐ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ง์ ๋์น์ด ๊ตฌ๊ฒจ์ก๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์๋ค๊ณ ?โ | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 320 | https://facebook.com/61557428073507 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827148 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079157 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827908 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774031 | 810 | 406843395597343 | 1 | 8.7369189146569E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 275291285676711 | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 6583664234755 | Call Now | NONE | carousel | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 1716068590 | 2.7529128567671E+14 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441084102_2006846916441244_6529881894769986694_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7lgpCXCdiyoQ7kNvgHLc4B4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgqtfR82dxv1EBEQGdY8nRli4nmfXmVDrNVSTYZQJe8w&oe=664F13C3 | person_profile | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174455_1151877976057100_8802348960638195814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DErovmbuqb8Q7kNvgFTDSjj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDUPRRU8jVrtlX2caMaITE2FHPTW8sKCNJPRTpZGujMEg&oe=664F1D1D | 0 | 3 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559986974566 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827149 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079157 | 1723774031 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827150 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079157 | 1723774032 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827151 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079157 | 1723774032 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827152 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079158 | 1723774032 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827909 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774032 | 810 | 406843395597343 | 1 | 8.7369189146569E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 275291285676711 | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 6583664234755 | Call Now | NONE | carousel | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 1716068590 | 2.7529128567671E+14 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441084102_2006846916441244_6529881894769986694_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7lgpCXCdiyoQ7kNvgHLc4B4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgqtfR82dxv1EBEQGdY8nRli4nmfXmVDrNVSTYZQJe8w&oe=664F13C3 | person_profile | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174455_1151877976057100_8802348960638195814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DErovmbuqb8Q7kNvgFTDSjj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDUPRRU8jVrtlX2caMaITE2FHPTW8sKCNJPRTpZGujMEg&oe=664F1D1D | 0 | 3 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559986974566 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827153 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079158 | 1723774032 | 810 | 424293123628574 | 2 | 1.1474942764925E+15 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712991600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827154 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079158 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827155 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079158 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827156 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079159 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827157 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079159 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827158 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079159 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827159 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079160 | 1723774032 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827160 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079160 | 1723774033 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827161 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079160 | 1723774033 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827162 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079160 | 1723774033 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827163 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 2131904427181075 | 2 | 9.8381982977949E+14 | 1713164400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209192089050646 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10765&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712914615 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340649_1807274933118037_64498126994226689_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0kOrpf5b21oQ7kNvgEWN_Um&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzdtqjmPnCoWQXqJn4iPxU6TKrxZs12fxHMLXB96w3WA&oe=664F0F93 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436316739_301625112969698_5650944653365024657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SGjeZfvb_pAQ7kNvgFAOOGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAY29m1tz3v3CYfUS92v2EWkHk4H-_Y7vS6AMHVslVsmA&oe=664F208E | 0 | 3 | [Denaliโs POV] โMommy,โ I whimper, hanging on to my motherโs limp hand. โPlease donโt go. Donโt leave me.โ Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my motherโs recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out. โYouโre going to be fine.โ For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasnโt able to come home. Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the person she once was, even when sick. โPlease, goddess,โ I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. โPlease donโt take my mommy.โ How could I possibly continue without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me. As the daughter of an alpha, I needed to be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasnโt able to keep up with his teachings, and when I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes even locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. And even if he was so harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her. โDenali.โ My fatherโs voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. โItโs time.โ โNo!โ I wail. โWe canโt! Sheโll die! How can youโฆโ I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side. With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me. โMind your words, Denali,โ he warns, his eyes flashing with rage. โButโฆโ I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. โYes, sir.โ Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once theyโre gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away. It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my motherโs passing, my father brought a person and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering. I became a servant to both of them and if I didnโt do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega. After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my stepsister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was not my fatherโs daughter, she was the golden child and the future of our pack. However, when things became unbearable and I was sure I couldnโt go on anymore, I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasnโt for him, I donโt think I would have continued to push forward. On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldnโt continue to push on. Thatโs why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped. When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes. As I began to fade into the darkness, I was pulled along with the current while life slowly faded from within me. Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine. Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special that led to a bond so strong that I was sure it couldnโt be broken by the goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him but even my family. My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A Darkness so thick that I wouldnโt be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didnโt want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity. Chapter 2 [Denali's POV] "Yes! " My stepsister, Anastasia's, muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to ignore them. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a packed gathering, she brings a person home. This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet. Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the rest I could have. "Do you like it rough?" The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my heart to ice. "Yes! Alexander! " At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together. Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia. "Yes, Alexander!" "That's right, baby!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. " Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What was I even doing? Did I intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're right, I was, and that was why I continued to move. Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that want to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't. "Are you sure she isn't here?" Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. "No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her. I'm the one that you're with, not her!" "Okay," Alexander growls, "You have my entire focus." Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs. "Girls!" My father below, further confirms my assumption. "Come down here!" Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits. "Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?" "No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine." I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it. "Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!" "Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow. "I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him. "Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" "Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily. Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me. Matesโฆ Did she just say that they were mates? "Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..." "No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit." As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me. "This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant. " I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a person dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house. "Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely. "Thank you for granting me this meeting," the person responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?" "That's correct," my father chuckles. "Mmm." Growing quiet, the person takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin. "They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?" Personalities? Why is this person asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us? "Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper." "Then the one named Anastasia will do," the person nods. "The master likes his people to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside." Chapter 3 [Denaliโs POV] โDad!โ Anastasiaโs shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to goddess knew where. โWait!โ He gasps, drawing the personโs attention to himself to save his precious daughter. โAnastasia canโt. Sheโsโฆโ โAlready mated to someone!โ She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. โI canโt possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice." As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show. โThatโs correct,โ my father agrees, coming to her aid. โAnastasia is also still very young and wouldnโt make a good bride.โ โBride?โ I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. โFather, who is she supposed to be marrying?โ It was clear what my fatherโs next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision. โRosco Torres,โ he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. โHe is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in your girls.โ Usโฆ I almost wanted to laugh. โThen why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?โ I demand, unable to control my anger. โWhy not just..." I donโt get to finish my words before my fatherโs hand connects with my cheek, and Iโm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand. Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek. โMind your tone,โ my father warns before shooting the person who came to collect an apologetic look. โI do apologize for her. Sheโs usually quite obedient, arenโt you, Denali?โ โOf course,โ I respond, deciding to play the part. โI apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day.โ Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close. โYou see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack. After all, she is my daughter." Nodding, I donโt bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander. โIโm sure your master will be very satisfied with her,โ my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. โWhat do you say?โ Remaining silent, the person lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging. โI am simply a messenger,โ he finally sighs. โWhichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon.โ โOf course,โ my father beams. โYou heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. Iโm positive you will be very happy with Rosco.โ โOf course,โ I sigh, shaking myself free. โIf youโll excuse me.โ I donโt wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I own. After my motherโs death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didnโt want, and most of the time, that was nothing. Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After Iโm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty. Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer. "No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!" When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again. โMom,โ I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. โI miss you.โ If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasnโt even the same person. Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me. โDo you have everything?โ My father asks me as I descend the stairs. โYou havenโt forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?โ โOf course not,โ I respond. โIโve packed everything; donโt worry.โ "May I have a word?" Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way. Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me. "Excuse us." Growing quiet, he led me out onto the porch so we could be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car. โYou better not make a fool out of me,โ he warns, his gaze turning stern. โRemember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack.โ โI know.โ Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him was his only concern. โIf you attempt to run away, I'll dispose of your mother." Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the person I used to know, but when I donโt seem to find him, I simply nod. "You took her," I hiss. "How could you?" "Remember your role." โOf course, I know my role and what I must do.โ โRight, then leave.โ Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldnโt be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from me. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827164 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827737 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774033 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827165 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827166 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827168 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827169 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827170 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827171 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827172 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774033 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827173 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079161 | 1723774034 | 810 | 953062849439343 | 1 | 3.3316567271384E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797604220002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154253 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439417267_325725586923942_3802762895113409924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1cuInwD54VAQ7kNvgFVqgz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuvyGoBTgC2tWP6r_UroPhVElxQ1JN9NidPxxkTatf3Q&oe=664F3094 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439598683_841653524458622_2870918214334301026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jjTXPfuADPYQ7kNvgF9C1zA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPHANtQi0hS_wBo5TKS1yspgN5MM926Zww2-5EHDJwJg&oe=664EFE95 | 0 | 3 | My neighbor Felix and I were childhood sweethearts, and our parents engaged me to him. I liked himโa lot. I thought he's the one I was destined to be with, and I believed he felt the same way. So I was stunned when he suddenly erupted while our parents were discussing our marriage during dinner. He shot to his feet and glared at me, "This is all your fault. Just stay away from me! Stop following me around!" In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, "Felix, I..." He snarled, "If it weren't for you shamelessly pestering me all the time, they wouldn't try to pair us up!" I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt and tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Shut up! I don't need your affection. In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet in the end, it was all my fault? I should never have liked him. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I swore I would make him regret it! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827174 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079163 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827175 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079164 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827176 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079166 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827177 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079167 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827178 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079169 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827179 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079170 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827180 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079172 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827181 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079173 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827183 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079176 | 1723774034 | 810 | 967875795058328 | 27 | 7.3814414175666E+14 | 1713510000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120209366210710002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711524546 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434651274_799292772248942_3890665348150112500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YKMvb0Wd19sQ7kNvgE2RlpR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCt6HFKnbyqHfSK2LHlcz1mkZm0YRzUX8Kf4qR3XteG2g&oe=664F0E0A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432991317_1407532749866674_1705366075688064437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SMaG-BQb7NUQ7kNvgFyGZuy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0PwLr-RY1G3sWf6KvDhMDvbPgYNlhvdLtUqpa2ZpPVA&oe=664F1343 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713337200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827184 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774034 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827456 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774035 | 810 | 242521598917769 | 5 | 1.1634394213287E+15 | 1714978800 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 317944888062483 | 1 | Fantasyshop0411-B | 120210844572330596 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714904940 | 3.1794488806248E+14 | Fantasyshop0411-B | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439278376_431386642825025_7633893129405781720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBeOxiIY2E4Q7kNvgFUz0mM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9Lxn4QItdKyQTLKvBq2ccvSH6_Xs9aViKx7kUO1DfjA&oe=664F084A | regular_page | 0 | Fantasyshop0411-B | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440410261_1087610822311159_9096342841107380562_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OcFvijwAHvMQ7kNvgGAnMRp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAq6b7P9AnaybO_wSnEdeC2Mb5h9XgYj0wbOyMyt2xFnw&oe=664F1F84 | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | 0 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714892400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827185 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827186 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827187 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827188 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827457 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774035 | 810 | 242521598917769 | 5 | 1.1634394213287E+15 | 1714978800 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 317944888062483 | 1 | Fantasyshop0411-B | 120210844572330596 | geniust.online | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Sale $35.95 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | https://www.geniust.online/?token=platforms3865&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1714904940 | 3.1794488806248E+14 | Fantasyshop0411-B | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439278376_431386642825025_7633893129405781720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBeOxiIY2E4Q7kNvgFUz0mM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9Lxn4QItdKyQTLKvBq2ccvSH6_Xs9aViKx7kUO1DfjA&oe=664F084A | regular_page | 0 | Fantasyshop0411-B | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440410261_1087610822311159_9096342841107380562_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OcFvijwAHvMQ7kNvgGAnMRp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAq6b7P9AnaybO_wSnEdeC2Mb5h9XgYj0wbOyMyt2xFnw&oe=664F1F84 | 0 | 3 | Most Affordable Luxury Watch | 0 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714892400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827189 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827190 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827191 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827192 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827193 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 2179453155724897 | 2 | 1.1066064072403E+15 | 1714546800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601410002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440388221_1616195205866313_1078239059218517359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tiop4KqC1hUQ7kNvgFLGqNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd-N76B-NCXxhCgcMdZpIEl_rSgaKx4D20vHBl7f8X3Q&oe=664F2217 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440389278_984007199789604_2167825168245054538_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxZeiIwqQg4Q7kNvgEpPJ8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNkoukRElndwHV-so4U_NA2kAeaRhsTtxTHscUN_1NqA&oe=664F1A75 | 0 | 3 | I once thought that I would be Felix's future wife. But I turned out to be his sister-in-law. I thought his brother was a stoic, but after we were together, I found he was so clingy. I ran and he chased me, I was hungry and he fed me, I was cold and he hugged me... I said to him, "Colin, can you stay away from me? It's so hot." He held me in his arms and smiled, "Baby, be good, give me another kiss."... Chapter 1 It was a family dinner with our neighbors, the Whites. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now." Aunt Mel had two sons. Her eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Her youngest son was Felix, who was one year older than me, and we grew up together. I liked himโa lot. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. "Once they both graduate from college, I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible." Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. Chapter 2 Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily before crashing onto the ground. He glared at me, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I will never marry her!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! Suddenly, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me, they wouldn't pair us up!" he shouted. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. Your affection was nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 I forced the humiliation down as I swore, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix!" I swore that I would let him know he didn't deserve me at all! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714374000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827196 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827197 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774035 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827198 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774036 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827199 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079177 | 1723774036 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827200 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079178 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827740 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774036 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827201 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079178 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827203 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079179 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827204 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079180 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827741 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774036 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827205 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079180 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827206 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079181 | 1723774036 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827207 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079182 | 1723774037 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827208 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079183 | 1723774037 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827742 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774037 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827209 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079183 | 1723774037 | 810 | 320815617697069 | 4 | 7.966242787724E+14 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207862110510240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714025458 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108258_921949033271497_5412151620752708860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZmLHMcpXCX8Q7kNvgHMhyeh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOG4z7keKAumq4CryHI7NTsLrispWsWhOPYA5V7raTTA&oe=664F0110 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440315951_7667872636604929_270040588575752734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o72oro6EZkQQ7kNvgF5i-Nj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyne7vp8akATPs8688D6s2b6fKhVd0gDv2E_ANI7A58A&oe=664F1DF5 | 0 | 3 | It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milkโthe sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hourโit had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in loveโCatherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessedโWendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept togetherโWendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. Youโ" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the houseโhe could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twinsโdon't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind againโin this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Lockeโฆ" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an actโit genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. โฆ The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Danielโshe knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days agoโhad he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Janeโฆ are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uhโฆ thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suitโhe was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've knownโฆ It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last nightโฆ You should seriously consider it. Don't worryโI won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is itโฆ Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendyโyet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? โฆ Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. โฆ Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big oneโJason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morningโwhat was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherineโnot that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Waitโ" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jasonโฆ" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Whereโฆ Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to herโฆ" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at youโyou've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at allโฆ" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherineโฆ" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connorโฆ to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family togetherโฆ" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa AlbertโConnor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's goodโฆ" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business functionโthere were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brotherโConnor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. โฆ Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the pastโyou were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchesterโthat meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meantโit wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. โฆ Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lessonโit was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did youโ" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorceโto pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality โ lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wineโgrowing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admitโ" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?" | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714287600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827210 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079183 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827211 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827212 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827213 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827214 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827215 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827216 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827217 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827218 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 427610683180927 | 3 | 1.4036606936219E+15 | 1714374000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120208456182960342 | theryfhvn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://theryfhvn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11024&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713942893 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438664155_273795419142009_1610116581881481075_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7pV-Qyg26oQ7kNvgGcS0PE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOZboOjC4O9wgEt1nxZxI1HeP-Hxc9vFplH9LZoTtTow&oe=664F258E | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686196_779385647529119_6833913842728790223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3cT0KSYFSOsQ7kNvgGYRvuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGQJoDNMgVY_babmiDsOqMPBLFI_lMdadcDKQcEDSpgg&oe=664F1854 | 0 | 3 | Suzanne York was sold off to cover her brother's gambling debts. She was thrown to a border town, a hotbed of criminal activity, which shocked her so badly when she read the situation. Suzanne's beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body. Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return. "Please don't touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!" The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men's attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. "Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you'll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us." A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror. She married Nathan just a month ago. Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice so much money for her? "Okay," she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope. She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman's voice answered instead. "Hello? Who's this?" "I'm Suzanne, Nathan Morrison's wife. Please pass the phone to Nathan right now." "He's not available..." "Who is it, Sally?" Suzanne heard Nathan's gentle voice from the other end. "A scam call." Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly. Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne. "Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you." Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks. Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, "Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can't be the leader of that military, can he?" Everyone here knew who Nathan Morrison was. During the fiercest time in the regional conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way. "Don't worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he's still single." Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground. Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes. | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827219 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774037 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827220 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827744 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774038 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827221 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827222 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827225 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079184 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827226 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827227 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 444493184757659 | 2 | 9.6645612215282E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120210168823370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1712919826 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435702673_2055808438153421_8494280966628791975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l4h6TiR622oQ7kNvgF15nEo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvprNh8QuN6Q_XfGkb3u9BEahyw_AiCrP6pBvuV1EYkw&oe=664F0946 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437712317_930756498787588_4561978965145836526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9pR0EQukTuMQ7kNvgGWITVp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt__rNZROCEYqZxyYGULuMilTWtro28ZQviVC_TVuCHw&oe=664F0CF2 | 0 | 3 | My childhood crush Felix rejected me. And soon he brought his girlfriend to me... He even said, "Luna, Lilac says she feels insecure because you've remained single this whole time." And so, I started dating Felix's older brother, Colin, who started seducing me... **** I regretted agreeing to eat barbecue with Felix. Felix really was cruel to tell the girl who had a crush on him for years all about his girlfriend, Lilac. This barbecue shall be his apology after he rejected me in a humiliating manner in public before. On our way home from the unpleasant barbecue, it suddenly started raining. The both of us shared a small parasol. The umbrella had already shortened the distance between us. As if he were cradling me in his arms. Blood rushed up to my cheeks, I missed the smell of him. Suddenly someone called Felix's name. It was Lilac, holding a large umbrella above her. She yelled, "Felix!" Felix saw her and ran over to hold her in his arms. She giggled happily. He shielded Lilac as they ran in the rain, leaving me behind. Lilac turned around and yelled out to me with a provoking smile, "We go first, Luna!" The two soon left, leaving only me alone in the usually busy street, not even noticing that my umbrella was off-kilter. My heart felt numb. As wind and rain tore the skies above me, I stood there in the street and cried. Wake up, Luna. Didn't you know from the start that Felix wasn't yours? He never was and never will be, so why are you still crying for him? But I couldn't control my aching heart. Tears continued falling as I pictured Felix and Lilac running together, laughing in the rain. The wind and rain were so strong that I couldn't open my eyes. I could only walk back home based on intuition. It was too late to realize something's wrong with the ground - I fell down an abandoned storm drain. My right leg was numb. A large gash had opened up on my left arm. The water continued poring while the drain was too high for me to climb out, especially with my injury. So this is the punishment for loving the wrong person? As I was almost losing consciousness, someone called out, "Luna..." It sounded like Colin... | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713250800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827229 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827230 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827479 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774038 | 810 | 738931404982785 | 2 | 3.3188756302547E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570916390341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009269 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441505278_1366623431396401_8465519334738454941_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=POmM6b7fuGQQ7kNvgHWdvIX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWf3RcSUiq-OenM6UyL-GSgQyEMUu2Be4TxVE8za9VVQ&oe=664F2FB0 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444769996_1166252111224966_6736133245196827593_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=liJ7Fztyv-gQ7kNvgGx3uO8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCTlewmqhw92JK9WkpSiq0y-DO8jvwbTK1NqMjJ7tjwFA&oe=664F29DF | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827231 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827232 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827950 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774038 | 810 | 1468320934052583 | 2 | 1.628669174625E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1886009288324558 | 0 | We Print Wraps | 120208436515610658 | weprintwraps.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | https://weprintwraps.com/ | 1716068088 | 1.8860092883246E+15 | We Print Wraps | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486053_734341495293837_1547405215762830442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLdCVzv67z4Q7kNvgEe-Hx5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-CjPHYzuaMkELzUw-a2U1KG9d4nSnGaqhH0b6CqIvdQ&oe=664F11EE | person_profile | 0 | We Print Wrapsยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485272_476836545005479_8108783810815085336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_ZDrPyk6unUQ7kNvgH2SxqT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC50KxiBZw6H-G0lLlCFxW7UkDOdG_eTmjWXWqpoecDGw&oe=664F370A | 0 | 3 | We Print Wraps | 3250 | https://facebook.com/weprintwraps | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827233 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827234 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774038 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828020 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774039 | 810 | 1105984037168235 | 1 | 9.06290917919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106563450892167 | 0 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 120207724331150068 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Do you have a website?","response":"Yes I do. My website has pictures of my work and reviews and allows you to book an appointment with me\ud83d\ude04 my website is: https:\/\/scarlatoshinedetail.com"},{"title":"How long do the details take and where do they take place?","response":"Details duration will vary based on vehicle size, the conditions it is in, type of seats and floor mats and many factors. I have exterior only details take me 3 hours, some interior details take me 5-7 hours and full details can take me 8-10 hours. It just depends. All details are done at my place."},{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":"I offer interior detail services and exterior detail services. Interior i do deep vacuuming, wipe down of all doors, door jams, dashboard and steering wheel components, plastics and leather treated, all seats, floor mats and carpet shampooed and extracted and steamed, wax and ceramic coating + more!"}],"text":"Hello! Please send me your vehicle(s) year, make and model followed by some pictures of the car so I can give you a free quoted price \ud83d\ude98\ud83e\uddfc\u2728"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067437 | 1.0656345089217E+14 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950759_1824338131400544_5298914551719449482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-IIN2XKUzdUQ7kNvgGKSj3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGdXOx2cQWQwKL8mqDn3ltQ_afG_VGNajIQXxwpo9hLg&oe=664F26AF | person_profile | 0 | โจScarlato Shine Auto Detailing ๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790556_453951867042391_7534849034261963032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7b2SayywXYMQ7kNvgHEkVX9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUEFZFXYX33sLjpjBDq9fhEncGlbv6DyBhtrzkHhJpHw&oe=664F1160 | 0 | 3 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 22 | https://facebook.com/100066612730350 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827235 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827236 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827237 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827238 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 835296768415029 | 3 | 1.5774651297689E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120209217541290760 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11275&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715325296 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441294898_1180747263111147_2886883073852657658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy8peBA5JHgQ7kNvgEVRaWF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQogCtkMTRb8P_LH1sL1u-2sNrRt8KfMJY-8GRql0xvA&oe=664F35DB | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339904_7206376719488104_1130482863920157580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Jj_VAnf6YQ7kNvgEB_RX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkH61H2208WfstOf7-EYQdsyW-cEZxBzKo7EUCH78KYQ&oe=664F1C3E | 0 | 3 | โSir, Madam is not feeling well," the butler of the Gannon mansion reported on the phone. The man at the end of the line spoke in a nonchalant tone. "So, take her to the hospital. Iโm not a doctor." The line died immediately. The butler was so pale, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Zora relaxed her back against the sofa, feeling weak from abdominal pains. Trying to mask the pain, she asked hopefully. โWhat did he say?โ The butler instantly put on a calm smile when he turned in her direction. โMadam, sir said he will meet us at the hospital.โ Zoraโs eyes lit up. Ezrah had not been home for almost three days, and she was missing him so much. This sickness seemed to be her lucky charm to get him to her side again. โOkay. Letโs go.โ Zoraโs heart warmed at the fact that Ezrah at least cared about his child. Both of them were caught in a scandal two years ago, so getting married was the only way to curb the situation. Ezrahโs stance was clear through it all. โWhen everything calms down, we are getting a divorce.โ Zora hoped that by that time, she would have been able to melt his cold heart and make him fully hers, so her hopes were high. However, over time, she found him slowly drawing away from her, even when they worked together in the same company and shared the same bedroom. Two months ago, Ezrah returned and asked Zora for a divorce but chanced upon the test results. His expression was dark. โLetโs hold off on the divorce until after the child is born, but donโt expect to remain Mrs. Gannon. That title belongs to somebody else, but itโs definitely not you.โ The marriage after those words had been terrible. Ezrah barely returned home, barely got intimate with her. The only reason she still bore Mrs. Gannon was because of the child in her womb. Zora thought that his reason for being away was because of work since he was the CEO of the Gannon Group, a multibillion-dollar company where Zora also worked as an assistant manager. Unknown to Ezrah, Zora had been secretly in love with him for five years, but that drunk night at her best friend Cocoโs birthday party, Zora woke up in bed with Ezrah. She decided to keep it a secret and a memory she would forever cherish when the media picked up the news. Ezrah could not allow the scandal to ruin his well-kept reputation and cause him losses, so he announced that he and Zora were already dating secretly and were soon getting married. Zora, who had been madly in love with him, was excited about the news of getting married to Ezrah. Zora hoped that with time, his heart would warm up towards her, but that did not happen. Even in her state, Ezrah hardly spent the night at home. On the way to the hospital, Zoraโs phone beeped, and looking at the content, her heart dropped. Ezrah was holding the delicate hand of a beautiful woman, a proud smile on his face. The caption read, โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ Zoraโs eyes were swollen with tears. As they dropped down her cheeks, she refused to believe it. Maybe it was photoshopped. There was never any news about Ezrah dating any woman before she had a baby for him. He never even warmed up to women. The man had long been secretive and kept his face from the media. Also, the butler Rudolph had said that Ezrah promised to meet them at the hospital, so the media must be spreading this false news to gain popularity. Even after everything, she still could not help the unease in her heart, instantly dialing his number. Despite him warning her to only communicate with him through the butler, Zora took the bull by the horn this time. Her call went through, but there was no answer. Her old self would have given up, but due to the unease in her heart because of the news, she couldnโt bring herself to do so. On the fourth ring, a woman answered the call. Her melodious voice made Zora feel less of a woman. โEzrah is in the bathroom.โ Zoraโs hands holding the phone shook, her heart in tatters. Ezrah never allowed her to touch his phone, but this woman casually answered his call, and was he really in the bathroom? Zora felt the pain in her chest worse than that of her abdomen. โWho are you?โ The words forced themselves out of her mouth. The woman responded casually, โPiper, his fiancรฉe. And you are?โ โWhatever he saved my name with,โ Zora responded calmly. The pain of the news was more than she could bear. Though knowing that Ezrah never loved her, she thought they could live in peace for the sake of the baby in her womb, but Ezrah never meant to make her dreams come true. The woman at the end of the line moved the phone from her ear to have a better view of the caller ID. โOh, Zora. If itโs urgent, I could drop a message for you when he comes out.โ The nights Ezrah spent away when Zora thought he was busy at work, it was a great disappointment that he was with the woman he loved, leaving her to suffer with her unborn child. She was still in her first trimester, and due to all the morning sickness and other health issues, Zora had taken a break from working at the company to recover first. Her mind lacked clarity, and she was beginning to doubt all the responses she got from Rudolph when she asked him to get in touch with Ezrah. โJust tell him to call me.โ Zora ended the call. At the hotel room, Ezrah returned from the meeting in the conference room. Since he never allowed anyone to answer their calls during meetings, he equally left his phone in the presidential suite meant for his relaxation. โWhat are you doing with my phone?โ He asked as soon as he entered the bedroom. Before Piper spoke, he asked again, โand I made it clear that you should wait for me at the lounge. How did you have access?โ The pout on Piperโs lips only made her cuter as she faked anger. โIs it wrong for me to come? We would have gotten married if Zora had not appeared.โ Ezrah was a man who loved to keep his love life private. He and Piper had been in a secret long-distance relationship. The night they arranged to meet at the birthday party of one of his business partnerโs sister, Piper had an emergency and could not attend as planned. That night, he mysteriously ended up in bed with Zora, an incident that should have been brushed under the carpet until the media took hold of it. Not wanting his well-maintained reputation to crack, he apologetically married Zora, promising Piper to divorce Zora secretly after two years when the news dies down. Things took a different turn when he found the test result after promising Piper that he was ending things with Zora. โI told you I was working on it. You should keep yourself hidden away from the press. We shouldnโt be seen together.โ Ezrahโs voice was stern. It was business for him first, and he didnโt want Piperโs presence to ruin it for him. Piper was uneasy at the reminder. Forcing a smile, she relayed, โI could be your confidential secretary. Please Ezrah, I donโt want to be away from you anymore.โ Ezrah did not give a response. His actions were always well thought out. It wasnโt easy for him to be the CEO of the legendary Gannon Group as the youngest of three sons. Any wrong move and his elder brothers would begin to fight for the position. โDid anyone call?โ He was scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of Zoraโs name. โYeah. Zora. She said you should call her,โ Piper responded with a smile, her fingers sliding over her exposed thighs as she lay seductively on the luxurious king-size bed. โWhat did you tell her?โ Ezrah frowned a little. He wanted to keep Piper a secret until after the divorce. โI pretended not to know about her existence.โ Piper lifted herself to a sitting position, and due to the long slit of the dress, her full thighs were exposed, but Ezrahโs attention was on the phone in his hand. โDo me a favor and donโt answer my calls again.โ His voice had lost its warmth. Piper faked remorse. โIโm sorry. I thought it was urgent.โ Ezrah finally held her gaze as he spoke roughly, โNothing about Zora is ever urgent.โ Chapter 2 Piper was very happy with his remark, but Zora was still Misses Gannon, the title Piper had long coveted. How she wished that night had not happened. If only that useless man had not appeared when she was about to leave for the airport to board the private jet, she would have been the one waking up in bed with Ezrah. It pained her that it had to be that woman, Zora. โEzrah, are you sure you will divorce her?โ Ezrah hated to be doubted. โYou donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her.โ Piper smiled with satisfaction, and since she had mentally stored Zora's number after answering the call, she sent the recording to her. Remembering that the butler had called Ezrah informing him that Zora was sick, she asked after deleting the audio from her phone. โCan you go shopping with me? I didnโt bring enough clothes.โ Even if Zora showed the audio to Ezrah, Piper would deny it as she had used a number Ezrah didnโt know to send it. โI have another meeting in two hours, so you have an hour and a half to finish shopping,โ Ezrah said softly. Zoraโs heart tightened in her chest when she played the audio. The butler who was driving the car felt helpless, equally disappointed in his boss. Zora asked from the back seat of the luxurious car she was seated in. โDid he really tell you he was coming to the hospital?โ The butlerโs throat went dry. He always succeeded in making up excuses for his boss, but this time, everything backfired. That audio destroyed everything. โIโm sorry, maโam. I just didnโt want to see you sad.โ Zoraโs heart twitched, a bitter smile curled the corner of her lips, feeling like a fool as tears welled up in her eyes. She was nothing to Ezrah. The little surprises sent to ignite her hope were merely prepared by the butler. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnโt recover from the pain as she felt a force hit the car from the side, causing it to swerve off the road and somersault thrice. The butler was instantly unconscious. Zora felt unbearable pain, blood sputtered from her mouth and nose, then in between her thighs. No words could describe the agony as she watched the life draining out of her with intense pain settled in her abdomen. She managed to pick up her phone, which had fallen to the side from the impact, dialing her husbandโs number. Unable to lift the phone to her ear, she activated the speaker. โZora. Iโm busy.โ That was what Ezrah said as soon as he answered the phone, not waiting to hear what she had to say. After all, nothing about Zora was ever urgent to him. Before she lost consciousness, she heard the laughter of a woman with the words, โEzrah, I want these shoes.โ โTry them on. If they fit, you can have them.โ โSo, shopping with a woman is what you call busy.โ That was what Zora thought before losing consciousness. Zora woke up at the hospital after hours of surgery. Her face was as pale as a ghost, her countenance pitiful. Her butler, Rudolph, sat at her hospital bed, a smile on his face. He had sustained a few injuries, but they were not serious, and he was already discharged. โMadam, you are awake. Thank God.โ Zora was glad to see that Rudolph was fine. There were just bruises on his face. He quickly rushed out to call a doctor. โMrs. Gannon, how are you feeling?โ The doctor asked as he examined Zora, writing a few things on a writing pad he carried along. Zora was only concerned about one thing. โHow is my baby?โ Zora asked. The doctorโs eyes dulled. โIโm very sorry, but your baby couldnโt survive the impact.โ Tears brimmed in the back of Zoraโs eyes, but she fought them back. She lost everything. She left her fatherโs company to work for her husband, nurturing his business and enduring all the taunts of his arrogant family. At twenty-three, she had nothing to show for the man she had secretly loved for five good years. โItโs alright. She would have just suffered anyway.โ Her heart had turned cold due to the loss of the child. โExcuse me?โ The doctor was shocked. He expected her to cry like any woman in her situation would, but Zora bottled it in. She could endure all of Ezrahโs indifference towards her, but she would never forgive him for the loss of her child. That woman appeared, and Zora suddenly got involved in an accident. The case had to be investigated, but as for Ezrah, he no longer had a place in her heart. โSorry, that was not directed at you.โ There was no warmth in Zoraโs apologetic voice. The doctor forced a smile, finished his examination, and left. Zora stared at the butler at the doorway. He stood there since the doctor arrived. Zora was about to tear down but couldnโt do so. She had been weak for too long, leading to the death of her child. If she had left the first time Ezrah asked her for a divorce, this would not have happened. When she discovered this baby, she decided to consent to the divorce and leave. At least, she would have his child to remind her of the relationship they once shared. Unfortunately, the test result fell from her handbag, Ezrah saw it. Even when he decided for them to wait until after she gave birth, his treatment of her was no better. โWhere is Ezrah?โ Zora asked. Butler Rudolph was scared. He could feel the cold in Zoraโs voice, and even with the distance, he could feel the chills. โMadam, the man who hit us was drunk, and he died on the spot. The police are not able to contact his family either,โ Rudolph reported, trying to avoid answering her question. He was a middle-aged man. Zora did not believe the report but kept it to herself. The moment she discovered that the man she respected so much was lying to her, her trust in him dwindled. She will find ways to investigate the matter by herself. โThat isnโt my question.โ โBoss left here a few minutes ago,โ Rudolph answered. Zora was enraged this time. Not only Ezrah but Rudolph, the butler Ezrah assigned to her, was equally taking her for a fool. โDonโt lie to my face again.โ Her voice was stern and full of contempt. Rudolph pursed his lips, his head lowered. โBoss said, and I quote. โItโs rather unfortunate. Let the doctors take care of her. Iโm very busy at the moment.โ Zora knew what he was busy with. It was the woman whose voice she heard in the audio. She thought she was strong enough to take it, but a tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. Ashamed of showing her weak side in front of Rudolph, she discharged him. โThank you, and please excuse me.โ Rudolph was never supposed to leave Zora's side, so he was reluctant. โMaโฆโ โI said, excuse me, Rudolph,โ Zoraโs voice raised, Rudolph decided to wait in front of the door. โOkay.โ As soon as he left the ward, Zora dialed a number. โSophโฆโ โDad, Iโm sorry. I made a mistake, and now, I lost everything.โ Zora didnโt hold back her tears as she spoke to her father on the phone. He was against the marriage the moment he realized that Ezrah did not feel the same way Zora felt about him, but she was optimistic, insisting that Ezrah would change. Expecting her father to scold her an, โI told you soโ lecture, his voice was rather soft as he asked her. โWhat happened, Zora?โ โI had an accident and lost the baby. Iโm coming home.โ The silence at the end of the line was deafening. She knew her father was saddened about the loss of his grandchild. When she was about to end the call, he suddenly said, โOh Zora. Iโm coming to get you. Just send me your location.โ Zora refused. She couldnโt leave until she was legally separated from Ezrah. โNo dad, I have a few things to do first.โ โWhat is that? Let me help you with it?โ Her father eagerly said, but she was in no mood to burden the middle-aged man. The loss had caused Zora to mature so fast as the reality of life hit her. No more would she depend on anyone. It was time to do something worthwhile with her life, but first of all, she will still have to face Ezrah for the last time. โDonโt worry. Itโs nothing I canโt handle. โOkay. We shall prepare your welcome party. I will inform your mom.โ Zora smiled and didnโt refuse her fatherโs kindness. Three days later, she was discharged from the hospital. As she waited for Ezrahโs return, she got the divorce papers ready. It was three days later in the dead of the night when Ezrah returned, tired-looking but his attractive features remained untouched by his fatigue. Zora had lost sleep, waiting for Ezrah during most of the days. As soon as she heard the sound of the car, she quickly rushed downstairs but paused on top of the stairs when Ezrah walked through the door of the living room. Arriving home, Ezrah no longer met the woman who always met him with a smile. She stood on top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, โGood news Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us, so letโs get a divorce.โ The man who was always cold to her instantly panicked. He stood momentarily frozen. Chapter 3 Ezrah was baffled by the news. Twice, he had asked her for a divorce and saw how gloomy she turned at the subject. This was what he wanted but he couldnโt help the unease filling his heart. Was it because Zora was the one asking? Was she trying to mess up his reputation with the loss of the child? Ezrah was confused. Zora descended the stairs, walking to the dining table. Ezrah did not utter an acceptance or rejection of her request for a divorce and went up the stairs, returning after ten minutes in loungewear. Seemed he wasnโt going out or was it the shock from the news? Seeing the dinner table hosting different delicacies, excitement filled his heart as he took a seat. If she really wanted a divorce, then she wouldnโt have cooked for him. At this moment, Piper was momentarily forgotten. Ezrah avoided Zoraโs gaze as this was the first time she was so cold to him. Without alerting her of his arrival, she still ensured that his supper was ready. As he uncovered one of the dishes, his eyes darkened as he glared at her. It was not the food he was expecting but rather, the cold divorce papers, with a pen beside them, waiting to be signed. โWhat is this?โ Ezrah was furious, being famished from not having time to eat. In times past, Zora would have been worried and tried to appease him but that Zora was gone. After crying her eyes out for days, she waited to serve Ezrah these cold documents, she had no more tears to shed but her eyes were dangerously red. โDo I need to get you a pair of glasses?โ Her voice was taunting, as she saw the shocked expression on his face. He must have taken her request as a joke the first time but the documents exposed the reality. โWhy? Were you expecting me to cook when I had no idea when you will be home?โ Ezrahโs expression was blank. She could have made the maids do it. It burned Zora that she could not read his emotions but she didnโt care anymore. โPlease sign the papers. In case the prints are too tiny, I got you a magnifying glass,โ she dropped the item in front of him. Ezrah was not irrational. When he asked for a divorce, he ensured that there would be nothing for the media to feed on but now that they just lost a child? What will people think? His parents liked Zora, except his two elder brothers who always saw her as a threat. The situation was complicated now. Ezrah never thought she would stand on it to ask for a divorce because of how she always claimed to love him, not caring if he was just cold to her. He needed time to think. โWe shall talk about it later,โ he finally said and was about to stand up when Zora played an audio from her phone. With her mind made up, she wanted the divorce here and now. The woman in front of Ezrah was different from the one he always came home to. She always wore attractive clothes with a little makeup to seduce him which sometimes worked but after his release, Ezrah would return to being cold. Today, Zora did not have on any makeup. Her hair was not even combed. All she wore was pajamas, her long dark hair looking lifeless, in contrast to Ezrah who was looking so attractive. He had the looks and physique Zora used to die for but not anymore. All she felt for him now was resentment. She suddenly matured past looks or smartness in a man. What was there in being hot and a genius in business when there is no conscience or empathy? Zora was just seeing that the man she has always been obsessed with was a selfish monster, caring only about his own image, money, and passion. Whatever blinded her eyes before was removed the moment she woke up on that hospital bed. The voice from the audio was as clear as daylight. A female and a male but the male voice was indeed that of Ezrah. Female: Iโm sorry. I thought it was urgent. Male: Nothing about Zora is ever urgent. Female: Ezrah, are you sure you will divorce her? Male: You donโt believe me? Iโm only with her because sheโs carrying my child. As soon as heโs born, I will divorce her. Zora caught an expression of guilt on his face but there was no remorse. His voice was hard. โWhere did you get that?โ He demanded. Piper could not have done this, right? She had no contact with Zora. But it was just the two of them in the room. Were there secret cameras? Though confused, his expression returned to being blank. โYou have to destroy that audio before I sign this paper,โ he threatened her. Zora could not tell how she managed to pretend that she was fine. Up until now, he didnโt even care to apologize for sharing their private information with whatever name he calls the woman in his life. What on earth could have made her fall in love with such a man? He was different from that man from a long time ago who saved her from the pool when she was bullied by some jealous friends. Ezrah did not remember that day but that was when Zora fell in love with him. She calmly showed him another caption on her phone. โMr. Ezra Gannon admits to reigniting his love for his old flame, Miss Piper Henshaw.โ This time, Ezrah paled but his eyes were dark and he picked up his phone instantly. He couldnโt find the person who took those pictures and how they went viral but had to get someone to take them down. The hacker would also be able to find out who sent that information to the press. Zora had grown thorns after listening over and over to the audio and reading that news on her phone. Ezrah had already told her the same thing so this shouldnโt hurt. โIt doesnโt matter. The hindrance has already been removed and you already have a woman waiting for you. Just sign the freaking papers.โ Chapter 4 Ezrah paced back and forth elegantly, his mind filled with confusion and fear after ending the call. โYou want to blackmail me? How much do you want?โ He was enraged and disdained that Zora would resort to such means, but he was willing to pay to prevent the audio from going viral. His parents would not hesitate to demote him despite his hard work in the company, while his lazy elder brothers would benefit without putting in the effort. โWhat I want, you already gave, but since the accident took it away, there is nothing you can give me.โ She did not disclose her suspicions, as she had someone investigating the matter. Ezrah suddenly laughed mockingly. โYour fatherโs company is not as strong as you think. He has been seeking an alliance with me. You want fifty percent of my hard work.โ This could be the reason Zora was pushing for the divorce. Fifty percent from the Gannon Group would elevate her family business to new heights. She felt bitter that he would think so poorly of her. Despite her feelings, she kept her composure. โNo. You were the one who proposed the divorce, so were you planning to leave me with nothing?โ Her question left him speechless, and she reminded him of the prenup agreement. โDid you forget that I signed a prenup before marrying you? I just refreshed your memory so you are free to sign.โ Ezrah recalled that Zora had willingly proposed and prepared the prenup when they announced their marriage after the scandal. She did it all to prove to him that she wasnโt โinterested in his wealth. He suddenly felt uneasy. This was not the scenario he had anticipated when he entered the room. Besides, he was hungry and not in the right state to make such a decision. What if Zora was being supported by one of his brothers or both? โYou may have dismissed it, but it's only a matter of time before you reveal that you left with nothing.โ Zora struggled to suppress the pain that came with realizing that Ezrah's delay in finalizing the divorce was not due to developing feelings for her or guilt, but rather to protect his image in front of the media and family. She felt a bitter smile form on her lips. โTrust me, nothing about our divorce will be leaked to the media.โ โI donโt believe you,โ Ezrah responded bluntly. Zora had worked closely with him, and despite her absence from the office in recent weeks, she was privy to confidential information. Ezrah had never seen her as a threat due to her infatuation with him, but now he feared she might make his life difficult. โAs soon as the papers are signed, you wonโt hear from me again. You can have a happy life with the woman you love,โ Zora proposed. Ezrah was already contemplating how he could benefit from her disappearance after the divorce. It seemed like she wanted to start fresh somewhere far away. โAlright. Iโm not heartless. I will still give you 50 million,โ he said as he signed the document, only to find that Zora had already signed her part. After signing the divorce agreement, Ezrahโs phone rang. Seeing it was Piper, he answered it and began to climb the stairs in long strides. Piper keeps breaking the agreement. She wasnโt supposed to call him when she was home. Zora overheard him on the phone, โAre you the one who recorded our conversation at the hotel?โ She couldnโt hear Piperโs response but had the conviction that it was her. Deciding it was best to spend the night on the sofa, Zora couldn't fathom sharing a room with him after their divorce. She was too exhausted to move to another room. Her sleep was restless, prompting her to wake up before Ezrah. She had already packed her bags, so she dressed and approached him. โEzrah, itโs time to finalize our divorce in court.โ Ezrah woke up and looked at her glumly. She was still in a somber mood, her eyes red despite the makeup. He sighed, โjust a few minutes.โ An hour later, they arrived at the divorce court. With Zora having made prior arrangements, the process was swift, and they soon had their divorce certificates. Without hesitation, they signed their respective portions. โYou should keep your word and leave New York for good, or else you wonโt like what I will do,โ Ezrah warned solemnly. Zora had a faint smile on her face. โI have a gift waiting for you at home.โ Ezrah frowned, wondering what kind of gift she arranged for him after their divorce. Zora has always been generous, buying him gifts and anything she knew he would like. He would neither accept nor refuse them. Whereas, he never used any of the gifts she bought for him. They left together, but Zora departed in a cab against his wishes to drop her at the airport. She reiterated that he would never see her again. Ezrah felt conflicted but remembered his promise to Piper. Despite his desire to head straight to the office for a meeting, curiosity got the best of him. He rescheduled the meeting and drove home to see the gift Zora had left for him. Upon arriving, he found a letter on the dining table addressed to him. โEZRAH.โ He couldn't recall seeing it earlier that morning, and a sense of unease crept over him as he approached and opened the letter. It was written in Zoraโs handwriting, unmistakable to him. As he read the words, fear, panic, and regret flooded his heart. The letter slipped from his trembling fingers as he cried out, โZORA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?โ | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827239 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 1479676549316676 | 131 | 8.6820382531992E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207587446470738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1714049222 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438829601_750470107267364_6002558537009516004_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oQ3etDnV5VQQ7kNvgHfunkJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA89ApgtdrgxR__cavoJXalCXUseIp5SvzqnjFSsOKY6Q&oe=664EFF6F | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438808594_398476316284743_5377365940316974875_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H4a72g7KPvEQ7kNvgFS9X3V&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDD_FJn4QYVi92Oehf4kIAul55jJsn02ypUVfWhd4h-TA&oe=664F307C | 0 | 3 | After humiliated by his bride-to-be on the wedding rehearsal but Adam was soon told his true identity as the heir of the richest family in the US. On the journey of returning as a CEO, taking over his familyโs business, our true heir gradually finds out his true love, who has been by his side from the very beginningโฆ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1714201200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827240 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 1888943534909629 | 101 | 1.8854502285745E+15 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207587448200738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1714048870 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440392552_1581644296012807_7222038324140965062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UpRZeLjzxIYQ7kNvgFeb2RR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA8vjPAcm5C0Gx2bGrFW3CXZLTo9hpfMBNq_g80467GSQ&oe=664F1918 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438830134_3708390112751351_405570570168768405_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qiPZLVNlDXMQ7kNvgGPDMst&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAu_CVPB2BxHBWGa73HmR5jO8FcROlKXS-H0IV1SHDiNw&oe=664F1C13 | 0 | 3 | After humiliated by his bride-to-be on the wedding rehearsal but Adam was soon told his true identity as the heir of the richest family in the US. On the journey of returning as a CEO, taking over his familyโs business, our true heir gradually finds out his true love, who has been by his side from the very beginningโฆ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1714201200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827241 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079185 | 1723774039 | 810 | 706700098194817 | 1 | 1.4332856276096E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120207253927610427 | www.ccplohio.org | Contact us | NONE | video | Welcoming Environment For Everyone | Enrich your mind. | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1705555345 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420443221_387184330645355_1353091158674098252_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X2rHgb2pPagQ7kNvgGGGpYL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAK96yi4YEKgkP01U_rLwYtujmbfRFNVhWHbQNs0-MEkA&oe=664EFE1B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Dive into the sea of knowledge with our extensive resources. Feed your curiosity and expand your horizons. | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1706601600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827248 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774039 | 810 | 914854536834871 | 1 | 1.4271340282126E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 149010831809532 | 0 | Foote Bros Carpet One | 120203493962290143 | footebroscarpetone.com | Contact us | NONE | image | Request Your Free Estimate Today | Are you ready for NEW FLOORING? Find flooring to give you that perfect look to upgrade your home! Let Foote Bros. Carpet One Floor & Home help you restyle your space. | https://www.footebroscarpetone.com/ | 1704862024 | 1.4901083180953E+14 | Foote Bros Carpet One | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417743634_938228457635357_7301204475501859853_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8y1bOoBD7_kQ7kNvgGAkINN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCpC25O3DEK56S1TML_M0GvzYzrDUVK3hlwLqJNMdemZQ&oe=664F126E | person_profile | 0 | Foote Bros Carpet One | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417826087_919608022885837_5953442466137926036_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V8z281oIGbcQ7kNvgGo0NGk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDk8SunBY54DrAreW4n20MtVWZJjImN76IiUqfkcwuKbg&oe=664F2C7F | 0 | 3 | Create a new look with spectacular flooring deals to decorate your Hall, Living Areas and More. Now is the time to shop our newly designed showroom for the perfect floor that you have been waiting for. Stop by our showroom or Request a free estimate now! | Foote Bros Carpet One | 287 | https://facebook.com/footebros.gadsden | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1704873600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827249 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774039 | 810 | 1441203646820898 | 1 | 1.9359639300808E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 187975618373022 | 0 | Neri Law Group | 120204895964950704 | nerilawgroup.com | Contact us | NONE | video | Free Case Evaluation | "When it's personal to you, it's personal to me." | https://nerilawgroup.com/ | 1704861452 | 1.8797561837302E+14 | Neri Law Group | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418858329_910028994085381_2186405683408696968_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pBdLhhRbHk8Q7kNvgF0XAfz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBrdcX5ZvAWAVw1pQIWzm_btMSJhjHH5yNLbtkJUmeY0Q&oe=664F270A | person_profile | 0 | NeriLawGroup | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418864666_897719851849881_1015388614198300006_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lJxaxUKo2FAQ7kNvgGnDFzY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVyW7rKors8urLwcfVV1wXk6u6GNsLRncNxr36QgaTsA&oe=664F0AEF | 0 | 3 | YOUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | Neri Law Group | 295 | https://facebook.com/NeriLawGroup | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1704787200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827250 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 340993465533094 | 1 | 3.9669470617216E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120206982972780427 | www.ccplohio.org | Learn more | NONE | video | Unlock Your Potential | Explore it all today! | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1704836305 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416113941_363694313032419_4109102183842661891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u9wcjsxwv30Q7kNvgECs3yr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBKX6fnyV2jSUV8dRkIodZdhDGJTii2qoU2Zx2zJJfOyA&oe=664F0277 | person_profile | 0 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418886170_6933829426693100_223903431400283034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-vnNwR15WzMQ7kNvgFs4AX8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCWiEX7fl942bJ021RFWnAojFgF49Wu2JTNCuZyWbSkUg&oe=664F0861 | 0 | 3 | With a free library card, you can access world-class resources, millions of books, free internet, meeting rooms, or unwind with board games. | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1704873600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827251 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 1357153101573578 | 1 | 1.0443306601387E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120206982972700427 | www.ccplohio.org | Contact us | NONE | video | Your Key To Success | We have got it all. | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1704836301 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416384217_741623664518508_5671792145959342494_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kxv7WLzJj1cQ7kNvgEDsdDf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6xqfSag1cgfoMZMl7aPNnnx_8mvoiG81Hckc-eGEQDg&oe=664F0E21 | person_profile | 0 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416330914_875174124354828_6118112606967401057_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=74O7hRf1ElQQ7kNvgHjBaMX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbmyWmbTZjsmU_kSS_cM7rieoEk6cMMb05ZtUdVbKCxg&oe=664F09AC | 0 | 3 | Unlock a world of opportunities with your free library card! From books to internet access, meeting rooms to LinkedIn learning, we have everything you're looking for! | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1704873600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827252 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 3598770690397075 | 1 | 1.3103905330103E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145409685488567 | 0 | Clark County Public Library | 120206982972730427 | www.ccplohio.org | Learn more | NONE | video | Empower Your Journey | Start your adventure today. | https://www.ccplohio.org/ | 1704833773 | 1.4540968548857E+14 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416373515_421733833514082_4371821505210462360_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q2yjyyVTSWgQ7kNvgHSmvIN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArLJuLKdoz-dyiUmZ8HXcKVwZZ-ux7Nz4xp13wd_EQ8Q&oe=664F1B18 | person_profile | 0 | Clark County Public Library | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416321408_2133679590316153_2619911304869486690_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ShqgbMbxE_cQ7kNvgHVhvE_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCr4Uqfb0FmLlL2_YpiqaNJw0VJRPtp3fgFdk5wDOEPgQ&oe=664F1CE3 | 0 | 3 | Learn with LinkedIn learning or relax with board games. Your interests, your space โ sign up for your free library card today! | Clark County Public Library | 3922 | https://facebook.com/ClarkCountyPublicLibrary | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1704873600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827952 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774040 | 810 | 1468320934052583 | 2 | 1.628669174625E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1886009288324558 | 0 | We Print Wraps | 120208436515610658 | weprintwraps.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | https://weprintwraps.com/ | 1716068088 | 1.8860092883246E+15 | We Print Wraps | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486053_734341495293837_1547405215762830442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLdCVzv67z4Q7kNvgEe-Hx5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-CjPHYzuaMkELzUw-a2U1KG9d4nSnGaqhH0b6CqIvdQ&oe=664F11EE | person_profile | 0 | We Print Wrapsยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485272_476836545005479_8108783810815085336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_ZDrPyk6unUQ7kNvgH2SxqT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC50KxiBZw6H-G0lLlCFxW7UkDOdG_eTmjWXWqpoecDGw&oe=664F370A | 0 | 3 | We Print Wraps | 3250 | https://facebook.com/weprintwraps | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827255 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 370527631993164 | 5 | 1.4298894209636E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236877869518483 | 0 | Mobile Center | 120210478795500116 | mobileresalehub.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | Top quality, fully tested refurbished iPhones. | https://mobileresalehub.com/ | 1714107497 | 2.3687786951848E+14 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440566262_975973467238454_8030566282258899011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iuiBoSoPiHkQ7kNvgGIozMK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBMImSuvd9ZUsc4c_nr1vf0Eb8P6CHOsJeR6Ft_D3UNmw&oe=664F03B1 | person_profile | 0 | Mobile Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440561168_451234487419145_8947893879681714155_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tz-G6TXkwaYQ7kNvgEQPiJk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCNnNKhE7Z28lsdLKrhAe3W7ukVDQZgctK1D8r40oiB9Q&oe=664F270A | 0 | 3 | ๐Discover outstanding iPhone deals! Up to 70% cheaper than new! โ Free delivery โ Cheap iPhone โ 12 month warranty โ expert customer service โ 30-day to change. | Mobile Center | 154 | https://facebook.com/61558186127895 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714892400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827256 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827257 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827258 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827391 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774040 | 810 | 256870604173397 | 13 | 3.6361071233705E+15 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120206284917530590 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713576746 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438686277_1140770660602396_7555633035933790966_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aJ6-193Jo5MQ7kNvgHLAiBA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYARRtRDnnm8WTzFyx6FRSXNCGWH35tj5-qsz9s5yvvHNg&oe=664F2457 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437931427_953369169711226_5982121946817072350_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NCbZAB2i4esQ7kNvgHlp6-f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCX_omR2y_f0hxXS3ZE_MjCSzWm-OVYFI8SKnp48_2Gww&oe=664F1496 | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827259 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827260 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774040 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827261 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827262 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827392 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774041 | 810 | 343890735317312 | 2 | 6.3533386207016E+14 | 1710831600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108712015285720 | 0 | Zasusportswear | 120207663632020568 | zasuwasportswear.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Hot Summer Deals! | Hot summer sale๐ | https://www.zasuwasportswear.com/collections/one-pieces?sort_by=swop23062101w | 1710752368 | 1.0871201528572E+14 | Zasusportswear | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431231227_730030762647641_3654836609328969964_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QrHjrEiCnfUQ7kNvgEMlDKi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1oBbROAZMgNN6Vye1-cJH3v4gBTVlIy1Xdisviv4hOQ&oe=664F218C | person_profile | 0 | zasuwasportswear | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431481738_936531007931687_8273828665148607430_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZOmk12fgSI8Q7kNvgGZSvUX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBW12jjCi4zNNB75HYqT4xAfFha9DtrR5rA7bwZCnQjUA&oe=664F324C | 0 | 3 | Sizzlin' hot summer at ZASUWA! <br /> Buy three and get one free. | Zasusportswear | 1629 | https://facebook.com/100084678466384 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1710745200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827263 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827264 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827265 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 311364541958033 | 2 | 1.4549733484296E+15 | 1710226800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209388729630226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710054468 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432420832_1438774136826378_5109825223100914399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ixd59xwSEukQ7kNvgF_WYlz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAbU7qsul98vJIjpEPKIZi7dz8-rnr-oRSXMB4b09XiNQ&oe=664F04C3 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432358214_842544300969756_1503819891416429979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glRu-O61UEoQ7kNvgGOi_Y2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChLbv_SW83lE1VJnEbYaHI2AcyMdIljqGOJB9wPEBifw&oe=664F1968 | 0 | 3 | "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia tries to hide her tears. Her heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710057600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827266 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827267 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827268 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827269 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827270 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827796 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774041 | 810 | 1181718289513268 | 26 | 1.6366089604259E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921019727 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070742 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128579_2160426350999434_4704837767740969498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2HZmEfa7jSgQ7kNvgGDvY0O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7SkH0fmbw2mFbuy7zqWeH5T_iqP82BEYklaj6FoJwjQ&oe=664F2DD9 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436222389_394051963619741_4890742371241507907_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AAfXx7OSL1cQ7kNvgGYk-Oz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOdNUBC8I25cE2h95ZSPO8LqU9bureVT8WU3_GHVs2ug&oe=664F0EA9 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827271 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827272 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827273 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827274 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774041 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827797 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774041 | 810 | 1181718289513268 | 26 | 1.6366089604259E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921019727 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070742 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128579_2160426350999434_4704837767740969498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2HZmEfa7jSgQ7kNvgGDvY0O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7SkH0fmbw2mFbuy7zqWeH5T_iqP82BEYklaj6FoJwjQ&oe=664F2DD9 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436222389_394051963619741_4890742371241507907_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AAfXx7OSL1cQ7kNvgGYk-Oz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOdNUBC8I25cE2h95ZSPO8LqU9bureVT8WU3_GHVs2ug&oe=664F0EA9 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827275 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079187 | 1723774042 | 810 | 278455591869394 | 1 | 3.5341929043518E+14 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207507349620173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711801331 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432210857_1621157378621986_2864688002469363959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f5Mg4ro-fgwQ7kNvgFffsGE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1vNDMjiIcrgbPDsvsCzXsvn9-OTqRCQ2UkjFrp_ZX0Q&oe=664F2AA3 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432232651_1378899002761603_1406314525359231471_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IqvYx-pTKQQ7kNvgG561DO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfikV7WJ8CAFoStbfM2T5TWstuptImX8l0pNeOKxnTMg&oe=664F181A | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712041200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827276 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079188 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827277 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079188 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827278 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079188 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827279 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079188 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827280 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079189 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827281 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079189 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827282 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079189 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827283 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079189 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827284 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079189 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827285 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774042 | 810 | 355600400160937 | 5 | 1.13711122439E+15 | 1712386800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120207356644800173 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10436&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1711529655 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433887152_1517252915806644_1232529738031639905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C3h0nVTWqmkQ7kNvgHj80lS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAFbQyHIC16x3v6GKSGns8nPFzLGUw8qfVunYQuCU0mPw&oe=664F0B45 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433919001_2890963101046737_4891735484858556113_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSRT8khYl0Q7kNvgFmyDjb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5rBk60GXlKSrywhh11aboJp_awOu6wPefLZk1SewpwQ&oe=664F19D0 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712214000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827287 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774042 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827288 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774042 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827289 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774042 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827290 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774043 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827610 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774043 | 810 | 448553231061722 | 3 | 1.5809779024676E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087759930643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Creative | 1715093754 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953343_1109750890246025_664843951740531664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RMlCy7lKlHEQ7kNvgGCgzHc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDaJli8LbgL8OpCNpFzuJuSmngs6HGHSg8WAuRAqUbxbg&oe=664F1782 | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441070765_460530316357267_2336477517465540515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F00fgg89qgAQ7kNvgEZM4VR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCOwZi2tijBao-FiIiqYpnkLzJLWIGUR_2F5yKVB8L4VA&oe=664F2AE6 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827291 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774043 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827292 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774043 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827293 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079190 | 1723774043 | 810 | 383563471123995 | 1 | 7.7907691700148E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827295 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079191 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388615130777915 | 8 | 4.1956245061653E+14 | 1710745200 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120209304529520779 | ltjxcvxs.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827296 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079192 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388615130777915 | 8 | 4.1956245061653E+14 | 1710745200 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120209304529520779 | ltjxcvxs.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827299 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079195 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388615130777915 | 8 | 4.1956245061653E+14 | 1710745200 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120209304529520779 | ltjxcvxs.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827303 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079199 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388615130777915 | 8 | 4.1956245061653E+14 | 1710745200 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120209304529520779 | ltjxcvxs.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827304 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388615130777915 | 8 | 4.1956245061653E+14 | 1710745200 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 121885057680157 | 1 | Random Reading | 120209304529520779 | ltjxcvxs.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://ltjxcvxs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10241&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710495521 | 1.2188505768016E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432637308_1450071725908834_7529761992035096184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kSCn5ZZj5OIQ7kNvgGWa4_D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAj3TowjQWqGWolQBRPFq2D5ul-Vrad3qkIRUWwgZZBbA&oe=664F3110 | regular_page | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432533584_2052915381756054_7313299583695093478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gJ13LK3ngHUQ7kNvgEeJ3Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1Y3C0y0RDyOIapvQVXrbS_07nFq4iAQ_ZmvVxZ5KJlQ&oe=664F00A2 | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | 0 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827305 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827306 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774043 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827396 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774043 | 810 | 898267375378582 | 2 | 1.9955582575084E+15 | 1710831600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108712015285720 | 0 | Zasusportswear | 120207663623640568 | zasuwasportswear.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Hot Summer Deals! | Hot summer sale๐ | https://www.zasuwasportswear.com/collections/one-pieces?sort_by=swop23062101w | 1710752359 | 1.0871201528572E+14 | Zasusportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432453002_1640713733003505_6697415170838810206_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oTz5dvgij5sQ7kNvgEF7k8B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAIZ_siMXS7q-LxpXXYxG-0NIN7ypdNFAWsBXRpvvDFOg&oe=664F2517 | person_profile | 0 | zasuwasportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432451109_707258821620044_8892448790528378125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6ZQmjVZWFG4Q7kNvgEEIN7c&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDP5ZPyonFEmKm6pgaeUDeH8UQXyk3f8hXbTNFWfsK2pQ&oe=664F245B | 0 | 3 | Sizzlin' hot summer at ZASUWA! <br /> Buy three and get one free. | Zasusportswear | 1629 | https://facebook.com/100084678466384 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1710745200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827307 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774044 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827308 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774044 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827309 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079200 | 1723774044 | 810 | 388887333874333 | 3 | 9.5286696988656E+14 | 1709884800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209250103460226 | gbminvest.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://gbminvest.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8335&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1709792361 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429754224_375740168655072_7751457413790353062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ch42bfoka2wQ7kNvgG1ho9D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU5fqtBxcQ5kezPAQuk0RWo_SapmRH_t937h9fvR9nYw&oe=664F354A | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430200348_1127371491617473_4909153828309225925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myyhmF5xDskQ7kNvgEy7aU_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB1cxGlczRVglXa4uepWyA2E5wxTzW768DlIWEfI5kBRQ&oe=664F18C6 | 0 | 3 | After being rejected, Zaia leaves the pack, carrying a secret that she hopes the Alpha never discovers. She's pregnant with his children... -- "I, Alpha Sebastian King of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, reject you, Zaia Toussaint, as my mate and Luna." Zaia gasps, as pain consumes her heart but she still keeps her head up, refusing to show weakness. Sebastian is watching her, almost as if doesn't think she can do it. "I Zaia Toussaint, former Luna of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, accept your rejection." She groans with pain. "You accepted." Sebastian murmurs and stares at her in disbelief. But Zaia can't notice it, nor could she know that the moment her body collapses, the man who is also suffering from the rejection shields her in his arms. Later, Zaia opens her eyelids at the incessant beeping of a machine. She finds Valerie her doctor and best friend looking worriedly at her. "Are my babies ok, Valerie?"She whispers. "Yes, they are stronger than you think." Valerie replies. "Thanks. You saved us." Zaia says quietly. "So Sebastian rejected you and you let him? Why didn't you tell him you are carrying his babies?"She sighs. "He wouldn't have cared. Annalise has returned." Zaia's heart aches as she recalls the image of Sebastian with his arm around Annalise. "Can I ask you to not tell anyone about the babies? Even to Sebas... the Alpha. I will go far away." Zaia knows that she can't call him Sebastian anymore. Valerie nods. "I know, but are you sure Zaia, you are still our Luna." Zaia smiles bitterly."Luna? That is not my title anymore. I'll be leaving soon." "Where will you go?" "Anywhere but here." -- Four months later "Seb," Beta Jai breaks into Sebastian's office and hands him a file, "you're going to want to see this!" "Please don't!" Sebastian is about to flip it open when Valerie rushes in. "What are you guys doing?" Sebastian stares at the two intruders with a displeased face. "Please return it to me. Client privacy is not a joke!"She exclaims. "That report involves him. Zaia is his wife."Jai says coldly. Zaia? What happened to her? Thinking of Zaia's frail appearance on the day of the rejection, Sebastian opens the file with trembling hands... | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709798400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827882 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774044 | 810 | 1627023174763766 | 1 | 4.607632663117E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 341762196212794 | 0 | Quality Title, LLC | 6584935785784 | Military Homebuying Seminar | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Military Homebuying Seminar | Join us for a seminar on the inโs and outโs of buying a home, whether you are active duty, a veteran or retired military. We will have speakers from the industry providing information on what to do and how to do it, to buy your home. There will be light refreshments and drinks provided. THIS IS A FREE EVENT, but limited to 30 attendees, please email Dave at Dave@closewithquality.com to reserve a seat. | https://www.facebook.com/events/828673725784737/ | 1716069024 | 3.4176219621279E+14 | Quality Title, LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489731_1493385998197222_7715856985117621372_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EdVC9SobRD0Q7kNvgGeyI9p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWLyjccdKyL1fa_6LyccMhkgoMpnhWnvjV1trX0e4Wdw&oe=664F24D5 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | โผ๏ธFREE SEMINARโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Join us May 29th, 3:30-4:30 pm at Samuels Public Library for a free seminar on the in's and out's of homebuying, whether you're active duty, a veteran, or retired! We will have key speakers on all of information you need to secure your dreams!<br /> <br /> Although the seminar is FREE, there is a limit of 30 seats, please email dave@closewithquality.com to reserve yours!<br /> <br /> Quality Title, LLC 540.252.4967<br /> <br /> #veteranhomebuyer #VeteranHomeownership #veteranownedbusiness #frontroyalva | Quality Title, LLC | 812 | https://facebook.com/QualityTitleLLC | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827489 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 1204967804210408 | 2 | 1.6147420460344E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570874500341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009201 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436441506_782946357155888_9101053193512958891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d-QjxBzLMp8Q7kNvgEudLNf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAkMLzB9SDkdEGrO1XBOacdKWxf96luAzr721mslnnZSQ&oe=664F3339 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441527230_920998319784475_5826981949876725955_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hujnZJkPl54Q7kNvgGg-gpP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_mdewrPmtP5O8LNpudZKNgGC8xCEJ4CQ3Bl2fyOIJzg&oe=664F3162 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827558 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774044 | 810 | 1224518335188918 | 3 | 4.2029528072589E+14 | 1714201200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 283053551550394 | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 120209336719070468 | weokm.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๊ตฟ๋ ธ๋ฒจ์์ "๊ณ์ฝ ํด์ง: ๋์ค์ ๋ํ๋" ๊ฒ์ํ ํ ๋ ๋ง์ ์ฑํฐ๋ฅผ ์ ๊ธํด์ ํ ์ ์์ต๋๋ค. | https://weokm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9316&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714136025 | 2.8305355155039E+14 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841332_25592112210402892_8397642617881182669_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C_DeOwt9FD0Q7kNvgHVNpr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBVhFmRqDtTk36g7jVIt8eA8S80996NkRJ6crnaJHwzrQ&oe=664F179A | person_profile | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439893966_7867235389954210_1957941699168459515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA2XKRXvLcIQ7kNvgE5vsr7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUsMHuWwNTsap4mkViHrGbCgdZ2WTEA60fd6hTWkiHPA&oe=664F2F24 | 0 | 3 | ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ท๊ตญํ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ๋ฒ ์ผ์ ์ธ์ธ ์ ์ธ์ผ๋ก์, ์์ ๋ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก 8ํธ ๋งจ์ ์ผ๋ก ๋ณด๋ด์ก๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์ ๊ท์ ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๊ทธ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ํฐ ์์ด ๊นจ๋ํ๊ฒ ๋ชธ์ ์ป์ด์ผ ํ๊ณ ํฅ์๋ ํ์ฅํ ๋์๋ฅผ ์ ๋ ํ๊ฒจ์ ์ ๋๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ทจํฅ์ ์๋ฒฝํ๊ฒ ๋ง์ถ๊ธฐ ์ํด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ค๋ซ๋์ ๋ชฉ์์ ํ๊ณ ์คํฌ ์ ์ท์ผ๋ก ๊ฐ์์ ์ ํ, 2์ธต ์นจ์ค๋ก ์๋ค. ์ปดํจํฐ ์์์ ์ ๋ฌด๋ฅผ ๋ณด๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๋ค์ด์ค๋ ๊ธฐ์ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ํ๊ธ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ์ด๋ฆฌ ์.โ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๊ฐ์ ์ด ์์ด์ง ์์, ๋ด๋ดํ๋ฉด์๋ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ด ๋งํฌ๊ฐ ์ด์ด์ก๋ค. ๊ทธ ๋ชฉ์๋ฆฌ๋ ์์ ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฌด๊ฒ๊ฒ ์ง๋๋ฅด๋ ๊ฒ๋ง ๊ฐ์๋ค. ํ์์ ๋ฌด๋ค๋คํ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์ผ๋ฉด์๋ ์ข ์ก๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ์ฑ๊ฒฉ์ ๊ฐ์ง ๊ทธ๊ฐ ํน์๋ ํ๊ฐ ๋๊ธฐ๋ผ๋ ํ ๊น ๋ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์ง์ฒดํ์ง ์๊ณ ๋น ๋ฅธ ๊ฑธ์์ผ๋ก ๋ฌ๋ ค๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์์ ์ ๋๋ก ์๊ธฐ๋ ์ ์ ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ์๋ฝ ์์๋ฒ๋ ธ๋ค. ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ์์ด๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ๋ถ์ ์ ์ ์ ํค์คํ๋ ์ด์นํ. ํญ์ ๊ทธ๋ฐ ์์ด์๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ค๋ช ๋ ์์๊ณ ๋ถ๋๋ฌ์๋ ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ์๊ณ ์ถ์ ๋ฟ์ด์๋ค. ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ธ๊ตญ์ผ๋ก ์ถ์ฅ ๊ฐ๊ฒ ๋๋ฉด์ 3๊ฐ์์ด๋ผ๋ ๊ธด ์๊ฐ ๋์ ์ฌ์๋ฅผ ๋ง์ง์ง ๋ชปํ์ผ๋ ์ค๋ ๋ฐค์ ์ฝ๊ฒ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋์์ค ๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ์์ด ๋ณด์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์ ์ ๊ณฏ์๋จ์ด์ง ๋๊ฐ ๋์ด์์ผ ๋จ์๋ ๋๋ ๊ธฐ๋ฏธ๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋ค์ ์ ์์ ๊นจ์ด๋ ์์ ์ ๊ณ์๋ ์๋ฌด๋ ์์๋ค. ์์ค์์ ์ค์๊ธฐ ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ค๋ ค์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ชฝ์ผ๋ก ์์ ์ ํฅํ๋ค. ๊ฐ์ ๋ฆฌ ๋๋จธ๋ก ํ๋ฆฟํ๊ฒ ๊ท์ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ฆผ์๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋งค๋ฒ ๊ฒ์ฌ๋ฅผ ๋ง์น๊ณ ๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๊นจ์ด๋๊ธธ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆฐ ์ ์ด ์์๋ ๊ทธ์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ฐ๋ฐ ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฑธ๊น? ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ํผ๊ณคํ ๋ชธ์ ์ด๋์ด ์นจ๋์์ ์ผ์ผ์ผ ์ธ์ฐ๊ณ ์ฐฉํ ๊ณ ์์ด ๋ง๋ฅ ๋จ์๊ฐ ๋์ค๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ธ๋ค. ๋ช ๋ถ ๋ค, ์์ค์์ ๋ฌผ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ฉ์ถ๊ณ ๋จ์๊ฐ ์ค์ ํ์๋ฅผ ๋๋ฅธ ์ฑ ๊ฑธ์ด ๋์๋ค. ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋์์ ๋จ์ด์ง ๋ฌผ๋ฐฉ์ธ์ด ๊ทธ์ ๋์ ์ด๊นจ๋ก๋ถํฐ ์๊ณจ ์ธ์ ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ํ๊ณ ํ๋ฌ๋ด๋ฆฌ๋ค๊ฐ, ๊ฐ์ด๊ณจ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๋ถ๋๋ฝ๊ณ ๋ ๋จ๋จํด ๋ณด์ด๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ณต๊ทผ ์๋ก ๋ฏธ๋๋ฌ์ก๋ค. ์น๋ช ์ ์ผ ๋งํผ ์ ํน์ ์ด๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์กฐ๊ฐ์ฒ๋ผ ์๋ฆ๋ค์ด ์ผ๊ตด์ ์นผ๋์ ์ฐ์์ผ ํ ๋งํผ ๋ ์นด๋ก์ ๊ณ ๋๋ ทํ ์ค๊ด์์ ํนํ๋ ๋งค๋ ฅ์ ์ธ ๋ถ๋ถ์ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ฐ๋ฉด์๋ ๋ฒ์ ํ๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ๋ถ์๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ด๋ฟ๋ ๊ธด ๋๋งค์๋๋ฐ ๊ทธ์ฝํ๊ณ ๊น์๋ค. ํ ์ก์ ๋ ์์ด ์์๊ธด ๋จ์๋ค. ๋ฌธ์ ๋ผ๋ฉด ์จ๋ชธ์์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ฟ์ด๋ธ๋ค๋ ๊ฒ, ๊ทธ๋ก ์ธํด ์๋ฌด๋ ๋ค๊ฐ๊ฐ๊ธฐ ์ฌ์ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์๋๋ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ๊นจ์ด์๋ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์ธ๋ํ๊ฒ ํ๊ธ ๋ณด๋๋ ๊ทธ๊ฐ ์ ์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ด์ ์ค์ง ๋ง.โ โ์ค์ง ๋ง๋ผ๋ ๊ทธ๊ฒ ๋ฌด์จ ๋ป์ด์ง?โ ์์ํ ์์ ๋ฅผ ํฅํด ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๋ฌธ์ ํ๋๋ฅผ ๊ฑด๋ค์คฌ๋ค. โ์ด ๊ณ์ฝ, ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ํด์งํด์ผ๊ฒ ์ด.โ ์ ์ธ ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ๋ณด๋ ๊ทธ์ ์ผ ์ ์ ์ด ๋ฒ์ฉ ๋ค์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋์ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๋ ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ์ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ณ์ ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์์ฌ์์๊ฐ ์๋๋ผ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๊ธฐ ์ํด์์๋ค๋. ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ํ์ง ์ด์ ์ค ๋ ์ด ๋์๋ค. ์ธ์ ๊ฐ ์ด๋ฐ ๋ ์ด ์ฌ ๊ฑฐ๋ผ ์์์ ํ์ง๋ง ์ด๋ฐ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ๊ฐ ์ฌ ์ค์ ์๊ฐ์ง ๋ชปํ๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ด์ ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ค๊ณ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๋ณ๋ช ์ด๋ ํด์๋ ์์ด ํ๋ง๋ ํต๋ณด๋ก ๋๋ฌ๋ค. ์ฌ์ฅ์ด ์ฐ๋ฅด๋ฏ์ด ์ํ์ ธ ์ค๋ ๋๋์ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ๋๋ฅด๋ฉฐ ์์ ๋ ์ฒ์ฒํ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค์ด ์ท์ ์ ๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ๋ฐ๋ ๋ง ๋ ์์ผ๋ฉด ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋๋์. ์กฐ๊ธ๋ง ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆด ์ ์์๋์?โ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ํ๋ถ ์ธ์์ด ์์ง ์ผ ๊ฐ์์ด ๋จ์๋ค๊ณ ์์ฌ๊ฐ ๋งํ์๋ค. ์ถ์ด ๋๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ๊ทธ์ ๊ณ์ ์กฐ๊ธ ๋ ์ค๋ ๋จ๊ณ ์ถ์๋ ์์ ์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋ฌต๋ฌตํ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๋น์ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์์ฌ์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ๋ด๋น์น์ง ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ด๋ฏธ ์ง๋ ค๋ฒ๋ฆฐ ์ฅ๋๊ฐ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ณด๋ฏ์ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์นจ๋ฌต์์ ์์ ๋ ์๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์ด๋ ์์น์ ์๋์ง ์ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ค ๋ ์ด๋ ์๊ฐ์ด ํ๋ ์ง๋ง ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ฒ ๋ฐ์ธ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ด์ ์ด ๊ฟ๋ ๊ทธ๋ง ๊นฐ ๋๊ฐ ๋ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ์์ ๋ค๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ผ๋ถ๋ฌ ์ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ๋น๊ฒจ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ณ ์์ ๋ฏธ์๋ฅผ ์ง์๋ค. โ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฒ ๋ ธ๋ ค๋ณด์ง ๋ง์ธ์. ์ฅ๋์ด์์.โ ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก ๋ง์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์์ด์. ์ด์ ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋๋ฌ์ผ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ถ์ด ๋๋ฌด ์ข์๋ฐ์?โ ์ ์ธ ๋ฅผ ์ ๋ฆฌํ๋ ์ด์นํ์ ์์ด ์ฐ๋ ๋ฉ์ท๋ค. ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค๊ณ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์๋์๋ก ํ์ด๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ผ๊ตด์ ์ํ๊น์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ์ ํ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์์๊ณ ๋ง์น ์ด์ ์์ ๋ผ๋ ๋ฏ ์ฝ๊ฐ์ ํฅ๋ถ์ด ๊น๋ฆฐ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ง์ ๋์น์ด ๊ตฌ๊ฒจ์ก๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์๋ค๊ณ ?โ | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 320 | https://facebook.com/61557428073507 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827492 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 2210075952673453 | 1 | 1.3844246855832E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570911540341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009314 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442487928_999276001553811_216352197334659493_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=occO4ebY9L0Q7kNvgGGwQGm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCK4OyIhIz_sf1L1U4zNn45X_EW9O5iFHH3o133k-JU0Q&oe=664F10C5 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442497946_1912882695823552_1054288622234569864_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=11JJcwNw99IQ7kNvgGu683G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAty6hW2QFMTcMutyTueC66dv0QS0S91IxXw1yg3hRTeA&oe=664F00E2 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827494 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 3781656828821569 | 1 | 1.4291577444124E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570906300341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009339 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444135313_1056806319348213_8770105203974645743_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1mTcw-H_ZjcQ7kNvgF8ngdZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAsicZdJGkU5H9y0fLqhvtCRL6wo317VK1WV5fHCxIz1A&oe=664F2D2F | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440934135_483271737373023_8767582307104496020_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xwb1VbYzDYQQ7kNvgHN9bEg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCT-JErDk_ysi3O3SP68qf-B56_5ewmUqwEBGFhCX9zVg&oe=664F34EB | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827496 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 352195870809684 | 1 | 1.6068990168307E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528100890341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916387 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442462526_1243365496649340_2781351216727939017_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U6Has4Xw0N8Q7kNvgEWup1K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAJ7vHonU148kSe1BQTWpSEWTsFFBJIstxs7gFpjuDCeQ&oe=664F127D | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441404798_760792819376684_6934132337224504637_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=46hJUcppqREQ7kNvgGLVbHD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCs7Oy5DJJvQ4s_mWfIMapUk6f2EMJeONBrZ3QCX3dG2w&oe=664F1755 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827497 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 411375511737165 | 1 | 4.8722958373816E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210941613850159 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-0510-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=187714994423518 | 1716008321 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481873_820475872781880_3235643738775337383_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jElJtUNW9UoQ7kNvgFEGS6g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYATrR_2ioSICD31HL8RlwldU4TTUZYhID5UtKv7QQHDsA&oe=664F0236 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499363_1141349980513785_6732467441773265779_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ee5PAzDSBKoQ7kNvgFgObKD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB5iAIxd0AJRqRGCs4f4kgQjlMp7dkLhot-0Z_eK8LWKw&oe=664F277F | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827498 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 414773058120014 | 2 | 8.0690271471134E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528039620341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916260 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441262605_1450799389163752_6181456670521131011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qMxj0oB49ykQ7kNvgGuo1BC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAh-jd3pnat6cb4COQqeoVvf9ro-j_qnwZJlTpnanqm4Q&oe=664F136E | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441313559_1748138922383225_2651098272819652411_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QwxuGJzQd50Q7kNvgHUIlxb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB1dkFr0CT0Qcvnjm7CqeiG_2qblShWBAIj9NzNJj3dLg&oe=664F06C2 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827499 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 417497501127322 | 1 | 1.4601135345976E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528086290341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916356 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441287393_985130243228464_4482441014058824535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AOOSy2yoa0QQ7kNvgG8QU1N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAF0f2tgFsvRN_E5HUgXRtjXsDAwh1ABvVR68QuQ9k6MA&oe=664F0E2D | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441512026_1140380260502796_4523826155545240497_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LFgqrQ9tNPwQ7kNvgHWjyL-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAyV43L0HRgjAmMnq7OT373FzoW66debeO34QIopSCJHQ&oe=664F106C | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827501 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774044 | 810 | 800228385101087 | 2 | 7.2162039785082E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528140040341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916457 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428369774_260655477141987_8984607435627231063_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1DA7f__tOksQ7kNvgGivKSy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEDvqs5runj5fy2boHsVJe5CRLJAotYn-3-Mprz-V4TA&oe=664F066A | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441413760_1577525696363402_5257204477898368342_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pceY3635u60Q7kNvgE6sso4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD8Ln7v8W86QH5k1_UNRDRL39ARPDR2kqxiTNQDIbzayg&oe=664F2F60 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827502 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 810133800643544 | 2 | 1.8705653633875E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528106080341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916403 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441525511_459448556610100_133913961454980211_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1h50Cdkuu-cQ7kNvgFDyUFt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA81AbWF0ykXdFfB1PkbVCJAxdifCc8F1g4uOAqLeIuIg&oe=664F14C5 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441293809_328878226681194_8676058716129929398_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=91Al37tjhsAQ7kNvgEyauty&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDhSeJ1rLWw-i5ddnDZJn1SAnqfY8vRGBAV8ZdeyurPYA&oe=664F06E6 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827503 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 845402560954960 | 1 | 9.862122764731E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528150080341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916470 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399510_3713613875560618_2841617189362122845_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dms01-JYDqgQ7kNvgEYqsm8&_nc_oc=AdjToKEVIgVex8mWPgELPtmeDHk5EgR7xBSiVkbKNjSqTYXrgj8YBAHPSaYoNhecZkg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBDxV-01W_aXo7NzA9XOj4UDZlte4_pIced1shGIk90gA&oe=664F1ED3 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399204_825130352837357_1500913962776180304_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xDymrZQf7_YQ7kNvgE7VQsd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDx5OBLHOG61GnlKO22vFNYMvoD6jSyn7LIFOfNz2zjAg&oe=664F305E | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827504 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 968584805047322 | 1 | 9.8138157021522E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528066270341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916313 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481437_1359761677995226_3304209998407562355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nNg19ILx8vYQ7kNvgGd3WKv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPqeX-IhfXIbF8PpO-btud-iVhvufR5ZK_XYA8ZulCUQ&oe=664F024E | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484987_431102432876336_7885221760016893127_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ka9WIvtzNSUQ7kNvgEfYbkN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDQbrjspQAAvQQBCj8oLGXMz1xhrqYhuk6EQy6fZpz9uA&oe=664F1334 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827505 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 972015894140056 | 1 | 4.6396477934034E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528130880341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916436 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435467_1958565937946679_3967182653392363095_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8w8Gue0R8IoQ7kNvgGOticD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDE7D2SS40nST-lcfsmL9-8hNrshE0JQoe6du_W6G6jSw&oe=664F28AF | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442440247_3697146457223298_2642282755430699800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cqKRIZJVhR8Q7kNvgGYMXUa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAMRJewYdRJQVo_Uv7deMuKBsFdVe400GdFuhq1qM3ijg&oe=664F2734 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827506 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 974117804042201 | 1 | 4.2004295748827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528073380341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916334 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441208276_1221136385833096_3975568470318222583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eCRy05ETRvwQ7kNvgGXV3_I&_nc_oc=AdgjP2_jeukEKpxbitt5YEHEm6S_sQwVC3AYbKehkhjq1lcVvOIC_n-0FhK5o4nPp0c&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYACU3n68QZhAgvCRg2-zl2zjV0bkXdDefMBht_LqhxSFg&oe=664F031D | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443836060_7460578554052824_2875708001142295631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rq3yKOnbKAIQ7kNvgEOj3E8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl-L42h7F7864pMCc5K-oocwsYCwz5v7hyYH_xf11YNw&oe=664EFF09 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827507 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 994139298947220 | 1 | 9.3047057876275E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210865508600159 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-0510-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=187714994423518 | 1715852057 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435972642_3339694899673454_8321993109554069337_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F9XD1HHu2mgQ7kNvgENrocn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDAog19iydsLnaK7UXY_ryp6F4j3B5SnriY3PapupdedA&oe=664F1D92 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440954850_2118048585237661_1707472642989392189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3mI_GkoC9RgQ7kNvgGMAn4U&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6WP9DCHUqa5hKAxTV2Mh0GzvCafwcTlpaTa1ISPLpoA&oe=664F2DB1 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827509 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 1110290046929353 | 1 | 9.6660909851568E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210865739210159 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-0510-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=187714994423518 | 1715852323 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438253831_1154695975638575_6151613138947626398_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mMtEp11JF7wQ7kNvgF1hAoc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQ2freSSHjva3w8crr2wp4F8eBE9BQgA2Z5emwaHqdAA&oe=664F1D83 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440940308_967814161311689_5555179826129864858_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FGmLnHmNE_oQ7kNvgGP1V1G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB5PB2sLv6LnewGMKXUY5sUpDQDBE37G7oXwLwTiHj1sA&oe=664F0EAD | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827510 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 1216266326411940 | 2 | 3.7074824266846E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528124670341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916427 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440941883_1165688634424583_3845156702323541152_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_R3qp1eW3iQQ7kNvgE1ZRgv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBjx-rpLsnd17tGWX1dnB58xNFbGVwlWEKL-cbgqjOrNg&oe=664F0F38 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239762_992903725580814_1741254560408394022_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QSAfZObtNXAQ7kNvgH8_mQo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAUKOGUM_1WyLlcuJl1gkaOoh1HeQs9vjBBH4rsf3vXkA&oe=664F10EF | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827512 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 1418165615730319 | 1 | 7.1982068403059E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528145120341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916463 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444467489_461157209724298_5342168705207602052_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z5I6Bco_IvkQ7kNvgEC14_K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA4fqEV5XGSdWHko_Qi6Sg-az-koMdeeQxYjED-DHG-yQ&oe=664F0E1F | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441272726_1801981663630735_6699749739355336341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vivAVuOmPiQQ7kNvgHVaL1A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBSCLRsmi74PsZFg7FGBz-EqGENgbf3f_uU8B6Am2fQoQ&oe=664F3115 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827513 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 1494867741233252 | 1 | 4.2391668039637E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528120740341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916429 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438304971_831136432247768_3362760567172090838_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=buJwxTvKDQ4Q7kNvgEdPcUu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBLfdzaBvKrE3CUr4GmopcOmnaSXXorYBOQLNKeFfyviQ&oe=664F358E | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439267557_772915988276043_1465938107657072420_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jtCZBlsHDfgQ7kNvgG0oqcz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWgJu5xAYV-B0kkuxgfZ-X4EXvoCrp4nuULOhhZIpd8A&oe=664F108B | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827514 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 2678422815657147 | 1 | 4.4957891776844E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528110430341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916412 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441329402_1217327755919447_7831585073392902458_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t1qfsO0V2uMQ7kNvgH7poPm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVqVOv_zX_B2vGT-uBBL3WbyeC2dDMWFRrIA8EhdAFrg&oe=664F1947 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441463977_800623161710252_6241312696183070032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lK_lylMk1SMQ7kNvgE9x2xP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAaYSWDXH0sgyKcpnMoXzRJQBi1HP9JZfSjn0jyt-Aysg&oe=664EFF2D | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827515 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 3837942503146220 | 2 | 2.600584076781E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528036570341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916257 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442480599_1849430145559371_3855394110078838575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EhA-J5ZknO4Q7kNvgG2E1VY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCpmhupnpRhj0tdhsLDERpSM83jBt69fzs38dq5QMMDmg&oe=664F2AA2 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441398465_460997516438627_1756597410405855516_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ni513XI4XjQQ7kNvgGH-xKO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYALfbUORVx0GtxT4gkR2B8pqWLtyCE2DsuvyV51lYEIvQ&oe=664F1149 | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827517 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 8318663591484051 | 2 | 3.5691047363085E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210528104080341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1715916408 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441088398_1228314524816968_7319280905531072157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tBUtINGuhusQ7kNvgFO01XB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCmzfU3U2uF-lzz40H4BiCwn_mpaiI8K05iTGeleyphaQ&oe=664F03D6 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424931754_927905792405632_4852319880106345173_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FY3mME1Rl18Q7kNvgGuuwbP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAxvZO3XsIpDK6onLwoJPVNVEd4lq78AOde5Qft-XzKXg&oe=664F1BAA | 0 | 3 | Forced to marry a disabled tycoon, thinking she would be caring for him for life, she was taken aback when he stood up on their wedding night, making her exhausted every night!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &5& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827519 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774046 | 810 | 731514188788496 | 7 | 1.0757412370202E+15 | 1710831600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 219004054622622 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 120209477363500237 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10286&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710574824 | 2.1900405462262E+14 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431467970_2008773229566970_3659123926400769022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RQiJLGaNeboQ7kNvgFGkoOZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBFrZ6CiImRprv4G6SRRCVb1WxbIX7YRoNdAdwREzRxmg&oe=664F1270 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431250891_811956600972262_7490200498808099064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e79nD1V28jUQ7kNvgHBKOtr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5ZBJ98E34pUjWPfArO4FO7wwMSYOi8xozEoTcJWYubw&oe=664F25B9 | 0 | 3 | I know an Omega and an alpha became best friends, which is weird. Especially, he still comes to visit my bed every morning. "Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." 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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." 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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Rise and shine sleepy head!" A loud voice yelled just inches from my ear. I wince as my ear starts ringing. Being a werewolf had its perks but now I wish advanced hearing wasn't one of them. My eyes shot open, connecting with foresty green and a crooked smile. Bryson Taylor. My best friend and future alpha of the Silver Moon pack. He was kneeled down beside my bed so he'd be same height as me. With his elbows pushing down on my mattress, Bryson chuckled. "Good morning sleepy head." I glared at him furiously, pushing up on my elbow as my other hand reach to touch the wetness I felt on my cheek. I wiped it as I scowled at my grinning best friend. "What did you put on my face?" I asked. Bryson pushed away from my mattress and me entirely as he rises to his feet. Now that he was towering over me with his 6'1 self, he shrugs. "I licked your cheek." I cringe, wiping my now wet palm on my light pink top. "Ew Bryson, would you stop doing that?" Oh who was I kidding? I wasn't at all fazed by a little saliva, especially when it was Bryson's. Bryson shrugged. "That was the only way I could manage to wake you up. Has no one told you, you sleep like a rock? But ye, softer." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you always never fail to mention it. And that yell by my ear seem to work just fine, I don't think you needed to lick my cheek you weirdo. " Bryson smiled widely, the dimples in his cheeks going on full showcasing mode. I was breathless. Just like I always got when he smiled. Bryson was the epitome of too hot to handle. With his green eyes, sharp jawline, dimples, straight nose, perfect brown curly hair, lean yet muscular build and tall height, it is no wonder every female wolf wanted to be his mate. "You're right, but have I not told you many times before that I just love the taste of your skin?" He raised a brow, smiling down at me. He did, many times he never failed to mention that. It was strange for him to always lick my face and confess that he loved the taste of my skin. But I had grown used to it and secretly liked it. I narrowed my eyes. "And you're still weird for doing it." Bryson shrugs. "My tongue and my taste buds have no complaints. Beside don't pretend you don't like it." He gave me a pointed look that made him see right through me. I tore my eyes away, knowing that he'd see how much I did actually like him licking my cheek. Call me weird, but it was our thing. We were comfortable with each other but still knew our boundaries. " No I don't." I denied and hated that my voice wavered to expose my lie. I wanted to smack myself behind my head, but I didn't want to look crazy in front of Bryson. Speaking of crazy.... My hair must be a total mess. My fingers reach in my dirty blonde hair, tugging slightly at the tangles it caught. "You have something on your face. " Bryson said, drawing my attention back to him with the whipping of my head. "Where?" I asked as I quickly brushed my finger over my cheeks to my mouth. Was it drool? Oh gosh was I drooling? Bryson leans forward, his palms on mattress that dips with his weight. "What's on my face Bryce?" I asked, skimming my fingers over the corner of my lips in such of that drool. What else could it be? Bryson, pulls my hand away from my face, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I held my breath as the air inside the room feels like crackling fire. Or maybe it was the blood in my veins that felt that way. His eyes, they were pools of green and always reminded me of the forest around us. His eyes swam with emotions, yet they didn't stay long enough for me to figure them out. I tried to read them, but he was always good with hiding them away from me. I stared at him fixedly as those pools of green connected themselves on my lips. And then his mouth parts. "This." Without warning his head lowers and his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my chin to my cheek and so close to my mouth. As weird as it sounds, a little part of me wishes he did it on purpose to perhaps get a taste of my mine. But a bigger part of me, the sane and logical part knew that he didn't intend to have made his tongue nearly touch my moist mouth. Bryson jumps away from me, drops my hand and turns around laughing loudly as he runs out of my room. Regaining my composure, I glared at his back as he disappears out the door, leaving it jarred open on purpose knowing I would run after him in three... two...one... I throw the covers off my body and land on my feet in a matter of seconds. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled, feigning anger and annoyance. The cool air whips against the wet trail he left and butterflies flutter in my stomach. He may not know what he does to me but my body knew. Bryson Taylor was my best friend, but I was in love with him. Which was a bad thing. A very very bad thing. Because we were werewolves and on our eighteenth birthday we find our mates. It was not known for an omega to ever be mated to an Alpha. So my chances of us ever being mates were flushed down the drain. One of the reasons why I secretly enjoyed the feel of his saliva on me was that he left his scent. And somehow my crazy mind thought it was his way of marking me. Though we were not mates, and would never be, I could at least enjoy this little weird thing he does until he does find his mate. And I only have few days until I will perhaps no longer have the joy of pretending this was his way of claiming me. Because in a few days, Bryson will turn the age of eighteen. The age he will find his mate. I stormed down the stairs, yelling out his name angrily. I found him in the kitchen with a piece of bacon nearing his slightly parted mouth. When he noticed that I was here, he sent me a crooked grin that showcased his white teeth. "You're so slow Em." He teased, pushing the bacon in his mouth. I glared at Bryson and he only chuckled. I stopped in the doorway and looked at my mother who was preparing breakfast. Her blonde hair similar to mine was whipped into a very high sloppy bun that was on the verge of collapsing. "Morning momma." I said, walking into the kitchen slowly. So why were Bryson and I practically glued by the hip? Sometimes I was wondering this question myself. We have known each other since we were very young, when we were puppies. In fact, from the first day I met him, he never walked out of my life. I don't know when I started to have a different feeling for him, but I still remember that day. - "She's shivering like a scaredy cat! Look at her!" Giovanni and his friends laughed at my expense when I was doing the monkey bars. Giovanni wasn't a higher rank per se but he was ranked higher than I. Since I was the lowest ranked one here and the smallest, he and his friends always picked on me. I thought I could show them how tough I was by doing something they always mocked me I couldn't do.... But it seems that my hands cannot stop sweating and my heart won't stop beating so loudly. I was afraid of heights. Wolves were not supposed to be afraid of anything, yet I was afraid of heights. I felt my fingers slip and felt the harsh cutting on my knees as I fall to the ground. I stayed down on my knees, and in quite a shock I actually fell. I couldn't cry even though I was in pain. "Yeahh!" I heard a loud yell and then laughs from a few distance away. "Shut your mouth!" Then I heard the rattling of the fence as he jumped over it and raced over to me. He sneered at Giovanni who had been laughing at my expense and pushed him roughly until Giovanni fell to the ground. "Mommy!" Giovanni cried, getting to his feet and racing out of there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His friends run after him, calling out his name. I almost giggled because they all looked like dogs with their tails tucked between their legs. There and then, I looked at Bryson as my hero but then when he helped me get up and dust myself while smiling down at me, I developed something I was afraid I'd never be able to stop. - "....Emily, I have left some overnight chicken and some rice in the fridge. All you have to do is warm it up for dinner. Can I trust you with that?" Mom teased, turning around to place the frying pan back on the stove. "Don't worry Mrs. Snow, I'll not have her burn your precious house down. You can count on me." Bryson made show of placing his hand on his chest and sent me a wink that may or may not have made my heart leap. Then he dragged me by the hand and pulled me into the car. "For the love of Moon Goddess, Bryson slow down! At this rate, we'll be dead before we even get to school." I yelled as the wind whipped against my dirty blonde locks harshly. Bryson spares me a glance, grins and slows down a bit.....by a bit I mean, barely. "You need to live a little Em. We're werewolves, we won't die so easily." He snorted, turning the steering wheel. The sunlight that peeked from the huge branches above, treasured his face and left me in awe until he turns around to glance at me. I tore my eyes away quickly not wanting to be caught staring. I crossed my arms over my chest and answered. "Doesn't mean we are immortal. Besides, you're an alpha, you're practically almost immortal with those super quick healing. And I'm just an omega practically human, still heal up quick but not quick enough. " I pointed out. I hated mentioning how different we are. Bryson was a leader and I was at the bottom of the food chain. In fact, it was strange for an omega and alpha to be this close. But Bryson never cared about our differences and nor did he care about the judgemental stares from the other pack members. We got a tone of weird looks, especially seeing as I was known as the wolf who couldn't shift. "You're not just an omega Em. You're special." Bryson argued, cutting through my thoughts. His voice held a slight edge. He always hated when I mentioned how different we both were. "You're special to me." He said under his breath with honesty. My heart stops and then leaps again, this time quicker. When he said things like this my stupid heart would think that Bryson meant it in a more than friendly way. But then the logical side of my mind would instantly throw me back a few steps or two by revealing that Bryson was only just trying to make me feel better. Because that's what best friend's are supposed to do. Make the other one feel better. I turned to face the window and stared at the huge endless green trees. They were so tall and their branches were thick. They wouldn't end until a few miles but would start right back again. The sleepy town of Green Hallow....wasn't so sleepy at all. - Bryson shuts the engine and turns to face me, his eyes holding a gleam of mirth and his mouth a bit pouty. I try to not stare at it for too long even though it was a temptation that I have always lost. I keep my eyes on his nose. Because if I were to bring them to his eyes, I'd be a lost in the windows of his soul. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're still annoyed at me?" His lips curved into a playful grin and he chuckled. I raised an eyebrow, and nearly rolled my eyes at his words. "For which part exactly? Is it when you nearly had me go deaf by you yelling close to my ear or driving like a maniac?" I asked sarcastically. I was trying to be as serious as I can but with Bryson, I can never truly remain angry or annoyed at him. It was just impossible. He had that way about him that didn't allow someone to be angry with him. Or maybe it was me who just couldn't for the life of me stay mad at him for too long. He lifts his eyes to the roof of the car and playfully made a clicking sound while shifting his head from side to side. " For both?" His green eyes came back to join mine, only that they were sparkling in mischief while a grin so wide and bright nearly blinded me. They looked deep into my soul and made me shiver. This was one of the reasons I try to avoid staring into his eyes when we were alone. I always end up feeling things I know I shouldn't be feeling. Bryson grins. My stomach does a slight twist and I looked away quickly. Wanting to not have him see my skittish self I snorted out. "Then yes, I'm a hundred percent still annoyed with you." I unbuckled myself and opened the car door. When I was out, I swung the bag strap over my shoulder and looked over the roof of the car when Bryson also gets out. His eyes narrowed as the sun strikes in his eyes. It made his eyes seem gold from where I stood. " Come on Em, you can't stay annoyed at me forever. You know you love me. " He said with a cheesy grin. My heart flips. If only he knew exactly how much those words were actually true. Just more than what he thought. I didn't love him only as a best friend, I loved him as more. I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. When I am about to respond, a friend of ours joined us. Her face shows off a huge beam, her eyes dancing when they fell on both Bryson and me. She skips towards us, her red hair flipping behind her. She was very beautiful with her wide cocoa eyes and pretty features. I would look like a homeless person standing beside her. Maya throws her arm over my shoulder and hugged me. "I missed you Em." She squealed beside my ear. Was it get Emily deaf day? I wince but hugged her back while my ears rang. Maya was the beta's daughter and would be taking the role of our future beta soon. I met her through Bryson who was already friends with her. At first, she hadn't quite liked me and didn't want my rank to make her look bad. But then after a few greetings here and there, the conversations gradually became longer and funnier until we were practically best friends. "You saw me yesterday." I pointed out. She pulls away and smacks me on the shoulder playfully. "Still way too long to not see your chubby cute little cheeks." She pinches my cheek to show her point. Even though I was petite, I had chubby cheeks that made my face round. Everyone said I look adorable especially when I blush. I smacked her hand away and glared at her playfully. "So no one's going to even include me in the conversation?" Bryson grumbles as he walks over to us. I turn to give him a fake annoyed stare. "No." "Ouch Em, that hurt." He feigned a hurt look by placing his hand over his heart. When he's beside me, Maya darts her eyes between the two of us in curiosity. "Did something happen with you two again? Did Bryson pull a prank Em?" Honestly, her words flew over my head the moment Bryson stepped beside me. His body heat.... My stomach knotted and I gripped my bag strap for an anchor as I try to relax my beating heart. With them being werewolves they'd obviously hear my quickly pounding heart. I didn't want them to question me on something I'd lie about. And obviously, with Bryson knowing me like the back of his hand, he'd know I was lying. Bryson throws his arm over my shoulder and is the first to respond. "Em doesn't like fast rides, I'd make sure to remember that in the future. Apparently, my girl likes it slow. Don't you Em?" He teased and squeezed me to him and looks down at me. I lift my head and our eyes connected quickly. My heart races and I'm not sure I can actually hide the fact that I'm getting flushed. My girl... Bryson's tone was heavy with a tease, but there was something in his eyes while he stares at me that made my heart leap. I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud. "Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine. I furrow my brows and turn to him. His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo. With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned. And my heart leaped. When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater." This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar. Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine. "What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I. He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual." If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out. Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face. Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock. "Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully. I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine. "Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's. "Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near. I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close. Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya. Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace. Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him. And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya. Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two. Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?" I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face. Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know." She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little. I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown. "What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya. "I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug. There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less. Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure. "What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention. "Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically. I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said. "No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her. "No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly. Maya frowns but nods and sat back down. Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area. Where could you be Bryce.... I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal. I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes. He's shifting and he's trying to fight it. "Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching. He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing. I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. He relaxes, breathing out a sigh. "Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted. "It's her words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me. "I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?" Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?" His words stunned me and my heart leaped. Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate? It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked. My heart throbbed. I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls... A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking. Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking. It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me. Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not- He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare. "In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply. I tore my eyes away from him. I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male. Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now. "I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted. I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now. Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you. But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension. But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right." He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?" I nodded grimly. I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him. _ "You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself. Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises." I gripped the door quickly as he drove off. "Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger. He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare. "I swear you're just trying to piss me off." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse. Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words. Even though I wanted them to mean so much more. With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. " He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach. When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house. "Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes. I left him and went upstairs to freshen up. When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him. Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack. Something he's been training for relentlessly. He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs. I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow." I winced. Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business. "Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him. I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side. "Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first." I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again. But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister. "I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes. I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly. "I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre. I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. - A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television. We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted. I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open. In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command. I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest. And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection. But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth. "Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there. But I didn't expect the night came this way. - "Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love. I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love? Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth. I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze. His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom mouth to stop myself from moaning out loud. I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive. "Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red. His wolf was aroused too. It wasn't only him. "I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat. I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine. I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered. He wants me. His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward. "I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms. He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me. "Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little. He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna- - I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart. I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily. Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you.... You can't be any more obsessed than this. I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry. Pang. My brows furrowed. Pang. What the...? Another pang cracks the silence in the room. I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound. The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about. Pang. I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window. My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near. I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest. Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious. When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window. I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks. I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass. I stop him before he could. "Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me. "You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender. I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts. He had been in wolf form and run all the way here. I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning. That's the latest he had ever come here. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught. "Jump," He answered. I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha." He knew I was annoying him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold. After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close. Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes. "And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?" Oh please, he was serious. Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me. He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty. If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless. But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process. I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped. "Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground. Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively. For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely. I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked. A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet. "Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks. "Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet. I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks. Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement. "Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me. "I came here for you." "What?" I breathed out, my heart rate kicking up a notch. Bryson voiced. "I can't sleep. I desired to see you-" That word. Desire.... He probably should not use it in a sentence when it involves me. He stops, and under the moon light I swore I could see the faint color of a blush. But that could just be my imagination. He clears his throat and lifts his hand in his hair where he scratches behind his nape. "I want you to join me for a run Em." I looked around. "It' really not a good idea to be here with you, especially since in a few days there's going to be your ceremony." And he'll be mated... "Let's go to our special place." He murmured. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827530 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079216 | 1723774046 | 810 | 421633440807322 | 1 | 3.9950405289886E+14 | 1714028400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207484457740738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713836499 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438700781_307730835542387_4991642220037558448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xl2Hi-SJdRQQ7kNvgHCQD5e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAhptbJg7xftNwygQUlxjDQTwq4t-XQALBjI0q6r5EOjw&oe=664F29BC | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438826289_451473137405878_2165771151270859850_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tz7LO5TPjiUQ7kNvgEBgeuB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBWyS73GkjomtugICGgLA5fera1E0CaJECD7S6jGwI0xg&oe=664F1ED9 | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827531 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079216 | 1723774046 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827532 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079216 | 1723774046 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827533 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079216 | 1723774046 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827534 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079216 | 1723774046 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827535 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774046 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827536 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827537 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827538 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827539 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827572 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774047 | 810 | 948435196743979 | 4 | 7.8417073033435E+14 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395284690151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get high quality Vocals. House & EDM. 100% Royalty Free. Discover Vocalfy. | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143340 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438097504_1432189260996065_41322543008109339_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y5rviIbVnqsQ7kNvgHbs_qo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0ZjIodMWkcUtstqCTsELz9XvnPYM-BbL6RpXf-cMbsw&oe=664F2C14 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437677963_1141773490490881_5647566518459437287_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YdDCiVzALScQ7kNvgEVC9-_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDVYXD00b4Db-YiGgQPgL8JJELL7tSt2I0cc2e8ajv-UA&oe=664F289F | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827540 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 962190505237486 | 1 | 1.0931703918061E+15 | 1709798400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120208414872550311 | a.hisact.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | https://a.hisact.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9741&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1708401569 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424965811_422421670221951_6313676240001892671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Th3APhKcupsQ7kNvgFkfHS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA22mkgrl147Wss1dHGT-JxKJBAW11QPCv3c4FiAMdeUQ&oe=664F2A68 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424648755_263354616810348_4879643664161723967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dDJIgH49xG4Q7kNvgGiCI5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDy77I_Dnd1X2DXXLWvOIzLKgxaW0iF4Wp9_AkLjZwEvg&oe=664F2206 | 0 | 3 | "Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions," the woman in a flowery dress said as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence. They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank's sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother in law, Gina Zonda. "What's this?" Gina folded her arms across her chest and said flatly, "Lane Holdings has just gone publicโthat means the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you're no help to her in her career, all you would do is tie her down, and it's therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner." Frank smiled bitterly. "Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?" Gina glowered. "This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this marriage between you and Helen, but we've been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over the last three years. Sign this if you know what's good for you." Frank inhaled deeply. For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop from a small business to a public company. And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husbandโฆ how ironic! Nonetheless, he said, "I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first." "My daughter doesn't have time for you," Gina snapped coolly. "Really?" Frank chuckled. "She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?" "Hmph." Gina snorted. "So you're still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You'd never understand her burden when you don't even have a proper job." "No, I don't." Frank nodded in agreement. "But I won't sign this if I don't see her today." Bang! Gina slammed her hand on the table and glared at him savagely. "Know your place, Mr. Lawrence! I'm here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!" "Haha! Spare my dignity?" Frank reared his head in laughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at Gina. "Lane Holdings hadn't grown all that much in three years, but you've already learned how to strut." "Whatโ" Gina was left stumped. "That's enough," a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant. Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a black business suit as she strode down stairs toward them. With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman. "You wanted to see me?" she said as she walked up to Frank. "Now, say what you want to say." The coldness in Frank's eyes faded as he looked at his wife. "Tell me why you want a divorce." When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each other's backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the greatest dynasty in Riverton. However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the young, naive maiden grew to become a strong, independent woman. Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. "I understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I've done you wrong in this matter. There's ten million in here, and you can have the downtown villaโconsider it your alimony." Frank sighed. "Even now, you're still convinced money solves everything?" "Of course." Helen nodded. "If it's not solved, that just means you haven't thrown enough money at it." Frank shook his head in disappointment. "Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that's not enough for you?" Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. "You've gotten too comfortable for too long, Frankโyou're shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends. But for me, this is just the start." "Indeedโฆ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?" Frank asked, shrugging. "Is it you, or perhaps it's Sean Wesley?" Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in. While she had grown close with Sean as of late, she only wanted to build a connection with him to further develop Lane Holdings. She was just about to explain that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. "Yes, he is the heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there is no harm in an alliance with themโonly profit." Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind. His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them. "In that case, I wish you the best of luck," Frank said. Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well. Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. "You can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut." "You're just putting on airs." Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card. On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no sense of reliefโonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important. "Momโฆ" Helen murmured. "I think I'm regretting this a little." "What's there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more," Gina rebuked her sternly. "Just you waitโour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton's elite soon enough!" As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the place he lived at for three years. He had come here all alone and now left empty-handed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him. The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he jogged up to Frank. "Mr. Lawrenceโฆ" "What are you doing here?" Frank asked as he stared at the manโhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of Trevor International. "I've recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I've come to discuss the details with her," Trevor admitted. Frank nodded but said, "There's no need for a discussionโHelen now has the Wesley family's backing and doesn't need ours, and she's no longer my wife." "What?!" Trevor exclaimed, flabbergasted. "What's going on?" "Helen and I got divorced," Frank admitted. "From now on, there's no connection between myself and the Lanes." Then, turning toward Trevor and gently clapping him on the shoulder, Frank said, "Thanks for your help over the last three years, brother." While Trevor's business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and basically earned zero profit over that period of time. Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, "No, Mr. Lawrenceโit's my honor to work in your serviceโฆ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for this?" Frowning, Trevor clapped himself on the chest and declared, "In that case, I'll personally visit Ms. Lane and talk things out with her." Over the last three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked. The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his partnership! How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because her company went public! Nonetheless, Frank shook his head. "Forget it. Helen and I are divorcedโwe have nothing to do with each other now. You can go if there's nothing else." Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I've found it, butโฆ" Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, "But what?" "But it's a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There's no way they're selling it," Trevor replied, though his tone soon changed sharply. "However, I've also caught wind that Walter Turnbull's only daughter was afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn't have long to live. The good news is that she's here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours." Frank narrowed his eyesโhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea three years ago. With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through Mother Nature's greatest treasures. As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot! His gaze flashing sharply, Frank asked, "I take it that you've discussed the matter with the Turnbulls? Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, "Of courseโI'd never try to deceive you. Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other condition you care to state." Frank clasped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. "In that case, let's pay the Turnbulls a visit." Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor. Peter LaneโHelen's younger brotherโpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor. "Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?" Peter asked. "Why don't you stay a while longer?" "Hmph." Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain. He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and leftโthere was no need to play nice with the Lanes now that Frank and Helen were divorced. Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He had not done a thing! Then, he was left gaping as Trevor's Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just seen. What was Frank doing in Trevor's car?! What was going on?! - Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, glancing at her watch from time to time. Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon! Gina was worried too and urged her, "Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask." "No," Helen replied. "He never specified a time, so we should wait." "But the West City project is so important," Gina complained. "You need to be more proactive hereโjust call him!" While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. "I'll call him if you won't." "Fine, I'll do it." Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things. Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered. Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. "Hello, Mr. Zurich. I was just wondering what time you are coming by? I would like to be on hand to receive you." "Actually, Ms. Lane, I'm afraid that I'm withdrawing from our partnership," Trevor replied coolly. "Huh? Whatโฆ Why?" The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze. "You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I've misjudged you." Trevor scoffed. "I really wouldn't dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled." And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused. What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on earth was wrong with her character? "So? What did Mr. Zurich say?" Gina quickly asked just then. "He's calling off our partnership," Helen murmured. "What?!" Gina exclaimed. "Why?" "I don't know!" Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows. Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, "Helen, did you finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?" "Discussion?! He never came at all!" Gina snapped angrily. "And he just annulled our partnership!" Peter was left gaping. "What?! But I just saw him outside!" "What did you say?!" Helen exclaimed in disbeliefโif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he left without coming inside the manor?! Why?! Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. "It was Frank. That trash must have been talking to Mr. Zurichโฆ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich's car myself!" "Urgh, that must be it," Gina groaned as she realized with a start. "That good-for-nothing usually looks down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!" Helen frowned but waved them off. "No. He's not the type who runs his mouth." She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him badmouthing anyone. "Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!" Peter exclaimed indignantly. "He's been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no trouble slandering us!" "Peter's right," Gina agreed adamantly. "Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he's already at our doorstep?" "Yeah. He must have talked." Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother's words made senseโthere was no explaining Trevor's strange behavior otherwise! Her knuckles clenched right then. How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him! Frank was napping in Trevor's car when his phone rang, waking him up. Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, "Frank, are you with Mr. Zurich right now?" Frank glanced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. "Yeah." Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressureโit seemed that Peter was not lying! "You disappoint me, Frank," she growled. "If you're upset, you can tell it to my faceโwhy backstab my family?" Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, "Would you believe it if I told you that I didn't?" "Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!" Helen demanded. "He also annulled our partnership!" "Trevor's decision is his own and has nothing to do with me." Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at every word. "You really disappoint me." Frank's voice suddenly turned cool as well. "It seems all you care about is what you want to believe and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to explain myselfโjust don't bother me with stuff like this ever again." And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes flashed coolly. To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the blame on him just over mere speculation. Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too! Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, "Shall I straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?" Frank sighed and waved him off. "Forget it. Let's just distance ourselves from them from now on." He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared. - Soon, Trevor's Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls' hilltop villa. Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them to the drawing room. After bringing them tea, he said, "Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr. Turnbull of your arrival." After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, "There really aren't many servants around here, are there?" "You shouldn't underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor told him. "Walter is merely the Turnbulls' figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen." "Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-handedly five years ago and accumulating billions in wealth. She's also an apprentice to Riverton's governor and a prodigy of martial artsโshe would be an elite among Riverton's youth if not for her illness." Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. "You really think highly of her! How does she compare to Helen?" "Haha!" Trevor laughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. "That's like comparing a wolf to a mere sheep." Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. "By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you're a gentleman with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriageโand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be your guarantor." "Bleurgh!" Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a glare. "Worry about yourself, not me." Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank was completely uninterested. Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. "Mr. Turnbull." Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, "Trevor, old friendโฆ Where's this miracle healer you've spoken of?" Trevor promptly made the introduction. "This is himโFrank Lawrence. He has been training in seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary." Walter's smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. "Are you joking, Trevor? He's so young!" "I'd never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull," Trevor told him solemnly. "If Frank fails to heal your daughter too, then no one can." While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor was vouching for him. "In that case, please come with me, Mr. Lawrence." "Lead the way, sir," Frank said flatly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor. Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed. She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with flawless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze, and a captivating face. Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presenceโit actually added to her beauty. A woman in a black suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard. Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, "Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He'll definitely help you this time." "Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich." Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best. After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over the last five yearsโฆ and none of them helped. Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality. "You're exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. "She's in your hands now, Mr. Lawrence." Frank nodded, perfectly comfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky's wrist. Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank's brow wrinkled and eased intermittently. After a while, he asked, "Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?" "I've trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health," Vicky replied softly. "To what extent?" Vicky frowned slightly. "Initiateโwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?" Frank smiled conditionally in turn. "Because your martial arts training caused your condition." "What?!" Everyone exclaimed in shockโmartial arts could lead to such an illness?! Yara Quillโthe black-clad bodyguard standing beside Vicky's bedโsnapped right then. "Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my clan for generations! If that caused her illness, why would my father be fine?" "Not everyone is attuned to martial arts," Frank said flatly. "The technique you speak of is conditioned for men and incompatible for women. Vicky's Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockageโmoreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an accomplishment, she is lucky to only be bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would rupture and potentially kill her." Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, "You should stop too. You'd be paralyzed in three years, give or take, if you continue." "Shut up!" Yara swung a palm at Frank's face right then! Vicky was like a sister to herโthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky's side ever since Vicky got sick. Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her that her clan's technique was a sham. She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt! "Stop!" Trevor exclaimed as he paled in shockโhe had never expected Vicky's bodyguard to actually attack Frank! However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant brat! Pow! Pow! Pow! The air in the room cracked. Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all. The latter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself. Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him. "Stop it, Yara," Vicky snapped from the bed just then. Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. "That bratโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky said flatly. "Show some mannersโMr. Lawrence is here to help me." In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara's father was her mentor. However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at all times. Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank's abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back. That was why she told Yara to stopโYara would definitely lose if he went all out. Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away. Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, "Since you've stated the cause of my condition, Mr. Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?" Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and frowning. "Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?" Trevor asked gingerly. "No, it's a minor condition that can be treated quickly," Franks replied as he slowly looked up and turned to Vicky. "I didn't expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all your progress would be lostโฆ That said, I've already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I instruct you to and you'll be in peak form within the year." Yara's knuckles clenched as she glared at Frank. "Even if it's rubbish, you were powerless against my clan's technique." Even Trevor was left feeling awkwardโFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there! Nonetheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, "I'm only showing this once. Watch closely." As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to flap loudly. Boom. Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet! Yara smiledโhe was the one attacking. She never forced him! She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank's attack instantly! "Don't hurt him, Yara!" Walter cried. "Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor exclaimed at the same time. At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. "I-Is that Boltsmacker?!" There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret technique of the Quillsโbut when did he learn it?! And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more effectively than Yara! Pow. On the other hand, Yara's face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank's palm. It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endlessโYara was sent flying and crashing into the wall behind! Bang! Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki flared, while she almost vomited her guts out. Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was. Trevor certainly noted Walter's confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either. Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after! As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, "W-When did you steal my clan's technique?" "When you used it just now," Frank replied nonchalantly. Vicky was left gaspingโall it took was one look? And he improved it in no time at all! That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers! On the other hand, Yara could almost black out. It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an instant?! Talk about frustrating! "Hahaha!" Walter suddenly laughed. He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara. And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank first arrived. "You're as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a man until you've exchanged blows, but that can wait for nowโฆ Is Vicky's condition treatable right now, Mr. Lawrence?" "I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull's veins," Frank replied. "Not a problemโwe have every medical equipment possibly needed." Walter smiled and promptly told a servant to fetch it. After Frank got the box, he said, "Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull." "What?" Vicky's expression stiffened in shock. "H-Hold on," Walter quickly butted in as well. "Why? Is this necessary?" "I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull's Ki with at least forty-nine needles," Frank explained. "That can't be done with her clothes on." Walter frowned. "Is there no other way?" "I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won't disperse with her clothes on," Frank replied, shaking his head. "It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless." "Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here," Trevor reasoned. "As a healer, he won't do anything out of line." "Yes." Walter agreed but remained hesitant nonetheless. "But Vicky's engagedโฆ" "That's enough," Vicky snapped, frowning. "Treatment has nothing to do with engagements." She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father's attempts to indoctrinate her about the boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant. And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing someone else to dictate her life. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Lawrence," she said and turned to Yara. "Help me get changed." Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the room. Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her blanketโVicky's thin white silk pajamas barely hid her perfect figure. After Yara undressed her and Vicky lay naked before Frank, his pupils dilated. He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he could not help oglingโฆ "Are you done staring?" Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring fixedly at Vicky. Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky, claiming that for treatment. Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, "I couldn't help staring just then. Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing." "Haha." Vicky laughed. "Honest, aren't you?" She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proclaimed gentlemen who would never admit to their actions. Suddenly flashing a vague smile at Frank, she added, "You can look as much as you want if you heal me." "You don't have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze," Frank said, shaking his head. Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation just then. Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape. Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel. This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony. Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her breathing turned ragged. Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye. Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated. Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying naked before him. Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working. Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky's sweat with a towel. After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, "How much longer?" "This is the last one." Vicky breathed a sigh of reliefโthe pain was finally going to be over. "In that case, please hurry." Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navelโฆ Noticing that something was out of place, Vicky quickly asked, "Where will the last needle be inserted?" "Five inches beneath the navel." Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that notโฆ?! Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in natureโif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated. She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her inner thigh! On the other hand, Frank did not careโhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now. In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal energies faded right then. She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound. Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible enduranceโit would hurt when one's Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound. Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. "Are you alright, Vicky?" "Urghโฆ I'm fine," Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded. Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared and finally felt her limbs again. And with Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak form in a year! Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, exclaiming excitedly, "Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?" "Yeah," Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement. It felt amazing to take back control over her own body! She slowly turned toward Frank. "Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence." "I too marvel at your endurance," Frank replied. Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, "Actuallyโฆ Do you mind leaving the room?" Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was better. He turned and left, heading to the drawing room. Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him. "How's Ms. Turnbull?" Trevor quickly asked. "She's fine now," Frank replied. "Really?" Walter asked in disbelief. That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes. Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter's eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his arms. "You've really recovered, Vickyโฆ Thank goodness!" he cried. "This is wonderful!" "Dad, I'm fineโdon't worry." Vicky smiled. "All thanks to Mr. Lawrence." "Haha!" Walter laughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. "Don't worry, Mr. LawrenceโTrevor told me about the wonderroot. I've already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you'll have it in three days." Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his breath, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their promise." Noting his confidence, Frank's frown ease. "Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan't impose." With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised. An accomplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him! "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly," she said and promptly gave chase with Yara in tow. Beside them, Trevor was grinningโshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress apparent of the Turnbulls. "So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?" he asked. Walter nodded and exclaimed in awe, "He's gifted in both martial arts and medicineโฆ Those two talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital." Trevor chuckled. "I won't lie to youโthat's not all of his talents. There won't be a handful who would compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly any ladies who deserve him. Still, I'm sure your daughter would be one of them." Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. "You flatter me, but my daughter is engaged." "Haha!" Trevor simply laughed. "But she still isn't wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do." Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. "I'm actually curiousโฆ you used to work abroad. Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a whole lotโฆ" In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families. Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no clans backing him and therefore would not mean much to the Turnbulls. Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for Frank so enthusiastically. "Haha. I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Walter." Trevor shrugged. "But you should really think about what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr. Lawrence the wonderroot." Walter was left mulling Trevor's words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a background check on Frank. A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls' villa. Vicky alighted, asking, "Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?" Frank thought about it and sighed. "I was just planning to stay at a hotel." He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with Helen. "Ohโฆ" Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. "Then you're in luckโwe have over fifty hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives." Frank thought about it and nodded. "Sure." He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates. "What's wrong?" Vicky asked. "There's a car stopped ahead, and I don't know what for," Yara complained. Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth. "Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it's Sean Wesleyโmy family owns a major business in Riverton." With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the security guard. The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. "Yes, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Turnbull right away." Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean's name and studied the man just as Yara said, "It seems he's here to see Mr. Turnbull." "Ignore them," Vicky said flatly. Outside, Sean was soon back in his carโthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter clearly gave his permission. There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his carโit was Helen. "Don't worry," Sean assured her confidently. "I heard that Walter Turnbull's daughter is bedridden, and I brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he'll definitely help you secure that development project at the west side of the city." Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. "Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley." She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls. He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her giftโhe was certainly a great help! "Oh, it's nothing, Helen," Sean said smugly. "We're friends, aren't we? We have each other's backs." Helen was tearing up from emotionโSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help. In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled in comparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to divorce her was a smart choice. Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the villa, though Helen glanced outside just as their car passed another. She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank! "What?" Sean promptly asked. "I think that was Frank in that car just now," Helen said quietly. "Hahaha!" Sean guffawed. "This is Balmung Hill's mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?" Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean. Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man's face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight resemblanceโฆ - Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton. There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned the front entrance. Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite for him for a year. "That's too much," Frank exclaimed in surprise. "I'll just be staying a few days." Vicky waved him off nonchalantly. "No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It's exclusively for friends, and you can drop by whenever you like even if you find other places to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as wellโfood, entertainment, even sports." Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside, what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness. After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card. "This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with this." "Is that exclusively for friends too?" Frank smiled as he stared at it. Vicky smiled as well. "No, it's for important associates of my family." "You really give me too much credit." Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly. Oh, the ironyโฆ Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage. On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold card. "Not really. I simply consider you a friend." Vicky grinned. "And I hope you'd consider me a friend in turn." Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it. Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request. Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, "Frank Lawrence! You trash!" Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup. Peter was planning to 'take a break' with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank the instant he stepped inside. Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank's nose as he snapped, "You were badmouthing my sister, weren't you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her partnership with my sister!" Frank shot him a cool look. "Trevor simply saw your family's true nature." "Shut up! I'm beating you to a pulp right now!" Peter screamed. Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said sternly, "You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior." She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank's side. As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky, completely bewitched by her beauty. He had been philandering a lot ever since his family struck it rich. Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her! Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top. He promptly whipped out a few hundred dollar bills and stuffed them into Vicky's hand, whispering, "This has nothing to do with you. Also, I'll talk to you later." Vicky pursed his lipsโthat was totally disrespectful of him! She flung the money back at his face and snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money and leave right now. We don't accept boneheads like you." However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager. His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start! "Well done, Frank! So you got yourself on the side already," he snapped, his eyes flashing viciously as he pointed between the both of them. "That's why you agreed to divorcing my sister so easily!" Frank's eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, "Watch your words, Peter. I won't hold this against you, seeing that you're Helen's brother. Now, leave." | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1709625600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827542 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 1542076719673398 | 1 | 3.5259040576264E+15 | 1714028400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207484452120738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1713836477 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438878047_7534145579998904_5504069610321919244_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JF_c_TwyY04Q7kNvgEd4Jr4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArdJV2fTAP6YOaCUPEKvU9RAz2RYYKJwyFdJehOiRZ3g&oe=664F092D | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439510295_995139141997100_2151016873373511511_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SRlNzVSHHWkQ7kNvgFSHIJ_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCN0CFpKBA1ZcmS5MRryr87a3m-r9Bi2g68PRT6NTc4xA&oe=664F27D5 | 0 | 3 | l binge-watched 42 episodes, andeach one was captivating.<br /> ๐๐Massive hit dramas๐๐Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuouslyโค๏ธโ๐ฅ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827543 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827544 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827545 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827546 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079217 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827549 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827550 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827551 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827552 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774047 | 810 | 2336322593233327 | 1 | 4.3157090607422E+14 | 1710745200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210614972770348 | shgjfh.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=10115&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1710582836 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432016200_1057069522036967_1165334578317698379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hH8gfv7XN3kQ7kNvgEc3iuh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVmbzL7OAIZwOycUQSdaE_mOrmi4Zx6JARktgVgu8kWg&oe=664F058A | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432396861_321004730981257_6198997443508521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=INpps_IpaKEQ7kNvgFz_6Et&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuTyWBMQwwpy4-O_33o2uXR4Q1dSlES1PvDZtkoqcTUw&oe=664F1C1D | 0 | 3 | โHarmonia, why is the floor covered in blood?โ Absalomโs eyes were icy cold. He looked at Harmonia in disgust. Harmoniaโs ears were buzzing. The man she had loved for five years now made chills run down her spine. Today was Absalomโs uncleโs welcome home party. Three hours ago, she received Absalomโs text about a welcome home party at Northriver estate. She was to decorate the place in advance. The moment she stepped into the estate, Absalomโs childhood friend, Luna Woods, took a pill that induced to lose the baby in front of her! By the time she realized this was a scheme to frame her, she turned to run away. But it was too late. โIโll say it again. I didnโt do it!โ Absalom laughed coldly, โVillagers are supposed to be honest and kind-hearted. How can you lie so remorselessly? I saw Luna covered in blood, and I heard her beg you to not harm the child! Are you still going to deny it?โ โAbsalom, you were the one who cheated in this marriage. You are the one in the wrong! Even if I hated you and Luna, I wouldnโt need to use such despicable ways to get back at her and harm her unborn child!โ โI told you earlier that what happened between Luna and me was just an accident! I would handle things after she delivered the child! But you actually forced her to take a pill?โ โShe took the pill herself! It has nothing to do with me!โ She kept defending herself, but only Luna and she were at the estate at the time. She could not clear her name no matter what. โWhat a joke! So, Luna harmed her own child? Harmonia, would anyone even believe you?โ Yes, he did not believe it. Neither would anyone else. Luna was the heiress to the Woods family. Even if the Woods family were not as rich as before, they were still rich. Meanwhile, Harmonia was nothing. In their eyes, she was just another bumpkin from the hills. Just based on this, no one would believe her. Moreover, everyone knew that no matter how bad a mother was, she would not willingly cause harm to her own child. Luna was a sweet, loving girl who would cry at a trodden ant. How could she be cruel enough to harm her unborn child? She had to admit, her strategy was ruthless. Still, it worked like a charm. โHarmonia, youโre just too cruel!โ Absalom gritted his teeth, grabbed Harmoniaโs neck, and held her against the wall. Harmoniaโs face went pale. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean. It was getting harder to breathe. She had asthma! โMedicineโฆโ She quickly searched her pockets for her inhaler. Her hands could not stop shaking; even opening the inhaler was hard. However, the second she opened it, Absalom slapped the inhaler away. The inhaler fell on the floor. โEnough! Harmonia, stop faking your illness!โ Absalom let his hand fall to his side. His face was sullen. Harmoniaโs whole body became limp, and she slumped onto the floor! She needed her inhaler! Staring at the inhaler on the floor, she pushed herself up while struggling to breathe and crawled forward. โHarmonia, how long are you going to keep up this act?โ Absalom was livid. Clenching his teeth, he rushed over. He stepped on the inhaler before he stomped on the back of Harmoniaโs hand! Harmonia gasped from the pain. Her breathing became even worse. She gasped with difficulty, but the pain brought her mind exceptional clarity. It was precisely because of this clarity that she sensed just how cruel this man was. Absalom bent down to grip her chin, then he said coldly. โClean the blood off the floor before my uncle reaches the estate! Otherwise, youโll have to pay!โ He left and did not even spare her a single glance. Over the past five years, when had he ever looked her straight in the eye? She was the stubborn, delusional one who insisted on marrying him. Outside the door, Absalom was calling to check on Lunaโs condition. He spoke urgently, and his words were full of concern. Soon, she heard him leave in a great hurry. It showed how much he worried about his childhood friend turned mistress. Chuckling to herself, she wanted to pick up the crushed inhaler. However, she did not have any energy left. โSaveโฆโ Slowly, her breathing faded away. Her consciousness was becoming fuzzy. Swiftly, the door opened. Someone walked in. Had Absalom come back? Chapter 2 Letโs Get a Divorce Harmonia clung to her last shred of hope until the unfamiliar scent of sandalwood reached her. The scent extinguished her faint glimmer of hope. A portable oxygen tank appeared. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. The remnants of her will to survive drove her to inhale the oxygen deeply. She held onto his wrist tightly and gripped the string of rosary beads wrapped around it as if it were her sole hope to stay alive. All around her was utter silence, except for the rapid sound of breathing. She was forcefully pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, Harmonia came to see her situation clearly. Once her breathing had become steady, he placed the inhaler in her palm before turning around and walking away. Harmonia struggled to raise her head and saw his imposing back, along with the hand that was wearing the string of rosary beads she had clung to moments ago. Harmonia put the inhaler over her mouth and took a puff. Using a dry powder inhaler felt dry and scratchy, just like her marriage over the past five years. She looked at the puddle of blood left by Luna and scoffed. She used the cloth to wipe away the dried bloodstains. Along with the blood, she wiped away the love she had held for Absalom. Their encounter at Green Hill had destined them for this unfortunate outcome. In these five years, she had made enough mistakes. People had to always move forward. If she continued to live in the past, what was the point of living then? As night fell, the relatives of the Terran family arrived at the old mansion. They were already aware of the pill incident. They were gossiping and pointing fingers at Harmonia. From their hushed conversations, Harmonia learned that Luna did lost herunborn child. It was a masterful move that ended two birds with one stone. Harmonia smiled. There was no rush. Luna would have to pay for what she had done one day. At this moment, the car she had been waiting for finally arrived. Absalom stepped out of it. Harmonia picked up a cake from the buffet table and walked toward him with a smile. Absalom, who saw Harmonia approach with a cake in hand, thought that she had genuinely realized her mistakes and had come to appease and apologize to him. However, the next moment, he realized he was completely wrong! She smashed that cake into his custom-tailored suit! There was a collective gasp of shock from the onlookers. They all began to comment on how Harmonia, a girl from the countryside, did not belong in high society and had even gone completely insane! Harmonia, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was wearing a nonchalant smile. โAbsalom, Iโve cleaned up the mess of your childโs blood. Thatโs the last thing Iโll ever do for you. โNow, letโs bid farewell to our thoroughly ruined marriage with a piece of cake I borrowed from your uncleโs party! โLetโs get a divorce.โ She delivered the words with brutal directness. Her tone was devoid of any affection. The onlookers present were completely shocked! After all, it was common knowledge that Harmonia loved Absalom very deeply, humbly, and with great devotion. And yet now, in front of the entire Terran family, she embarrassed Absalom and even demanded a divorce! Before anyone could react, she turned and walked toward the courtyard. Absalom frowned and wiped away the smeared cake with a handkerchief. He spoke softly with patience, โHarmonia, what have you ever done for me? And why are you making a fuss? Is this the right occasion for you to do that?โ โIโll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine,โ she said without glancing back. She had said what needed to be said. Absalomโs eyes widened in anger. โDo you even know what youโre talking about, Harmonia? Once we get divorced, thereโs no turning back for you!โ Chapter 3 Arrive at the Courthouse, Divorce โI never thought about turning back, nor do I intend to. Not to mention, you arenโt worth turning back to.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. She had her back to Absalom and made no attempt to turn around to look at him even once. Words escaped through Absalomโs clenched teeth, one at a time. โWell, very well, I hope you wonโt regret it!โ Harmonia chuckled. She did regret something. She regretted losing her heart to the wrong man. She wished she had never done that. She could not hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her face, one drop after another. Then, they vanished without a trace and left only dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Since she had loved him deeply, how could she feel nothing when it had come to this? However, since she knew nothing would come out of it, what was the point of persisting? Five long yearsโฆ Even after five long years, she could not make him love her back. After she had opened her eyes, she decided to love what she had gained. It was time for a showdown. โฆ Not far away, inside the dilapidated Empyrean Tower, a man smiled. โMr. Martinez, what are you smiling about?โ Mr. Martinezโs slender fingers lightly tapped on the mahogany railing. โDominic, between them, who do you think will regret it first?โ โMrs. Terran would undoubtedly regret it first.โ โReally?โ He chuckled. โฆ Harmonia walked out of the Northriver estate. A car was parked not far away. In front of the entire Terran family, she got into the car. โMr. Smith, couldnโt you have chosen a more low-key vehicle?โ โOh, Milady, this is already the... the cheapest car in your garage.โ Harmonia rubbed her forehead in a speechless manner. โMr. Smith, where is the divorce agreement I asked you to prepare?โ As they were stopping at a red light, Mr. Smith handed the divorce agreement to Harmonia. She glanced at it. โWhy should I leave him without taking a penny? After five years of marriage, I believe Iโm entitled to at least one or two billion from him. Did my brother draft this agreement?โ โYes.โ Mr. Smith appealed to her with reason. โMiss Harmonia, youโre not short of money. Even the cars in your garage alone are worth more than six billion.โ While it was true that Harmonia was not short of money, she understood that her brother was worried she might change her mind and return to Absalom. That's why he wanted her to have a clean and swift divorce. Still, Harmonia believed that she deserved to get one or two billion from Absalom. โMr. Smith, who in the world would complain about having too much money?โ After five years of effort and involvement in three groundbreaking construction projects that were globally acclaimed, taking away a substantial chunk of Absalomโs wealth seemed quite reasonable. โTomorrow morning at nine, Absalom will definitely show up, and our marriage will be over for sure,โ Harmonia stated confidently and left Mr. Smith puzzled. โMr. Smith, Iโm transferring a billion to you. I want you to invest it in all the paternity testing facilities in Nilus City, no matter what the method of acquisition is.โ Immediately after that, Harmonia made another phone call. โAlessia, do you still need to meet your KPIs for the month?โ Alessia Clark was Harmonia's high school friend. She founded Aureole Media, which was dedicated to uncovering the various scandals within the upper classes. It was often referred to as the โupper-crust watchdog.โ โItโs the end of the month. I was just about to dig up something big. Do you have any scoops for me? But considering youโre in the upper-class circles yourself, forget I asked. I know youโre fond of me, so I wonโt put you in a tight spot.โ Harmonia managed a smile in resignation. โIโve got some personal intel I can share with you.โ โPersonal intel? What kind of intel?โ โIโm divorcing Absalom.โ On the other end of the call, Alessia was silent for a few seconds before letting out an exclamation. โYouโve finally come to your senses? Good for you! As they say, a wise person doesnโt fall in love.โ โIs this a big enough scoop for you then?โ โHahaha, with this massive piece of gossip youโve given me, itโs definitely big enough!โ After the call ended, Alessia acted swiftly. News of Harmonia and Absalomโs divorce spread like wildfire! Today, she made Absalom lose face by taking the initiative to propose a divorce in front of the Terran familyโs relatives. At the moment, news of their divorce was spreading like wildfire. It even reached Lunaโs ears. She was bound to put on a show of crying, cause a commotion, and even threaten self-harm. It was a two-pronged approach! In order to preserve his pride and also to appease his childhood sweetheart, Luna, Absalom would undoubtedly proceed with the divorce. Although the Internet was flooded with skepticism about her, with public opinion overwhelmingly favoring Absalom, the tides would soon turn in her favor! โฆ The next day at nine in the morning, just as she expected, he appeared at the entrance of the courthouse! โHereโs the divorce agreement.โ Harmoniaโs tone was indifferent. Her movements were composed as she handed him the agreement. Absalom stared at the agreement she handed over. The emotions in his gaze changed a little. โGive me a few minutes.โ With those words, as the traffic lights turned red, he quickly crossed the road. Harmonia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. What was Absalom planning to do? Was he having second thoughts? That was not possible. Chapter 4 Special Divorce Gift to Teach the Two-Timer a Lesson Soon, Absalom returned and handed Harmonia a tube of ointment. โThis is for your hand. Remember to apply the ointment.โ He had noticed the swelling and bruising on her hand, so he bought her some medicine. But what was this? A carrot and a stick approach? He seemed to have forgotten that he was the reason she got injured! Harmonia snorted. โAwww, Iโm so touched.โ โSince youโre so touched, maybe you should reconsider so that you wonโt regret it.โ โReconsider what? Adding an injury to my other hand?โ Harmoniaโs tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She even tossed the tube of ointment into the nearby trashcan right in front of Absalom. โHarmonia, what is the meaning of this?โ โOops, my hand slipped.โ Absalomโs gaze turned icy, and his expression darkened. โYou donโt know whatโs good for you!โ He was right. She really did not know what was good for her. Otherwise, how could she have wasted her affection on him for a whole five years? โTake a look at the agreement. If itโs acceptable, go ahead and sign it,โ Harmonia said in an emotionless tone. As Absalom looked through the agreement, his sharp eyes caught a particular detail. โA billion? Youโre asking for quite a lot.โ โA billion is just pocket change for you, Mr. Terran.โ โYou married me for my money. Now that weโre getting a divorce, Iโll give you what you want.โ As he said that, he signed the divorce agreement. They walked into the courthouse. Due to his identity, Absalom drew many curious glances. After all, he was the well-known and assertive CEO of Nilus City, who had impeccable looks and a good family background. Naturally, he would capture attention wherever he went. As for Mrs. Terran, Harmonia, she was relatively unknown. With glasses and a mask, her appearance was unremarkable. Yet, she exuded an indescribable sense of aloofness. The next moment, a photo of the two of them at the courthouse was posted online, and it confirmed the trending rumors of their divorce. As the crowd of onlookers grew larger by the minute, their divorce process was expedited. In no time, they completed the divorce proceedings, with their divorce certificates stamped and sealed. Harmonia still remembered how excited and thrilled she was when she received her marriage certificate five years ago. Back then, had she ever imagined that they would end up getting a divorce? Of course not. Even though they never consummated their marriage, and their bond was never deep, she had never considered divorcing him. However, holding the divorce certificate in her hands, she felt a sense of relief. Absalom was like an unresponsive void. He was not worth taking a leap of faith for. โA billion, thank you.โ Harmonia looked at Absalom. Of course, she did not forget about the money. After all, it was only right and proper to be paid for services rendered. Absalom frowned. His gaze turned cold. He took out a bank card and handed it to her. โThe PIN is on the back of the card.โ Harmonia readily accepted the bank card. She was not worried at all about whether there was money on it. After all, they had signed the agreement in black and white. Then, she handed him an envelope. โConsider this my separation gift to you, Mr. Terran.โ โWeโll meet again.โ They would cross paths again! Harmonia turned around and walked away without looking at him. The way she called him โMr. Terranโ as well as her swift departure made his grip on the envelope tighten. He felt a heavy lump in his throat. However, upon further thought, their divorce was probably for the best. She was a woman who coveted his wealth. She was ruthless and unscrupulous. If he had stayed married to her, she would always be a potential threat to him. Absalom looked at the crumpled envelope and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the thought, he still felt frustrated. His secretary had already arrived and was waiting for him. He had to get to the company to chair a meeting. As the car smoothly moved forward, Absalom sat in the back seat and opened the envelope from Harmonia. Chapter 5 Went on Trending, Exposing the Cheating Couple In front of him was a paternity test report! The person who had conducted the test was Luna! The report stated that based on the available information and the results of the DNA test, Absalom was not the biological father of the child! Absalomโs pupils dilated in an instant! This envelope contained not only the paternity test report but also a series of medical documents! These documents indicated that Luna had undergone an exanmination to determine paternity when she was sixteen weeks expecting! Thump! Absalomโs expression turned fierce as he pounded his fist heavily against the front seat of the car. โTake me to the hospital,โ he ordered in a cold voice. The secretary, driving the vehicle, hesitated for a moment. โSir, thereโs an important meeting regarding the Empyrean Tower's restoration next.โ โI said, take me to the hospital! Is that so hard to understand?โ Absalom roared. โYes, sir.โ The secretary swiftly turned the car around and headed to the hospital. โฆ Harmonia exited the courthouse and headed to a nearby parking lot. The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a warm glow on her. It turned out that all the hardships of the past were just paving the way for a better future. She smiled a little. She removed her reading glasses and let her long hair down. She flicked her hair and exuded a sophisticated allure. Then, she took out her phone and called Alessia. โAlessia, itโs time to release the second wave of revelations.โ โGot it!โ After the call ended, the news of โAbsalom had an affair with Luna, but he was not the father of her childโ spread like wildfire. Media outlets and social media influencers were going crazy with reposts and shares. The Internet exploded with gossip! Several videos showed Absalom accompanying Luna to maternity check-ups, while Luna acted cute and sweet to him. They appeared to be quite intimate. However, what followed was a paternity test report that left everyone stunned. It revealed that Lunaโs child had no biological relation to Absalom! Previously, Luna gained fame online for a viral short video where she wore a traditional English gown while passing through the Empyrean Tower. After that, the revelation of her being the daughter of the Woods family, coupled with her identity as the most beautiful girl of the Nilus Universityโs architecture faculty, garnered her even more fans. Who could have thought that their beloved โtraditional English gown museโ would turn out to be a shameless homewrecker? The online community was now in an uproar, with public sentiment strongly siding with Harmonia. People understood the reasons behind the divorce. There was an outpouring of criticism directed at the cheating man and his mistress. It was a moment of satisfaction for her. Harmonia cruised down the street in her car and blasted high-energy rock music on her way to the Nilus City International Trade Center. The center consisted of six towering skyscrapers that were iconic structures in Nilus City. They were all privately owned by the Marsh family. Upon arriving at the consortium building, she pulled aside at the grand and imposing entrance. Mr. Smith, seeing the car pull up, approached with a cheerful smile. Harmonia handed him the divorce certificate. The next moment, Mr. Smith burst into genuine laughter. He quickly took out his phone and snapped pictures of the certificate from the front, the inside, and the back, as if it were some priceless treasure. โMr. Smith, is my brother back?โ โHe just set foot on Nilus City soil just under an hour ago.โ โIs he in his office? Iโll go find him.โ Harmonia knew how much her brother, Hector Marsh, hoped she would come to her senses and give up that scoundrel, Absalom. She could not wait to show him her divorce certificate. โMiss Harmonia!โ Mr. Smith stopped Harmonia. โMr. Hector is in the conference room. Today is the monthly shareholdersโ meeting.โ At that moment, two employees were chatting in a low voice. โWho knows what those old shareholders are going to demand at todayโs shareholdersโ meeting.โ โLast month, they wanted us to prepare sashimi and hand-brewed coffee for them.โ โThey come here every month and always give Mr. Hector a hard time. What can he do? Everyone knows heโs an illegitimate child, and that makes him inferior in status.โ Mr. Smith was taken aback and quickly rebuked them. โWhat nonsense are you all talking about? Get back to work!โ The two employees lowered their heads and hurried away. As Mr. Smith turned around to speak to Harmonia, he found she had already taken off her oversized coat and tossed it on the table. With a black tank top and tight-fitting pants and her long hair swaying with each step, she exuded an intimidating aura. The aura left Mr. Smith momentarily stunned in place. He was so relieved that tears welled up in his eyes. He thought to himself. โThe once awesome and formidable Miss Harmonia is back!โ Harmonia took the elevator straight to the meeting room. She could hear the shareholders making mocking remarks from outside. โHector, being the illegitimate child of the Marsh family, the fact that youโve managed to secure the position of CEO and get to where you are today is a favor bestowed upon you by me. So, you'd better not choose the wrong side!โ Thud! Chapter 6 Harmonia Roasted Shareholders to Protect Hector The meeting room door swung open. Harmonia yanked a chair back and placed both hands on the conference table. Even though she wore a gentle smile, she gave off a chilling vibe. โMr. Kurt, as the legitimate child of the Marsh family, how come Iโve never heard that my brotherโs position as CEO was bestowed upon him by you as a favor?โ Harmoniaโs words were like a bombshell. They shattered the calm atmosphere and created waves of shock. โYou... Youโre Harmonia?โ Kurt Ivanov seemed surprised as he was unable to recognize her immediately. After all, she had been out of the public eye for five years and had not been seen in the Marsh Consortium. โIt seems like your eyesight has deteriorated over the past five years, Mr. Kurt. Perhaps I should arrange for a specialist to give you a check-up tomorrow.โ Harmoniaโs demeanor was overbearing and imposing. Her words were sharp and aggressive. Her demeanor was pleasing to the eyes, and her words were satisfying to the ears! โHarmonia, youโre being rude! You have no manners!โ โWell, I am the legitimate child after all. I was born with all the privileges, and I enjoyed being doted on by all. Iโm not obedient and well-behaved like my brother. He has always given you all the respect a senior deserves, but I never expected you to be so shameless.โ Harmonia was clearly the master of sharp retorts. She relentlessly delivered her words and left Kurt dumbfounded. The other shareholders were well aware that Harmonia was not to be trifled with. She had been known to be overbearing and aggressive since she was little. They gave Kurt advice. They stepped in and tried to smooth things over. It was nearly lunchtime, so they suggested heading to the cafeteria together for a meal. โMr. Warren, any special additions to the menu for the shareholders today?โ Harmonia inquired. โYes, there are,โ he replied. โMay I see the menu?โ Harmonia reached out her hand. Mr. Warren glanced at Hector for approval. Hector gave a subtle nod, and Mr. Warren understood. He then handed the menu over to Harmonia. King salmon? Australian lobster? They were already making a fortune! Despite that, every month they would come in for a shareholder meeting just to go through the motions, and still find a way to indulge in some good food before leaving! They sure knew how to make the most of their positions! โHector, how about this? From now on, shareholder luncheons will follow the same standards as those for employees. The money saved will be donated to an orphanage in the name of the board of directors every month. This will be a little act of kindness from our shareholders.โ It would not hurt for these unscrupulous folks to accumulate some goodwill, wouldnโt it? Hector suppressed a laugh. โI think we can do that. Thatโs a good idea.โ โWell, all you gentlemen are very kind; Iโm sure youโll agree to this!โ With the conversation reaching this point, even if they were reluctant to agree, how could they possibly say no? Especially when Hector, the CEO of Marsh Corporation, had already given his approval. โI think Harmoniaโs suggestion is very commendable,โ one shareholder chimed in, and naturally, the others followed suit. Harmonia flashed a playful smile. โMr. Kurt, now this is the right side to be on, donโt you think?โ Kurt was so enraged that his face turned various shades of red and white. He snorted. Then, he stood up and left the conference room. โBye, Mr. Kurt. See you next month.โ The other shareholders began to leave. Soon, only the two siblings were left in the spacious conference room. โHarmonia, you really know how to get under Kurtโs skin.โ Hector chuckled as he recalled that scene earlier. โThe expenses for their monthly meetings could cover an entire department. Itโs completely unnecessary. We should save as much as we can." Hector, however, was the head of the consortium. He could not be too thrifty with these matters. โYouโre always right. You do everything right.โ โExcept for the choice to marry Absalom,โ Harmonia interjected. Hector smiled. He was clearly unaware of Harmoniaโs divorce as he was in the meeting. โNo matter what your decisions are, Iโll always support them.โ โThen continue supporting me,โ Harmonia said as she held up Hectorโs hand and placed the divorce certificate into it. Hector looked at it, and his face lit up with a smile. โItโs for the best. When should we visit Mom and Dad at Green Hill? Iโll clear my schedule so we can go together.โ โLetโs wait until after the Nilus University graduation ceremony.โ Hector paused for a moment. As he looked into Harmoniaโs shining eyes, he seemed to have understood her intentions. โAs you wish,โ he said, confirming his status as a doting brother. Harmonia felt warmth bloom in her heart. There was truly nothing like family. โHector, Kurt mentioned something about not choosing the wrong side. What did he mean? Did something happen?โ Chapter 7 Ex-husband Fell Out With Mistress, Continues to Be a Trending Topic Hector furrowed his brow and said, โItโs about the restoration of the Empyrean Tower. I plan to have Marshtown Studio compete with Terran Construction in the bidding. However, Kurt is against this idea.โ Marshtown Studio was a gift from Hector to Harmonia after her graduation, but over the years, it had made no significant progress. As the Marsh family did not make their fortune doing construction, the studioโs existence had become a thorn in the eyes of some shareholders. Furthermore, she had secretly made negotiations and then handed over all of the three groundbreaking construction projects, which amazed the world, to Absalom and Terran Construction. Looking back, Harmonia realized how fsilly she had been in the past. Now, with Marshtown Studio stagnating, she felt responsible for the situation. โIs Kurt against it because the Terran family is a heavyweight in the construction industry? And he thinks Marshtown Studio stands no chance and it would embarrass Marsh Consortium?โ Hector nodded. โYes.โ โHector, when does the bidding for the Empyrean Tower start?โ โOn Monday at 1 p.m., in South Pearl Hall.โ Monday? That was the day before the graduation ceremony at Nilus City University. There would not be any scheduling conflicts. In fact, it seemed quite convenient. โHector, entrust the team to me in secret. Iโll lead the bid this time!โ Hector was pleasantly surprised. He smiled and affirmed. โYour divorce was worth it.โ His confident and radiant sister had returned! โฆ At this moment, inside the hospital, Absalom placed the paternity test report in front of Luna. โHave you come up with any explanation for this?โ On his way here, the news had already spread across the Internet. Luna, being involved, must have heard about it. Luna grasped his clothing. With a pleading gaze, she said, โHarmonia must have fabricated this. Sheโs trying to sabotage our relationship!โ โRelationship? Do we even have a relationship? I wasnโt aware of that," Absalomโs expression was indifferent, and his tone was cold. Lunaโs face was as white as a sheet. She was trembling. โAb, pleaseโฆ You have to trust me. The baby really was your child.โ โIโve asked for a testing.โ As soon as he said that, Lunaโs eyes widened in shock. She was utterly taken aback. Seeing her reaction, Absalom knew that there was no need for a second test. โSince you had the guts to lie to me, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences!โ He was ruthlessly decisive as he turned and left. Lunaโs shoulders quivered, and her body went limp. It was as though her core had been ripped away from her. She slumped into the hospital bed. She could not understand how this report had leaked when she had chosen the most private paternity testing facility in Nilus City. If it was indeed Harmoniaโs doing, how could she have such capabilities? However, she could not dwell on these thoughts now. After the bankruptcy of the Woods family, it was through Absalom and the support of the Terran family that she was able to live a comfortable life and secure her position in high society. At this moment, she had to find a way out and secure her future. She quickly dialed her motherโs number. โMom, please help me. Implore my godfather to help me.โ โฆ The Absalom and Luna scandal continued to escalate! In order to prevent it from affecting their stock prices, Terran Constructionโs PR department immediately issued a statement denying any involvement. The statement emphasized that the child was never Absalomโs and that he had always treated Luna as a sister due to their families being close, with no improper relationships whatsoever. Harmonia had anticipated this and had instructed Alessia accordingly. Soon after, Aureole Mediaโs paid Internet trolls sprouted up like mushrooms after rain. Chapter 8 Harmonia, What Game Are You Playing Now? โTerran Constructionโs statement basically explained nothing! It is the same as using duct tape over a burst water pipe! It only caused the scandal to explode!โ โWhat a load of crap! The fact that his wife has become his ex-wife already explained it all!โ โI bet that sister he mentioned is actually his lover! Sometimes, sheโs his sister; sometimes when he has needs, sheโs his lover!โ โPoster above, very well said!โ โฆ As it turned out, Terran Construction would have been better off choosing to stay silent! They probably thought the decline in share prices the next day would not be that bad. So, they released the statement and just made things worse! Bang! The intercom was smashed to pieces. Absalomโs eyes were filled with rage as he shouted, โThe entire PR department is fired!โ โฆ Harmonia remained calm after going through the trending topics, as everything had gone as she had anticipated. She set her phone aside and began handling the transfer of Marshtown Studioโs work in secret. The entire proposal prepared by the team for the bidding was rejected by Harmonia, and they had to start from scratch. The lights in the studio stayed on for several consecutive nights as she and her team worked tirelessly. โฆ On Monday, Harmonia, along with her team and a thick bidding proposal, headed to South Pearl Hall. Five years ago, the Empyrean Tower had been engulfed in a huge fire. The western wing was almost reduced to ruins. Despite being privately owned, it was one of Nilus Cityโs renowned historic buildings. It represented Nilus Cityโs identity. Restoring it to its former glory presented an enormous challenge. Most companies would not dare to take on the project. As a result, only two companies were bidding on-site. One was the well-known industry leader, Terran Construction, which was known for its three groundbreaking projects that had amazed the world. The other was the relatively unknown Marshtown Studio, with its sole noteworthy aspect being its affiliation with the wealthy Marsh Corporation. โMarshtown Studio was founded six years ago. Where did they find the courage to compete with Terran Construction?โ โThe client probably wants to avoid us being the sole contractor and is trying to create some competition. But even so, they shouldโve chosen a more credible contender in the industry, right?" โMr. Terran himself is here. Weโve got this in the bag. Marshtown Studio is just here to make up the numbers and gain some visibility.โ The discussions continued in the audience before the bidding had even started. What was more, this bidding event was being live-streamed. Even the viewers in the online chat room were mocking Marshtown Studioโs audacity. Suddenly, the doors on one side of the conference hall swung open! Harmonia, in her high heels, walked in with her team. She caught everyoneโs attention. She took off her sunglasses and swayed her flowing hair. Her bold red lips combined with her long wavy hair made quite the entrance! The crowd was dumbfounded. They started nudging each other. Before long, apart from Absalom, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Harmonia. Harmonia remained calm as she led her team toward Absalomโs direction. She took a seat to his right. There was an empty row of seats between them. She gave a wry smile and said, โMr. Terran, we meet again.โ In the past five years, Harmonia had rarely made public appearances. The outside world knew little about Absalomโs wife, and those who had actually seen her were few and far between. The recent buzz had rekindled peopleโs memory of Harmonia as Mrs. Terran. However, Harmonia had undergone a significant transformation! Who could have imagined that by removing her glasses, changing her loose attire, and perming her hair, she would transform into this astonishing figure? Others might not recognize her, but Absalom, who had been married to her for five years, could not possibly fail to recognize her. Seeing Harmonia in this new style made him feel an impulse to take off his suit and wrap it around her! His brows furrowed as they were separated by an empty row of seats. Yet, disregarding the occasion, he leaned down and grasped her wrist. He narrowed the distance between them. โHarmonia, what game are you playing now?โ | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827574 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774047 | 810 | 1142122793901988 | 1 | 2.1337302736407E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827559 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774047 | 810 | 1179433943425599 | 2 | 4.012766527585E+14 | 1712818800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120208068265230417 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅAmor en secreto๐๐๐Mira toda la serie AHORA ! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1712656460 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434686511_410769108348401_6528208504643735827_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dGb9smNmeTIQ7kNvgE_Y00T&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAmMOKOjGX_dc_8-3t8WU1JlQKVsnhkswPBOq4xrNmpoA&oe=664F1752 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434743147_961923345277563_3293342523726259918_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8M1IlcUdjdoQ7kNvgGQhEh4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCvAXnrCmnQWCGb8838OY9gPZaIZhtIoIt3BSkekuJMMg&oe=664F2500 | 0 | 3 | Traicionada por mi prometido, me casรฉ con su tรญo y comencรฉ mi venganza.<br /> Mi prometido: "ยฟPuedes casarte conmigo otra vez?"<br /> Yo: "ยฟDeberรญas preguntarle a tu tรญo a ver si estรก de acuerdo?"<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> ๐ Descarga JoyreelsTV ahora mismo para ver mรกs la historia de amor entre Sandra Samson y el tรญo de su prometido. | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1712818800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827560 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 376504835365874 | 6 | 8.1060886765646E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395283300151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143549 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438098920_1937766080027430_7281106735669352907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t7UFLi48yCEQ7kNvgHi07AL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHDtiw-PO6HDVRHuz4SwsoM_aG3bhFdmV0F0oFbkKD4A&oe=664F0B5F | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078708_1066432747789711_1203525720435926863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r9Is-DSdxicQ7kNvgHl0j0R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRnsBsAcgqnqxJdvVrxjw7zjBBscsdN1p75tneB9Sq1A&oe=664F0B14 | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827561 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 376504835365874 | 6 | 8.1060886765646E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395283300151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143549 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438098920_1937766080027430_7281106735669352907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t7UFLi48yCEQ7kNvgHi07AL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHDtiw-PO6HDVRHuz4SwsoM_aG3bhFdmV0F0oFbkKD4A&oe=664F0B5F | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078708_1066432747789711_1203525720435926863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r9Is-DSdxicQ7kNvgHl0j0R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRnsBsAcgqnqxJdvVrxjw7zjBBscsdN1p75tneB9Sq1A&oe=664F0B14 | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827562 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 376504835365874 | 6 | 8.1060886765646E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395283300151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143549 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438098920_1937766080027430_7281106735669352907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t7UFLi48yCEQ7kNvgHi07AL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHDtiw-PO6HDVRHuz4SwsoM_aG3bhFdmV0F0oFbkKD4A&oe=664F0B5F | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078708_1066432747789711_1203525720435926863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r9Is-DSdxicQ7kNvgHl0j0R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRnsBsAcgqnqxJdvVrxjw7zjBBscsdN1p75tneB9Sq1A&oe=664F0B14 | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827565 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 376504835365874 | 6 | 8.1060886765646E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395283300151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143549 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438098920_1937766080027430_7281106735669352907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t7UFLi48yCEQ7kNvgHi07AL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHDtiw-PO6HDVRHuz4SwsoM_aG3bhFdmV0F0oFbkKD4A&oe=664F0B5F | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438078708_1066432747789711_1203525720435926863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r9Is-DSdxicQ7kNvgHl0j0R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRnsBsAcgqnqxJdvVrxjw7zjBBscsdN1p75tneB9Sq1A&oe=664F0B14 | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827587 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 444314131476122 | 6 | 3.6783183562778E+14 | 1715065200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361371480151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052854 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440127945_801857414716131_2371968405966160571_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ITMeTyy3HgsQ7kNvgE-y5PJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCWgxbNAnBjIVu_NfOSoUI7bwqnzZY8soRdRxSwRw_jVQ&oe=664F0F97 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439928274_1152033435821404_2098772356972018480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C9axvfqjZywQ7kNvgHExdHq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArTocUDmRQroTIJCzasbM77TopL3bauuc2JwefZVdkCw&oe=664F0F6C | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0_4EVOyQJcGeeMH35xuFUT0C_ORTlKmTRbbIYnV9LZBEjV9MQ_3fr9apnIY4mgPLkcdHSqFMaNANu0fgQeI99y8P9Zkvcon0xReLjk2PFjhzJ59nFXXtVFVZ1DCaY9yF7bIc3i9Y1JtA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827586 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774048 | 810 | 402554395992197 | 6 | 4.0121024268779E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361380730151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052910 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439446991_365991175822249_1019889769578288950_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K4f7nkCxDaMQ7kNvgFJLV2h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRDRbMxOAuO_1UnttEKjCEfgR93gS0jwX0VkGpEuIU9g&oe=664F030A | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439604829_2891425257674287_8573109848396977422_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4qN4Icn1O1MQ7kNvgH4qwG3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDSB5dsY1hKiEN9MFciHjBlsG6HzzqUs-rBOEeaB_1SfQ&oe=664F3497 | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT2ALsZuLMPG8q4XruH-L7riwjsmsAAEDMxk5HLWEQ5QgLY09lZbinwuAFMx5Iz-0OQSNfL6Gj0m-RsHBO_bts6U5cEu8MuqUzNOzU0cgI6Hvmo-gURcogxP1jesOiPZ0lHQmH3W0FmzeA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827594 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774048 | 810 | 1206532176985566 | 1 | 7.8126145392221E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108712015285720 | 0 | Zasusportswear | 120207755902300568 | zasuwasportswear.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Hot Summer Deals! | Hot summer sale๐ | https://www.zasuwasportswear.com/collections/bikini-sets?sort_by=subo23020234z | 1710930197 | 1.0871201528572E+14 | Zasusportswear | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431510081_969316001196699_9129892656208706546_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=965hoK1uHBEQ7kNvgFoXl3Z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCD9WZoiBKJvp7zF_cZYNb-H4440uhDrMleGP-pfo8j4w&oe=664F12DC | person_profile | 0 | zasuwasportswear | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431488387_377728721767911_227774504046836165_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6emT5pcfq-EQ7kNvgF_fSOT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCcsmFKW50cpLbxXUpeTT2OcUO53z2bOfSgOH4GyVFV5Q&oe=664F0B45 | 0 | 3 | Sizzlin' hot summer at ZASUWA! <br /> Buy three and get one free. | Zasusportswear | 1629 | https://facebook.com/100084678466384 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1710918000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827599 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 2807253806096927 | 4 | 1.3847551029223E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 394086074103975 | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | 120208845435080525 | fb.me | Book now | NONE | video | Make Your Home Sparkle with Ease! | ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1713873934 | 3.9408607410398E+14 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438793568_418819310762692_1410237314666200917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9xg9qWEjBm0Q7kNvgFDcVQh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1KJF240kGJ5CPl9Xr_jVFdgtE-6HMySFM_L8XpK1CDw&oe=664F0E66 | person_profile | 0 | Pro Housekeepers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438712243_799110141676116_1272598696931023906_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dN5e5L4lpp0Q7kNvgFIUpW7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNBJavWJpDz3bFtyBRRD8j-uq_YJYposWLnKq64TVjQg&oe=664F2214 | 0 | 3 | Need a sparkling clean home without the stress? ProHousekeepers is your answer! We clean homes all over the US. The price we say is the price you pay. No surprises!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> - Trusted Cleaners: Our team loves to clean. They are checked, trained, and safe. We even insure them for up to $2 million!<br /> - All Set to Clean: Our cleaners bring everything they need to clean your home. You relax, we clean.<br /> - Book in a Snap: Booking is easy. Use the web or our app. Even last-minute bookings are okay!<br /> - Always Here to Help: Got a question? Call us any day. We're here to make things right.<br /> - No Hidden Fees: The quote you get is what you pay. We keep it simple and honest.<br /> <br /> As Seen on TV<br /> Yes, you've seen us on "Hoarders"! We know how to handle any cleaning challenge.<br /> <br /> Ready for a Sparkling Clean Home?<br /> Let ProHousekeepers take the hassle out of house cleaning. Book easily, enjoy your clean home, and get back to what matters most to you.<br /> <br /> Fill out the form below to book your hassle-free cleaning today. | Pro Housekeepers | 1932 | https://facebook.com/prohousekeepers | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827600 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 413931724889004 | 1 | 1.6554167519345E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 361115763979615 | 0 | Amanda Downs, Realtor | 120209078187550470 | No button | NONE | video | 148 Massanutten Dr | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?"},{"title":"Can I speak to an agent?"},{"title":"Are there any new properties available?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":false,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false} | 1715874307 | 3.6111576397962E+14 | Amanda Downs, Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441194984_7252670581528677_2988936380637138704_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6QDJJDTsoK8Q7kNvgEZNPv-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAkRDzd2Gq7tIoReETCymJf9Yqm59KL2T_47hYjySyQwg&oe=664F0D5D | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Check out this charming 2005 split-level home that seamlessly blends comfort and style here at Edinburg!<br /> - 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms<br /> - Spacious living room<br /> - Formal dining room<br /> - Eat-in kitchen<br /> - Finished basement with a bonus room<br /> - Large laundry room with ample storage<br /> -And much more!<br /> <br /> This home is priced at $365,000.<br /> <br /> ๐148 Massanutten Dr<br /> <br /> - Amanda<br /> <br /> P.S. If you have any questions about this listing (or other homes for sale here in the greater Shenandoah & Page Counties area), feel free to call (540) 481-0496. | Amanda Downs, Realtor | 958 | https://facebook.com/realtoramandadowns | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827751 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774049 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827602 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 329060880005119 | 2 | 3.3574615926688E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 100122699511365 | 0 | Chad Scott, Kenosha Realtor | 120209985457960440 | NONE | video | 6558 5th Ave, Kenosha | 1715952336 | 1.0012269951136E+14 | Chad Scott, Kenosha Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441457604_1823696644810590_1912318188614679155_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ww2mpbIfXJgQ7kNvgEWw_xS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC7GQRCtWDamVgqYqjLlXo-397Q0tBoTDKidhJD8cTjCg&oe=664F28FE | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Step into this delightful home that exudes a sense of warmth and charm situated near the vibrant heart of downtown Kenosha.<br /> - 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms<br /> - Appliances included<br /> - Storage shed<br /> - Private backyard<br /> - And much more<br /> <br /> This home is priced at ๏ปฟ225,000.<br /> <br /> ๐6558 5th Ave, Kenosha<br /> <br /> - Chad<br /> Epique Real Estate<br /> <br /> P.S. If you have any questions about this listing (or other homes for sale here in the greater Kenosha area), feel free to call (262) 331-1621. | Chad Scott, Kenosha Realtor | 453 | https://facebook.com/thescottgroupwi | 0 | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827603 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 403386335935993 | 3 | 1.3782431095555E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087720970643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Testing | 1715093650 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441059142_401630029357089_6860106367625180258_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W8tXWL_dFwYQ7kNvgE2K2jg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwjKxQUqMKkF3cGXbZr204YqknXwzCrQpdR0lUpxar4g&oe=664F011E | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441235541_1866418497521725_1194617668958926783_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GMdhw3ZgUH0Q7kNvgG-PMWr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBAO9tf9B2uNEgX28OI7CGIRoRaZbbqGNLvXMQqdRmvw&oe=664F2E16 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827604 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 403386335935993 | 3 | 1.3782431095555E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087720970643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Testing | 1715093650 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441059142_401630029357089_6860106367625180258_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W8tXWL_dFwYQ7kNvgE2K2jg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwjKxQUqMKkF3cGXbZr204YqknXwzCrQpdR0lUpxar4g&oe=664F011E | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441235541_1866418497521725_1194617668958926783_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GMdhw3ZgUH0Q7kNvgG-PMWr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBAO9tf9B2uNEgX28OI7CGIRoRaZbbqGNLvXMQqdRmvw&oe=664F2E16 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827606 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 403386335935993 | 3 | 1.3782431095555E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087720970643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Testing | 1715093650 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441059142_401630029357089_6860106367625180258_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W8tXWL_dFwYQ7kNvgE2K2jg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwjKxQUqMKkF3cGXbZr204YqknXwzCrQpdR0lUpxar4g&oe=664F011E | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441235541_1866418497521725_1194617668958926783_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GMdhw3ZgUH0Q7kNvgG-PMWr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBAO9tf9B2uNEgX28OI7CGIRoRaZbbqGNLvXMQqdRmvw&oe=664F2E16 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827607 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 448553231061722 | 3 | 1.5809779024676E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 120208087759930643 | bebalancedcenters.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Book Your Free Consultation Today! | https://bebalancedcenters.com/webinar-consultation/?utm_source=CBC&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=P2Creative | 1715093754 | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953343_1109750890246025_664843951740531664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RMlCy7lKlHEQ7kNvgGCgzHc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDaJli8LbgL8OpCNpFzuJuSmngs6HGHSg8WAuRAqUbxbg&oe=664F1782 | person_profile | 0 | BeBalanced Natural Weight Loss Centers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441070765_460530316357267_2336477517465540515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F00fgg89qgAQ7kNvgEZM4VR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCOwZi2tijBao-FiIiqYpnkLzJLWIGUR_2F5yKVB8L4VA&oe=664F2AE6 | 0 | 3 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 2497 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827615 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774049 | 810 | 407405225514043 | 1 | 2.4592623509332E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85409903065 | 0 | IKEA | 120211878660890602 | IKEA-USA.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Get expert help | Get help making plans and creating solutions to transform your everyday life at home. Learn more about all the areas we can help with and the kinds of resources we offer. | https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/customer-service/services/planning-consultation/#8d1681d0-8280-11ec-8fb5-bbf24207f858 | 1715695185 | 85409903065 | IKEA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441501253_938705957935534_2275378390997063133_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FtJsL1v_gmEQ7kNvgG2W_H6&_nc_oc=Adjf7e45ZLxyTnNIhHfYiTbQxxTzQcXjZuI2hlM0uzCC9Nx7PzHK0ONIKFYt8C82n6Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbQkS2lj5yFi2TBbWvft7iU0pv98GHa1li-917Qt-bow&oe=664F09C7 | person_profile | 0 | IKEA USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441495872_828680589116613_330334971002030396_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IxiDFLd5xKsQ7kNvgFZkO23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAw7rHRDgdVNYKQpylzQaNl5eOvgPN0xnfFKE66vCKBoA&oe=664F0FE0 | 0 | 3 | You have a vision. We help bring it to life. Make a free appointment with our planning experts at our Houston Plan & order point. | IKEA | 32721377 | https://facebook.com/IKEAUSA | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827616 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 1223484269062422 | 1 | 4.0720061218748E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107136301949933 | 0 | Optimized Reality | 120209241681090690 | www.instagram.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://www.instagram.com/ | {"message_data":[{"message":{"text":"Hey Hey! Thanks for reaching out and engaging with us. Do you want a free mini-course that outlines my three-step process to monitor and improve performance? And yes, Sis, itโs FREE. Click below if you want me to share. ๐๐พ","quick_replies":[{"title":"YES, send it Sis!","content_type":"text","payload":"MANYCHATJSON(25221986)::ACT::9a16ab2380f7ea5d6f1126b54a78f736"},{"title":"No thank you.","content_type":"text","payload":"MANYCHATJSON(25221986)::ACT::5ae1087476ebe5ed84535019a201c9d0"}]}}],"type":"JSON_SETUP"} | 1715823122 | 1.0713630194993E+14 | Optimized Reality | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240072_1504540633791667_6454374955441628588_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MMwlvtajHC8Q7kNvgGucaam&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA2TFNqksThgX2LWUzJcQWyqDf_iMu2-d6_JFmQDIWEug&oe=664F0506 | person_profile | 0 | Small Business Marketing & Analytics | Alicia C | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946787_1836506380107844_2627920562359036394_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mS4ovW3H3YYQ7kNvgFon7eo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB27L1bevZ965ovehZcwpgIL0CjVTP1HdpzQTrHLzaCJQ&oe=664F1C41 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฃ Calling all ambitious female entrepreneurs! Are you ready to take your business to new heights? ๐<br /> <br /> Introducing the FREE SCS Mini Course โ your secret weapon to unlocking the power of business analytics! ๐ช<br /> <br /> ๐ Say goodbye to guesswork and start making data-driven decisions that will transform your business! ๐<br /> <br /> In this step-by-step course, we'll demystify business analytics and show you how to harness its full potential. From understanding key metrics to analyzing trends, you'll gain the skills to skyrocket your success. ๐ผ<br /> <br /> Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Don't miss out! DM now and get started on your path to success! ๐ฅ<br /> <br /> Tag a fellow female entrepreneur who needs this course and let's build an unstoppable community together! ๐<br /> <br /> #WomenInBusiness #EmpoweredEntrepreneurs #DataDrivenDecisions #UnleashYourPotential #SCSMiniCourse | Optimized Reality | 56 | https://facebook.com/optimizedreality | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827617 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 3392799301018520 | 1 | 3.2328946728060E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85409903065 | 0 | IKEA | 120211878780430602 | IKEA-USA.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Get expert help | Get help making plans and creating solutions to transform your everyday life at home. Learn more about all the areas we can help with and the kinds of resources we offer. | https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/customer-service/services/planning-consultation/#8d1681d0-8280-11ec-8fb5-bbf24207f858 | 1715695374 | 85409903065 | IKEA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441479988_456627810353030_8557074793592857385_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tSztgBt6pK4Q7kNvgFUKfYs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDejPIPc95Bp1F_qIavQweELndIu9LgIRBrEQlWB3Jkyg&oe=664EFE67 | person_profile | 0 | IKEA USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711995_777480871159284_2194015008498682920_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xd-R9AfPvvwQ7kNvgE6Ezu3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWTTuBDC-lS_hncj0bD5hEiJV4HWErYDA8nblhBQmQJQ&oe=664F218D | 0 | 3 | You have a vision. We help bring it to life. Make a free appointment with our planning experts at our Dallas Plan & order point. | IKEA | 32721377 | https://facebook.com/IKEAUSA | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827620 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827621 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827623 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827625 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 1585289215594325 | 2 | 3.6028554799762E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 228295320373329 | 0 | Billionaire Reading | 120209741557970106 | cdn.joylitnovel.com | Learn more | NONE | video | The Billionaire's Surprise Twins | https://cdn.joylitnovel.com/pages/a71767c7-4b4b-4f8c-83f3-339621d01745.html?p0=10n5m3ce&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}} | 1715256503 | 2.2829532037333E+14 | Billionaire Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442412048_825788629404485_8650255944085052102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QMAG4iHQ9UEQ7kNvgHSQ4Lv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYABtbuopwt0v_JleYFgHj3S9gQmMdFpp2A_7zyXhKUE0w&oe=664F0CFC | person_profile | 0 | Billionaire Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442461136_430001636413003_8683292769163870123_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m_sfYc-B-c8Q7kNvgGI3ISo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAe_fJ6wUoa1IBQq0IXF7HhvCJgx3x-6L1iswv1ECv-9Q&oe=664F28F8 | 0 | 3 | The Billionaire's Surprise Twins<br /> Chapter 1 Please, Save Me<br /> The night was shrouded in darkness, with a gentle breeze caressing the earth.<br /> Inside the most luxurious presidential suite at Silverton's grandest hotel, a nineteen-year-old girl, dressed in a seductive black silk nightgown, lay in a daze on a soft bed, her beautiful eyes tightly shut, and her hands bound behind her with a rope.<br /> Suddenly, her eyes darted around, and she forcefully opened her almond-shaped eyes.<br /> At this time, a man and a woman were fawning over an overweight middle-aged man with a brainy look as they walked towards the presidential suite.<br /> "Mr. Anderson, rest assured, she's my daughter. She might be a bit stubborn, but I can guarantee she's still a virgin! Once women experienced it once, they become as obedient and docile as little kittens."<br /> The man finished speaking, and the woman immediately said, "Exactly, Mr. Anderson. Also, young women are more likely to have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies."<br /> With his hands resting behind his back, Mr. Anderson said, "Alright. I'll see her first. If I'm satisfied, I'll give the project in Riverton to the Donovans."<br /> The man was beaming with joy, while the woman's heavily made-up face was just beginning to crack into a smile.<br /> "I promise you'll be satisfied!"<br /> As they spoke, they had already reached the door of the presidential suite. The man promptly took out a key card, opened the door, and politely extended his hand. "Mr. Anderson, please."<br /> Mr. Anderson entered without any delay. His protruding belly swayed as he sauntered confidently. The man and the woman promptly followed suit.<br /> Once the three of them entered the room and saw the empty white bed, they were all dumbfounded!<br /> Where was she?<br /> Mr. Anderson's face darkened, and he turned back to glare at them angrily. "Robert, are you playing a trick on me?"<br /> Robert was also dumbfounded and turned to the woman beside him. "Alice, where is she? Didn't I ask you to bring her over after you knocked her out?"<br /> Alice was also stunned, looking at the empty room, her forehead covered in a cold sweat from anxiety. "I did bring her here. To prevent her from struggling, I even tied her hands, and I even ..."<br /> Just then, a black figure quietly emerged from the bathroom beside the door. Without even glancing at the room, she walked out.<br /> She really wanted to run, but she felt highly uncomfortable now. Her body was feverish and weak. Her legs felt so weak that walking normally was difficult.<br /> This stepmother, Alice Campbell, not only made her faint, but also drugged her!<br /> She bit her red lips hard, the pain helping her gather her strength. She leaned against the wall for support and took slow, deliberate steps towards the elevator.<br /> From behind, Claire heard Alice's malicious voice, "This is impossible! Claire couldn't have gone far. Let's search this hotel. We can definitely find her!"<br /> Claire's heart tightened, her gaze quickly scanning the nearby room doors. Suddenly, she noticed that one of the doors was slightly ajar, revealing a thin gap. If someone didn't look closely, they wouldn't even notice it.<br /> Claire grasped at this glimmer of hope. She bit her lip until it bled, and the pain gave her a burst of energy. The young woman rushed to the door just as Alice and Robert came out of the presidential suite. She used her body to push open the door and slipped inside.<br /> With her back pressed against the door, she could still hear the voices of Alice and Robert talking outside.<br /> Finally, she escaped.<br /> Claire breathed a sigh of relief, a smile of surviving a calamity tugging at her lips. Her whole body leaned weakly against the door.<br /> Suddenly, a cold and stern gaze locked onto her face. The look was so icy that her smile froze in an instant. She looked up anxiously and saw a man standing before her, his upper body bare, and only a towel wrapped around his waist.<br /> At first glance, it was clear the man had just taken a shower. His hair was half-dry, with a few strands damply clinging to his smooth forehead.<br /> Claire didn't have time to appreciate the splendid sight of a handsome man after a bath. Just as someone knocked on the door behind her, the man's brows slightly furrowed, and he gazed at her with slightly parted lips.<br /> No!<br /> She couldn't let him speak!<br /> Perhaps it was Robert and Alice knocking on the door. If they found out she was here, they would definitely drag her back and take her to Mr. Anderson again.<br /> With an unknown surge of strength and courage, Claire rushed forward in a single step. Before the man could say anything, she tiptoed, capturing his lips with her own.<br /> It was as if an electric current ran through the man's body. Heat swiftly spread from his lips, making his eyelids droop as he gazed at the audacious girl before him. His hazel eyes widened slightly.<br /> Damn it, he fell into a trap with a single moment of carelessness!<br /> There was something on her lips, some kind of drug!<br /> Claire was unaware of this, feeling only that when her lips touched the man's, the fiery heat within her surged even more, like a trapped beast desperately trying to break free from its cage, rendering her body even more limp and weak.<br /> The knocking paused briefly, then resumed.<br /> Claire parted from the man's lips, gasping for air. Her deep brown eyes looked pitifully into the man's intense gaze. Lowering her voice, she showed him the bound hands behind her, pleading, "Please, save me ..."<br /> The man's gaze grew colder, and a sinister curve formed on his thin lips. Save her?<br /> Heh!<br /> Now he needed to save himself!<br /> Without hesitation, his long fingers firmly grasped Claire's delicate waist. Before she could react, he had already thrown her onto the spacious and soft bed.<br /> The next second ...<br /> Claire's eyes fluttered open as the first ray of sunlight streamed through the curtains.<br /> The previous night, her body had felt like it had been run over by a car, every movement causing pain.<br /> She gritted her teeth and sat up, looking at the man's exquisitely handsome face sleeping beside her. She was so angry that she wanted to reach over and smack his head!<br /> She had asked him to save her, to help her untie the ropes on her hands, not ... not this!<br /> Oh, well!<br /> Let's just consider it as being bitten by a dog!<br /> In any case, he was far more attractive than Mr. Anderson. When comparing the two men, Claire didn't feel like she had missed out too badly.<br /> After gently lifting the blanket, Claire silently got out of bed, careful not to make a sound. The pajamas she wore last night couldn't be worn again.<br /> She walked to the sofa, picked up the man's white shirt and black pants, and carefully put them on herself. They were oversized and too long, but still better than wearing nothing at all.<br /> There was a wallet in the pants pocket. Claire took it out and opened it. A thick stack of money made her eyes squint with joy.<br /> She had to run away. How could she do that without money?<br /> With this much money, she could buy new clothes and a plane ticket.<br /> She pulled out the money and stuffed it into her pants pocket. She glanced at the ID card inside the wallet before tossing it onto the sofa.<br /> Sean Vanderbilt.<br /> Hmm ... so his name was Sean Vanderbilt!<br /> The man on the bed suddenly turned over, startling Claire. Without daring to linger, she hiked up the pants that trailed on the floor and hurried toward the door.<br /> Half an hour later, the man woke up.<br /> Staring at the empty room, if not for the vivid crimson stain on the white sheets, he would have thought last night was just a dream.<br /> This damned woman!<br /> She drugged him, slept with him, and left without saying a word?<br /> Wasn't she supposed to sit on the bed, threaten him with tears, tantrums, and even threats of suicide until he agreed to marry her?<br /> Or was she planning to leave, doll up, and then return to extort him?<br /> Sean picked up his phone and dialed a number. "Victor, get over here!"<br /> Ten minutes later, Victor Garcia rushed in, looking all flustered and alarmed.<br /> "Mr. Sean, I was here last night. I knocked on the door, but you didn't respond or open the door, so I didn't dare to come in."<br /> Sean leaned against the headboard, wearing only a white shirt with the collar slightly open, revealing his strong chest, making him look restrained and charming.<br /> He gazed at Victor, and a chilly glint flickered in his deep eyes. "How many people know about my arrival in Silverton?"<br /> "Huh?"<br /> Victor was momentarily taken aback. He had thought Sean had called him over to scold him for not delivering the documents promptly last night, but this was unexpected.<br /> After a moment of contemplation, he affirmed, "No one! Even your parents are unaware of your visit to Silverton, let alone anyone else."<br /> Sean's brow furrowed in confusion. He had been careful to keep his arrival in Silverton a secret, so how did the woman from last night know about him? Could she be a trap set by someone else?<br /> Why did she come to his room and apply drugs to her lips?<br /> His gaze slid to the empty wallet on the bedside cabinet, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. "Victor, last night I was slept with by a woman, top to bottom. You better find her for me!"<br /> What?<br /> It is hard to believe that Mr. Sean, the imperious Ascalon figure who had lived a chaste and simple life for 28 years, had slept with a woman.<br /> Victor's body jolted as if he had been injected with a shot of adrenaline. He was so excited, he could barely contain himself.<br /> Hahaha! Victor couldn't wait to find out which audacious woman had dared to sleep with the vengeful Sean Vanderbilt of the Vanderbilts.<br /> Victor could already envision the scene once they found her. She would be tormented by Mr. Sean until she wished she were dead.<br /> After checking the hotel's surveillance footage, Victor quickly identified the woman as Claire Donovan.<br /> Claire was the eldest daughter of Robert Donovan, the CEO of Alpha Ventures. Her mother had passed away, and Robert had brought his longtime lover, Alice Campbell, into the family. Claire grew up oppressed under Alice's rule.<br /> Claire was the Donovans' outwardly perfect child, but behind closed doors, she was their scapegoat. Despite this, she excelled in her studies and was admitted to Silverton University at the age of 15.<br /> Though her family was in Silverton, Claire had been living on campus. She earned a PhD with a double major by the age of nineteen.<br /> After reviewing Claire's profile, Sean lifted an eyebrow. "Where is she?"<br /> Under Sean's icy gaze, Victor's facial muscles tensed, and a layer of cold sweat formed on his back. His throat felt as if it were stuffed with cotton, and he finally managed to force out a few words, "We haven't ... haven't found her."<br /> Chapter 2 The Man Who Slept with You That Night<br /> Four years later.<br /> Sean Vanderbilt, the pride of the Vanderbilts, had not returned to Ascalon but had been living in Silverton.<br /> While others might not know why, Victor certainly did.<br /> Mr. Sean was butting heads with Claire!<br /> The woman who had slept with him four years ago had seemingly vanished from the earth, leaving no trace of her whereabouts.<br /> Sean controlled the nation's largest conglomerate and had an elite team under his command. He had utilized all his connections to search for Claire, yet nobody could find her.<br /> Despite the aid of cutting-edge technology, they couldn't catch a glimpse of a single strand of Claire's hair.<br /> This drove Mrs. Vanderbilt to desperation. Over the past four years, she had made countless phone calls, but Sean remained resolute in his decision not to return to Ascalon.<br /> "Sean ..." Mrs. Vanderbilt couldn't let it rest and continued pleading on the phone, "Your nephew has found a girlfriend this year. You're already thirty-two. If you don't marry soon, people will call you an old bachelor."<br /> Sean, walking through the airport while talking on the phone, said, "Everyone addresses me as Mr. Sean of the Vanderbilts. Who would dare to undermine my reputation?"<br /> Mrs. Vanderbilt was directly choked by his words and coughed a few times.<br /> Among her five children, Sean was the one who caused her the most worry.<br /> Sean was her precious child, and she had spoiled him rotten since he was little. However, this indulgence had led to him developing a stubborn and unruly temperament. He was like a wild horse that had never been tethered, running free without constraint. Now that she wanted to control him, it proved impossible.<br /> After her coughing fit, Mrs. Vanderbilt wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and sobbed, "I haven't been feeling well lately. My heart keeps hurting. I just wanted you to come back and start a family before I pass away. Can't you fulfill such a simple request? Sob, sob, sob ..."<br /> Sean was accustomed to this ploy of Mrs. Vanderbilt's and didn't find it strange at all. He had seen her use it on his father countless times.<br /> His father fell for it every time, but he didn't.<br /> It wasn't that Sean didn't fall for it, but rather that he had become numb to it.<br /> "Alright, Mom, please don't cry anymore. If your heart isn't well, see a doctor. I have to go through a security check now."<br /> "Ah, wait a moment!"<br /> Mrs. Vanderbilt knew Sean was about to end the call, so she quickly said, "Brighton is not far from Ascalon. Why don't you come home after you're done in Brighton? I miss you."<br /> Brighton was more than 1,300 kilometers away from Ascalon. And this wasn't considered far?<br /> Sean slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out an exquisite cigarette case. "Alright, if I have time, I'll come back to visit you."<br /> Just as he was about to hang up, suddenly, someone lightly tapped him on the back.<br /> Sean frowned and turned around.<br /> The girl behind him was dressed in youthful clothing, with a plaid skirt that showed off her fair thigh. She also wore white knee-high socks and black leather shoes.<br /> Her face was lovely, with light makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. It was hard to tell her age, but her clothes made her look like a teenager.<br /> Pointing to something on the ground, she tilted her head and smiled at Sean. "Sir, you dropped something."<br /> Sean was in a daze until her voice snapped him out of it. He glanced down at the business card on the ground and removed the phone from his ear. "What did you call me?" he asked.<br /> The girl smiled and shrugged, her eyes glancing at the cigarette case in his right hand. "Just a friendly reminder, Sir, smoking is not allowed in the airport," she said.<br /> "Claire, the driver has been waiting at the gate for a long time. Don't dawdle and hurry up!"<br /> Hearing her companion's call, the girl waved her hand at Sean and happily ran over. "I'm coming!"<br /> Watching her youthful and lively figure, Sean's thin lips curled into a sly arc. "Claire, I've been waiting for you."<br /> The driver outside the airport checked his wristwatch for the umpteenth time. He had been waiting for the screenwriter C. S. Lawrence for a long time, and he was starting to get impatient. He had already texted Lawrence's assistant, who said they would be out shortly after picking up their luggage. But so far, there was no sign of them.<br /> Stretching his neck, he kept glancing around the airport.<br /> "Hey, what are you looking at?"<br /> He was lightly touched on the shoulder. Looking down, he saw two girls who appeared to be in high school. Feeling somewhat annoyed, he said, "If you're looking to be extras, head over to the film set. I don't handle that here."<br /> One of the girls giggled lightly. "Hey, Claire, did you see that? They think you're only fit to be an extra."<br /> Claire rolled her eyes at her assistant. This little assistant always enjoyed joking around with people, and she liked to tease anyone, regardless of who it was.<br /> Taking out a lollipop, peeling off the wrapper, and popping it into her mouth, Claire turned to the driver. "It was Mr. Smith who sent you to pick up C. S. Lawrence, right?"<br /> The driver was dumbfounded.<br /> C. S. Lawrence was a renowned and accomplished author of romantic novels, having achieved fame several years ago. The driver looked at Claire and then at the girl next to her. He couldn't tell their ages for sure, but they both looked like they were in their teens.<br /> Not wanting to waste any more time, Claire said, "I am C. S. Lawrence. I wrote 'The Twenty-Fifth Hour.'"<br /> "C. S. ... C. S. Lawrence?" The driver was tongue-tied, his eyes widening like saucers.<br /> It was surprising that C. S. Lawrence, who was so skilled at writing ambiguous scenes that readers would yearn to be in a romantic relationship, was actually so young.<br /> Julia couldn't help but burst into laughter at the driver's expression. "Hahaha. Don't be fooled by her appearance. She just likes acting cute. In reality, she's already ..."<br /> Claire elbowed her, and Julia held back the rest of her words.<br /> Only then did the driver come to his senses, excitedly opening the car door and welcoming the two girls inside.<br /> "Ms. Lawrence." While driving, the driver eagerly asked, "Can I take a photo with you later?"<br /> Seeing Claire's raised eyebrow in the rearview mirror, he quickly explained, "You see, my girlfriend is a huge fan of your novels. The reason she fell in love with me is because she thinks I'm just like Max Taylor from your novels. Even though he's a supporting character, he's a romantic type. Hehe ..."<br /> Max Taylor?<br /> Julia blinked suddenly. Max was at best a minor character in "The Twenty-Fifth Hour." Julia hadn't expected this young girl to be so infatuated with Claire that she would even make a move on a man who resembled Max, a character barely mentioned.<br /> "Cough, cough ..." Julia feigned a smile and said to Claire, "Claire, she's definitely in love with you for real!"<br /> Claire chuckled while biting her lollipop. "Alright, let's take a picture then."<br /> The driver could not contain his joy as he raced the business car on the street.<br /> Half an hour later, the driver dropped Claire and Julia off at the hotel arranged by the production crew, handing them two room keys.<br /> "Ms. Lawrence, you should rest for now. I'll go report to Mr. Smith."<br /> Claire took a room key, said nothing, opened the door, and walked in, promptly sprawling on the spacious bed.<br /> Silverton, I'm back!<br /> Thinking back to how she had left in such a sorry state several years ago, a cold light gleamed in her deep brown eyes.<br /> Although she knew that her father did not love her and that the Donovans did not consider her a true member, Robert was still her only family. Claire had always dreamed that if she worked hard, excelled in her studies, and showed her strengths and merits to him, her father would eventually love her.<br /> When she woke up in the presidential suite that night, all of her dreams were crushed.<br /> People who didn't love her would never truly love her, no matter how hard she tried. She was nothing more than a tool for exchanging benefits.<br /> Julia didn't return to her own room. After freshening up in Claire's room, she rushed back out. Seeing Claire lost in thought on the bed, Julia jumped onto the bed. "Claire!"<br /> Claire turned her face away, concealing the tears that had welled in her eyes.<br /> Julia had noticed Claire's sadness but pretended not to have seen it. She bit her lip and lay beside Claire, asking, "Hey, now that we've safely arrived in Silverton, what's your plan? Are you leaving as soon as this job is done?"<br /> Leaving?<br /> "Heh!" Claire's lips curled coldly. "Since I've come back, how could I not return home and give my dear father a big surprise?"<br /> Julia felt a chill ran down her spine when she heard Claire's cold voice.<br /> Although only 23 years old, Claire had started acting cute due to particular circumstances. She claimed that she would always maintain a youthful heart. However, beneath Claire's pure and beautiful appearance lay a heart that had long been scarred.<br /> Claire had never been a simple and innocent girl!<br /> This topic was getting too dangerous, and Julia licked her lips before changing the subject. "Then ... what about that man?"<br /> Claire turned to look at her. "Which man?"<br /> Julia chuckled mischievously, turning to face Claire with an ambiguous expression. "You know, the man who slept with you that night!"<br /> Chapter 3 Three Days and Nights<br /> That man ...<br /> Claire furrowed her brows. Four years had passed, and she couldn't remember his face or even the name she saw on his ID card before she left.<br /> For her, that man was just a passing stranger in her life, an irrelevant person. She would never waste her brain cells trying to remember him.<br /> She chuckled self-deprecatingly and gazed up at the ceiling. "It's been four years. He might be married with children by now, or maybe he already had a family back then. Even if we met again, what would it change? That night was just a mistake. Who would even remember me?"<br /> Julia nodded, finding her words quite reasonable.<br /> Lying on the bed, Julia and Claire looked up at the ceiling. "Claire, I've always wanted to ask why you chose the pen name C. S. Lawrence? It sounds like a man's name. Is there any special meaning to it?"<br /> Claire placed her hand on her forehead. After a flight lasting over ten hours, she was exhausted and wanted to sleep.<br /> Her voice was soft and faint, barely audible. "I didn't think much of it. I just had a feeling that this pen name would become popular."<br /> ...<br /> Since getting on the plane, Victor had felt that something was off with Mr. Sean.<br /> The man, who had always been expressionless, especially in the past four years, was now smiling! This was a rare sight, as he had never been seen smiling before.<br /> Though it wasn't a blatantly obvious laugh, the corners of his thin lips were lifted, giving the impression that he was pleased.<br /> Victor mustered up his courage and asked hesitantly, "Mr. Sean, did something good happen to you today?"<br /> Sean wore a meticulously tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. A light gray tie hung perfectly in place, exuding an air of refinement and nobility that befit a successful man.<br /> Leaning against the spacious seat, he rested his arm on the armrest, his fingers lightly propping up his stern face. The arc of his lips deepened suddenly. "She's back."<br /> She?<br /> Victor was bewildered. "Who is she?"<br /> Sean didn't reply. He just gave Victor a quick, uninterested look.<br /> Victor was taken aback, realizing that Sean was looking at him with a gaze that wasn't cold and piercing for the first time.<br /> It didn't take long for Victor to figure it out. The person who could bring Mr. Sean such joy, could it be ...<br /> "Mr. Sean, is, is ..." His excitement was evident in his wide eyes. "Is it Claire?"<br /> Sean mummbled in affirmation, tapping his thigh lightly.<br /> She not only returned, but she also called him "Sir."<br /> Heh ... interesting, very interesting.<br /> Victor was so excited that he could barely contain himself. He practically vibrated with energy as he said, "This is great news! She's finally back. Once we deal with her, we can go back to Ascalon. Mrs. Vanderbilt will be so thrilled to know that Mr. Sean is coming home soon. She'll probably throw a grand feast for the whole city for three days and nights!"<br /> Sean shot Victor a piercing look, and Victor snapped his mouth shut.<br /> Did ... did he say something wrong?<br /> Throughout the journey, Victor didn't dare to utter another word, keeping his head down and minimizing his presence.<br /> As soon as they landed, Sean gave Victor an order. "Victor, investigate the reasons behind Claire's return to Silverton. I also want to know her every move in the city. If she escapes again, you will be held responsible!"<br /> "Roger that, Mr. Sean!"<br /> Victor did not dare to delay, and he went to deal with it right away.<br /> Claire's information reappeared on Sean's tablet thirty minutes later.<br /> It turned out that Claire was the screenwriter for the upcoming movie "The Twenty-Fifth Hour," a novel that had topped bestseller lists during its serialization and amassed millions of fans. Even in its pre-production stage, it had sparked unprecedented online discussions.<br /> As Sean admired Claire's modest talent, his eyes suddenly caught that pen name: C. S. Lawrence.<br /> C. S. Lawrence?<br /> C. S. Lawrence!<br /> Victor watched as Mr. Sean's face changed through several expressions within a matter of seconds.<br /> His face first showed admiration, then confusion, and finally, it turned somber.<br /> "Victor, contact the producer of this movie and inform them that I would like to invest in it. I want to be the primary investor."<br /> He made a move!<br /> Mr. Sean finally made a move!<br /> Victor was aware that Sean had been waiting for Claire in Silverton for four years, and he was confident that Mr. Sean would not let her go.<br /> Hahaha. Claire, get ready to face Mr. Sean's wrath!<br /> The crew members were greeted by earth-shattering news when they woke up.<br /> The largest domestic conglomerate unexpectedly showed interest in investing in their movie, and they were being very generous, investing a whopping 300 million right off the bat.<br /> In reality, for a contemporary romance movie, without special effects or grand and intense scenes, this much money wasn't necessary at all.<br /> It would be foolish not to invest money that is just sitting there, so of course, the producers welcomed the investment.<br /> However, the conglomerate had one condition, all the crew members must take a three-day break before resuming work.<br /> "We got three days' vacation, free food, free drinks, free entertainment, and even money! This is like winning the lottery!"<br /> "Maybe the big boss is just rich and naive!"<br /> "Hahaha. If that rich and naive boss wants to hand me a stack of money, I won't complain at all."<br /> Claire listened to their conversation with an expressionless face. A three-day break was a good thing for her.<br /> Even if they didn't have a break, she would've asked Mr. Smith for a day off. Tomorrow was an important day for her; she couldn't afford to be absent.<br /> "Well, since that's the case ..." She picked up her bag and stood up. "I'll go on a vacation then."<br /> The members of the crew, whether it was the producer or Mr. Smith, treated Claire with great kindness. After all, when negotiating the copyright fees with her, she didn't increase the cost just because her novel had become popular.<br /> In addition, because of her simple outfit of jeans and a T-shirt and her youthful appearance, they treated her with care as if she were a young girl.<br /> "Ms. Lawrence, the big boss is specifically inviting everyone from the crew to a vacation resort. Are you really not joining us?"<br /> Claire smiled and shook her head. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Smith. I would love to join you, but I have an event to attend tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful time."<br /> She waved cheerfully at them, then turned around and walked away with her bag.<br /> At that moment of turning, her bright smile suddenly receded, and her deep brown eyes flashed with an icy glint. Her lips, painted in sandy-colored lipstick, curled into a chilling arc.<br /> Dad, I'm here to give you a grand gift. Are you ready?<br /> ...<br /> The most luxurious five-star hotel in Silverton was packed with guests, who were toasting and chatting merrily.<br /> For his youngest daughter's engagement banquet, Robert had spared no expense. Not only did he reserve the entire hotel at a hefty price, but he also generously extended invitations to all the prominent families in Silverton.<br /> However, receiving an invitation didn't necessarily guarantee attendance.<br /> Some small business owners still felt obligated to show Robert respect because his daughter Clarissa Donovan was engaged to Xander Morgan, the heir to the Morgan family, one of the most powerful families in Silverton.<br /> Clarissa wanted to be the belle of the ball at the engagement banquet, so she spared no expense on her gown. She asked Alice to buy a limited-edition luxury dress that cost over a million dollars. The lake blue evening dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the long skirt trailed behind her like a royal train.<br /> "Wow! Clarissa, you look so beautiful today!"<br /> "Yes, this gown looks so expensive. Clarissa, I can guarantee you're the most beautiful woman in the world today!"<br /> Listening to her friends' flattery, Clarissa's vanity was instantly satisfied. She smiled modestly, "Oh, stop it. I just dressed up a bit."<br /> "Dressed up a bit, and you look this gorgeous? My goodness, what chance do the rest of us have?"<br /> "That's right, you're stunning even when you're casually dressed! No wonder Xander is head over heels for you. He wouldn't marry anyone else. Haha ..."<br /> While the girls showered Clarissa with compliments, a different kind of conversation circulated among the upper-class women.<br /> "The Donovans is truly interesting. Their eldest daughter disappeared for four years, and they acted like nothing happened. They even allowed their younger daughter to steal the elder daughter's fiancรฉ. Now they're throwing such a lavish engagement banquet. Doesn't Robert feel guilty?"<br /> "Exactly! Everyone knows that Claire was engaged to Xander from birth. They grew up together since they were kids. But in the end, Xander ended up engaged to Claire's younger sister, Clarissa. Life is truly unpredictable!"<br /> "Well, I suspect Claire's disappearance was intentional on the Donovans' part!"<br /> Several women turned their attention to the lady who had spoken last, curiosity gleaming in their eyes. "What do you mean?"<br /> The lady sipped her wine and said with a smirk, "Robert remarried after Claire's mother passed away. How could he have possibly given her the love and attention she needed with a stepmother in the picture?"<br /> Several women nodded in agreement. "That makes sense."<br /> "Alice must have been planning to get rid of Claire from the start so that her daughter could take her place and marry into the Morgan family. She may have found an opportunity four years ago to do so."<br /> "What?" One of the women gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. "Are you saying ... Claire is already dead?"<br /> When someone has been missing for four years without a trace, what else could it mean?<br /> Several women exchanged knowing glances.<br /> Just then, a tall figure walked in through the door.<br /> She wore a luxurious limited-edition lake blue gown, and a dazzling ruby necklace adorned her swan-like neck, making her fair skin glow.<br /> The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and her every move was graceful and elegant.<br /> "Ah!"<br /> "Oh my god!"<br /> Everyone was stunned by her appearance. She was ...<br /> Chapter 4 Leaked Video<br /> She was none other than Claire, the eldest daughter of the Donovans who had been missing for four years!<br /> Amid the shock, the upper-class women noticed something quite interesting.<br /> "When I saw Clarissa just now, I thought she was pretty. But now that Claire is wearing the same dress, Clarissa pales in comparison."<br /> "Absolutely! Dressing alike is not the issue. The issue is who can wear it better. Clarissa doesn't have the curves that Claire does."<br /> "And that's not all. Clarissa wears heavy makeup to appear mature and charming, but Claire is naturally radiant, enhancing her youthful charm. In fact, Clarissa looks several years older than Claire."<br /> The noble lady was amused and said, "With Claire's appearance, we're in for a good show!"<br /> Clarissa overheard their conversation, and a trace of malice flashed in her eyes.<br /> She had put so much effort into her appearance, intending to outshine everyone tonight and make Xander even more infatuated with her beauty. Yet, Claire's sudden appearance stole the spotlight. How did Claire escape death in the past four years?<br /> "Claire, I knew you'd come today."<br /> Clarissa walked over to Claire first, affectionately linking arms with her. To outsiders, it seemed like they were close and loving sisters.<br /> Clarissa's acting skills had reached new heights in the four years since they last saw each other.<br /> Claire smiled faintly, placing her hand on Clarissa's arm. "It's my engagement day, so of course I'd be here."<br /> If they were going to put on a show, they might as well do it together. Let's see who cracks first!<br /> Indeed, Clarissa's face changed several colors in an instant. Awkwardly tugging at the corner of her mouth, she nonchalantly let go of Claire's arm. "Claire, stop kidding ..."<br /> "I'm not kidding." Claire raised her hand to elegantly tuck a lock of hair behind her ear and looked at her with a coy smile. "Everyone knows Xander and I have been engaged since childhood. We never broke it off. So, since we're getting engaged today, it's between him and me."<br /> The moment Claire appeared, Alice knew trouble was brewing. Seeing her daughter silenced by Claire's remarks, she adjusted her elegant shawl and approached like a high-society lady.<br /> "Claire, you left Xander heartbroken when you eloped with another man and disappeared for four years. It was only with Clarissa's help that he was able to move on. Now that Xander and Clarissa are together, you are suddenly unhappy. How can you be so selfish and unsupportive of your sister? Can't you be happy for her?"<br /> Clarissa bit her lip, feeling so wronged that she was nearly in tears. She clung to Alice's hand and said, "Mom, please stop. Don't say this in front of everyone. Claire was young back then and was deceived by a man. You shouldn't say these things to her, especially in front of so many people. It's not good for her."<br /> "What? So, Claire disappeared to elope with another man?"<br /> "I always wondered why the Donovans didn't search for Claire when she went missing. Turns out it was a family secret they didn't want exposed."<br /> "Clarissa is truly kind-hearted. Despite being mistreated by Claire, she's actually defending her. Tsk, tsk. The Donovans raised this child really well."<br /> Listening to the discussions around her, Alice was extremely pleased. This little brat, Claire, dared to challenge Clarissa!<br /> She would ensure that Claire's reputation was ruined, and she would never rise again!<br /> Seeing the mother-daughter duo twisting the truth, Claire couldn't help but want to applaud them.<br /> "Oh? So, it was like that?" Claire raised an eyebrow, pinching her dainty chin. "I remember someone gave me a cup of coffee back then, and then I fainted. When I woke up, I was on a hotel bed ..."<br /> Claire looked at Alice with a puzzled expression. "Could it be that I'm remembering it wrong?"<br /> Alice glared venomously at Claire. Other than the Donovans and Mr. Anderson, no one knew about the incident four years ago.<br /> Alice had originally intended to defile Claire's chastity with Mr. Anderson, but Claire had managed to flee. She would not give Claire another opportunity to turn the tables.<br /> "Claire, we understand that you may have made some mistakes in the past, but we still love you as our daughter. We are happy to have you back, and we will not blame you for what happened. However, today is your sister's and Xander's engagement banquet, and we would appreciate it if you did not cause a scene."<br /> Alice's words sounded sincere, but anyone could tell that Claire had likely been abandoned by that man and had returned home with nowhere else to go. After coming home, she had found out that her former fiancรฉ was getting engaged to her own sister, which led to jealousy and her subsequent disruption.<br /> So, no matter what Claire said, no one would believe her.<br /> This strategy was foolproof!<br /> Clarissa secretly pinched her thigh, making her eyes turn red in an instant. Two tears rolled down her cheeks.<br /> "Sister, I know you're feeling uncomfortable right now, but you were the one who betrayed us first. I'm with Xander now, and we haven't done anything wrong. Please, let us be together."<br /> Now, everyone's gaze toward Claire was filled with disdain and anger.<br /> "Claire is incredibly selfish and uncaring! She abandoned her family and eloped with another man, and now she is envious of her own sister. She came here today specifically to stir up trouble because she cannot bear to see her sister happy."<br /> "Exactly! A woman who is unfaithful in love like her was often punished severely in ancient times. She could be banished, imprisoned, or even executed."<br /> "What's even more despicable is that she's actually wearing the same dress as Clarissa. Her heart is truly filthy!"<br /> "Clarissa is miserable. Even if she gets engaged today, she will always have the shadow of her sister's scandal hanging over her head."<br /> The situation was now under control, and Alice felt a sense of satisfaction growing stronger. Once today was over, Claire's reputation in Silverton would be completely destroyed.<br /> Despite their prim and proper appearances, the high-society ladies and socialites were the most avid gossipers in private. This incident would quickly spread among them like wildfire.<br /> After watching their performance, Claire's forehead creased slightly. "It seems I really remembered it wrong."<br /> Alice waved her hand to dismiss Claire. "Alright, Claire, that's enough. It's time for you to go now."<br /> Before she could finish her sentence, Claire suddenly looked up at the large screen behind them. "Since I remembered it wrong, why don't we all reminisce together about what happened four years ago?"<br /> What?<br /> Alice hadn't fully comprehended the situation when she noticed everyone's gazes shifting to the screen behind her. She turned around in panic, only to see that the screen, which had been displaying sweet photos of Clarissa and Xander, now showed a video. It was unmistakably surveillance footage, and the location was the hotel corridor from that night!<br /> In the corridor, two men and a woman appeared, walking toward the presidential suite at the end.<br /> "Mr. Anderson, rest assured, she's my daughter. She might be a bit stubborn, but I can guarantee she's still a virgin! Once women experienced it once, they become as obedient and docile as little kittens."<br /> "Exactly, Mr. Anderson. Also, young women are more likely to have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies."<br /> "Alright. I'll see her first. If I'm satisfied, I'll give the project in Riverton to the Donovans."<br /> Alice turned pale with shock. Panicking, she shouted, "Robert, quickly go backstage!"<br /> Robert didn't wait for her to finish. He had already rushed backstage. "Who leaked this? Who leaked the video? Turn it off quickly!"<br /> The backstage staff were frantic, sweat pouring down their foreheads as their fingers raced over the mouse. However, the mouse remained unresponsive, stuck in place.<br /> "Something's wrong. The computer has a virus!"<br /> "How could this happen?" Robert's anger flared, and he slammed his palm onto the table. He gnashed his teeth in irritation and quickly reached for the power button.<br /> But no matter how hard he pressed, no matter the force he exerted, the computer remained unmoved, playing the video steadily.<br /> His heart pounded in his chest with anxiety as he listened to Alice's words about capturing Claire coming from the speakers. His face flushed red with embarrassment and fear.<br /> What should he do?<br /> What should he do?<br /> The news of him selling his daughter would be a huge scandal if it got out today, not only for him personally but also for his company. There were so many guests present, and the story would spread like wildfire.<br /> With a sudden "snap," the computer screen went black. Robert looked up in surprise to see Xander holding the recently unplugged power cord.<br /> He let out a sigh of relief, patting Xander's shoulder. "Xander, I'm so glad you're here."<br /> Xander gave a faint smile. "Uncle, it's nothing. Since I'm engaged to Clarissa, we're all family. Moreover, regarding what happened back then ..."<br /> Chapter 5 Beating the Unhappy Couple<br /> "I understand, I understand!"<br /> Robert laughed and patted Xander's shoulder again, quite satisfied with this son-in-law.<br /> As they walked out from backstage, they realized that things had already gone awry outside.<br /> Although Xander had pulled out the computer's power cord, the intended footage had already been played. The guests were left shocked and bewildered by the news of Robert selling his daughter.<br /> "My god! There's actually such an evil father in this world. For the sake of his own interests, he actually sold his elder daughter to Mr. Anderson, that old man!"<br /> "Alice claimed that Claire had eloped with another man. However, Claire immediately slapped her across the face with this video. I could almost feel the sting of the slap myself."<br /> "And then there's Clarissa. I actually thought she was a decent person earlier, but she joined her mother in scheming against her own sister. Such a malicious heart!"<br /> "I believe that Clarissa may have had a romantic relationship with Xander in the past. After all, her mother stole Claire's mother's husband, so it's not surprising that Clarissa would steal Claire's man. Xander is not a good guy either!"<br /> Robert's face flushed red as he saw the guests pointing fingers and whispering. He couldn't hold his composure any longer. "It's not what you think. Let me explain ..."<br /> Claire walked over with a smile, affectionately linking her arm with Robert's. "Dad, don't worry. Take your time to explain to them."<br /> Robert, "..."<br /> How could he not worry?<br /> How could he not be in a hurry?<br /> The engagement banquet tonight is definitely not going to continue, given how things have turned out. Robert knows that he will be ridiculed and scolded by others in the future, and he is so anxious that his stomach is churning.<br /> At this moment, he truly wished he could slap Claire to death for being such an unfilial daughter!<br /> Claire watched Robert and Alice tirelessly trying to explain to the guests, but after so long, they hadn't clarified anything. She found this scene quite satisfying.<br /> Claire sighed in disappointment. "Dad, I actually have a lot more to say to you, but I can see that you're busy and don't have time to listen to me right now."<br /> Robert really wanted to use a piece of tape to shut Claire's mouth. He was so anxious, yet she was still pretending to be innocent on the side!<br /> Claire shrugged her shoulders, then turned to Xander and winked. "Xander, same old rule. Tomorrow evening at 5 o'clock, at your place."<br /> After saying that, Claire playfully waved at Xander, smiled, and turned to leave.<br /> Xander watched her proud figure and suddenly felt as if he had never truly known her.<br /> Was this still the same Claire who used to be docile, never fighting back or talking back?<br /> Rather than saying Xander grew up with Claire, it would be more accurate to say that he grew up with Clarissa.<br /> When Claire was very young, her mother passed away. After Alice married her father, she began to groom Clarissa to be Xander's wife. Every time Xander came over, Alice would make sure that Clarissa was by his side, while Claire was often left out.<br /> And even when she did see him, Claire was relegated to serving tea and water, acting like a servant.<br /> So in Xander's eyes, he looked down on Claire.<br /> But today's Claire seemed different ...<br /> "Xander ..." Clarissa jealously grabbed Xander's hand, forcefully diverting his attention away from Claire. "Since when did you become so close with Claire? Still sticking to old rules ... you two ..."<br /> Xander brought his focus back and affectionately patted Clarissa's hand. "Clarissa, don't you already know the relationship between me and her? There's nothing going on. Her words just now were meant to provoke us, don't fall for it."<br /> "I ..." Clarissa pouted, words on the tip of her tongue but swallowed back. She raised her chin, looking at Xander with a coquettish smile. "Of course, I won't be fooled. Xander, you're mine, and no one can take you away!"<br /> Xander chuckled, then turned his head again to find Claire's figure. However, Claire had already left, and he couldn't see anything.<br /> Clarissa, with her sharp eyes, noticed this. Her eyes flashed with a hint of cruelty.<br /> ...<br /> As soon as Claire got into the car, Julia's excitement couldn't be contained. Without waiting for Claire to fasten her seatbelt, she eagerly asked, "Claire! How was it? Did your dad like the gift you gave him?"<br /> Thinking of Robert's explosive reaction, Claire chuckled softly. "It seems like he quite liked it."<br /> "Hahaha ..." Julia tossed her notebook onto the back seat, raised both hands and vigorously rubbed her fingers together at Claire. "Since he liked it so much, should you show a little appreciation to me?"<br /> Seeing her counting money with her fingers, Claire fastened her seatbelt and said, "Before I give you today's payment, why don't you pay your tuition first?"<br /> "Huh?"<br /> Julia's little face immediately fell, her mouth almost reaching the sky. "Claire, even though you taught me IT skills, I put in a lot of effort just now, you know? Without me, who would have hacked their computers to play the video?"<br /> And not just any video. It hit Alice and Robert, where it hurt the most.<br /> "Alright." Claire started the car. "I'll give you a bonus this month that will satisfy you."<br /> "I knew you were the best, Claire!"<br /> Julia was so elated that she wanted to dance. If not for Claire driving, she would have wanted to pull Claire's face over and give her a big kiss.<br /> Thinking about tomorrow ... she swallowed nervously. "Claire, how about ... I go with you tomorrow? Who knows, maybe I can be of help."<br /> Claire gave her a sidelong glance. "Getting addicted to earning money, huh?"<br /> "No, no." Julia waved her hands repeatedly. "I'm genuinely worried about you. Think about it, going alone to face those two families. They might tear you apart. If you take me along, at least I can wait outside to give you a signal."<br /> Claire stared straight ahead at the road, her lips curved in a half-smile. "Hehe ... if I need a signal, I'd rather bring a dog."<br /> Didn't she know Julia's little obsession with money?<br /> Nonetheless, she was only speaking jokingly. She didn't want to involve Julia in the unpleasant matters that might occur.<br /> Robert was ruthless and cunning. Claire was worried that if he felt cornered, he would go after those around her.<br /> Claire wasn't always with Julia, and for Julia's safety, it was best not to let Robert and his associates know about Julia's existence.<br /> ...<br /> The next afternoon at five o'clock, Claire arrived at Xander's house on time, driving her car.<br /> After parking, she keenly noticed a black Bentley Mulsanne parked about twenty meters away. There were people inside the car. Although Claire couldn't see their faces clearly, she could sense a pair of deep, unwavering eyes fixed on her.<br /> She furrowed her brows slightly, not dwelling on it too much, and lifted her hand to ring the doorbell.<br /> The housekeeper from the Morgans opened the door, and upon seeing her, she spoke expressionlessly, "Mr. Xander is waiting for you inside. Follow me."<br /> Claire followed the housekeeper inside. As she walked in, suddenly, an unidentified object flew straight towards her face. Her deep hazel eyes squinted slightly, and she casually tilted her head, easily avoiding it.<br /> The one who had thrown the object was Robert. Seeing that he hadn't harmed Claire, he slapped the coffee table in frustration. "You truly are a good daughter that I've raised, huh? You've ruined me and the Donovans. What benefits do you get from this?"<br /> Alice chimed in, following his lead. "Claire, you're an ungrateful wretch! Even if you don't like me, Robert is at least your biological father. Is this how you show filial piety to your own father?"<br /> After Claire left yesterday, both Robert and Alice were left without a way to vent their frustrations, causing their anger to fester.<br /> Today, they felt that people were looking at them differently as they walked outside, and they were constantly being whispered about behind their backs.<br /> Now that Claire had appeared, they could no longer suppress their inner rage. They wished they could tear Claire apart right then and there.<br /> Claire remained unfazed by their reactions, as she had anticipated this.<br /> Xander's expression also wasn't too pleasant. "Claire, there's no one else here. Let's be straightforward. I've never had any feelings for you. You ruined my engagement with Clarissa yesterday. I won't hold you accountable for that, but please don't come to pester or harass me anymore."<br /> "We are all rational and intelligent individuals." Claire sat down on the sofa without hesitation, her smile revealing her sharp wit. She adopted a businesslike tone and said, "I'm not enjoying beating the unhappy couple, but since you've made it clear what you want, let's talk about it. Let's break off the engagement and discuss the compensation from the Morgans and my mother's will."<br /> "You scoundrel!"<br /> Upon hearing the mention of the will, Robert's anger flared up. He stood up, marched over to Claire, and scolded her from above. "Claire, you've brought me to this point, and you have the nerve to bring up the will with me?"<br /> Xander also frowned in displeasure. "We just cancelled the engagement. What compensation do you need?"<br /> Robert and Xander looked at Claire with predatory eyes as if they were ready to pounce on her at any moment. Even though Claire had trained herself to be strong and unyielding, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease in the presence of her father, who was a powerful and ruthless man.<br /> It was an instinctive fear stemming from the strict treatment she had received since childhood.<br /> Just then, the doorbell rang suddenly. The housekeeper hurried over to answer the door. Upon seeing who it was, the housekeeper froze, turned around, and shouted to the people in the room, "M-Mr. ... Mr. Sean Vanderbilt has arrived ..."<br /> Chapter 6 Innocence<br /> Everyone in the room was shocked upon hearing the three words "Mr. Sean," except for Claire.<br /> Robert had spent many years in the business world, but he had only dealt with small-time entrepreneurs. He was accustomed to being fawned over and flattered. Someone like Sean, a top domestic tycoon, was out of his league.<br /> The mention of Sean's name made him turn pale and stutter. He could barely get out the words. "M-M-Mr. Sean, how did he come?"<br /> Xander pondered momentarily and said, "Mr. Donovan, don't be nervous. It's probably because my parents discovered I would break off the engagement with Claire today. Since they're out of town and can't come back, they asked the elders in the family to come and oversee things."<br /> The reason why the Morgans were able to rise to prominence in Silverton was all thanks to Xander's mother, Evelyn.<br /> Evelyn was not from the main branch of the Vanderbilts, but she was a distant relative from a collateral branch. She could be considered a distant cousin to Sean, who is from the main family's branch.<br /> Relying on this connection, the Morgans received the protection of the Vanderbilts, making them untouchable in Silverton. That was why Robert and Alice insisted on having Clarissa marry Xander.<br /> Robert took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Then, he patted Xander's shoulder with a smile. "Alright, alright, I understand. Let's go. We'll welcome Mr. Sean together."<br /> Claire raised an eyebrow, curious about the newcomer who had made Robert lose his composure.<br /> The person who could frighten Robert to this extent must be someone of great importance. However, this person seemed to be here to help Xander pressure Claire.<br /> Well ...<br /> Whoever he was, Claire wasn't afraid!<br /> Claire looked at Xander and Alice, then stood up without a word. The four of them quickly walked to the entrance. Claire's lips were curved in a cold smile, but her expression was calm and unmoved.<br /> At the doorway stood a man in a black tailored suit, his white shirt slightly unbuttoned to reveal a glimpse of his collarbone. He exuded an aura of restraint and abstinence, yet it was hard to resist the urge to unbutton his shirt further, as if uncovering a hidden scenery. Beyond his self-restraint, he emitted a captivating and sensual charm.<br /> The man's eyes were deep and penetrating, his nose was strong and aquiline, and his lips were thin and firm. All of these features combined to create a mature and distinctive masculine charm.<br /> Clarissa was completely stunned. She had never seen such a handsome and charismatic man before!<br /> Xander discreetly tugged at her hand and respectfully addressed, "Mr. Vanderbilt."<br /> Clarissa was dumbfounded.<br /> Mr. Vanderbilt?<br /> What was going on? Why were they calling him Mr. Vanderbilt?<br /> Alice saw that Clarissa was lost in thought and snapped her out of it with a nudge. Then, along with Robert, she greeted the newcomer fawningly, "Mr. Sean."<br /> Sean responded with an indifferent "Hmm," lifted his foot, and entered the room. As he passed Claire, he maintained a straight gaze ahead and seated himself on the spacious sofa.<br /> Although the sofa was large enough for three people, Xander and Robert did not dare to sit down, not even on the empty sofa next to it. They all stood respectfully to the side, like servants attending to a king who had just taken his throne.<br /> Claire couldn't help but smile. The ones who had been menacing just a moment ago were now so timid. Indeed, they were all bullies who preyed on the weak.<br /> But why did this man, whom Xander addressed as "Mr. Vanderbilt," look so young?<br /> And he was extraordinarily handsome too!<br /> Claire felt like she had seen him somewhere before.<br /> For a while, no one spoke until the housemaid came over and respectfully offered tea to Sean, "Mr. ... Mr. Sean, please, have some tea."<br /> Sean glanced at the teacups on the coffee table, then casually rested his hand on his leg. "Xandy, I'm just here to watch. You can continue."<br /> Despite his young age, Sean's voice was surprisingly mature. The way he called Xander "Xandy" showed that he had the bearing of an elder. Even Robert, who was much older and experienced, seemed a generation or two younger in Sean's presence.<br /> Xander's expression remained relatively relaxed. He looked at Claire and continued the previous topic, "Claire, when our families arranged the childhood engagement, it was merely a verbal agreement. At most, there was a token of exchange. Why should I compensate you now that we're breaking off the engagement?"<br /> While others might fear Sean, Claire certainly didn't. Even though the man's aura had filled the entire room, Claire remained unfazed.<br /> "Firstly, the reason our families arranged this childhood engagement was that my mother saved your mother's life. A life-saving favor is greater than anything, and if it's not repaid through marriage, should it be compensated materially?"<br /> Xander's expression stiffened. He argued with a hint of forcefulness, "Back then, your mother didn't need any compensation. It was my mother's guilt that led her to consider using this engagement as compensation. Your mother was kind-hearted. If she were still here, even if we broke off the engagement, she wouldn't have asked my family for anything!"<br /> His words implied that Claire had malicious intent.<br /> Claire chuckled with exasperation. "Hehe. If my mother were still here, she would surely regret saving your mother all those years ago, seeing how ungrateful and deceitful you've become."<br /> Claire suddenly looked at Xander coldly. "Four years ago, you stopped by my school and offered me a ride home. I had no reason to be suspicious of you, so I drank the coffee you gave me. It made me faint, and when I woke up, I was in a hotel bed. You and the Donovans framed me for that incident. Shouldn't you compensate me for that?"<br /> Her words hit like a thunderclap, surprising Xander, Robert, and the others.<br /> Everyone had been involved in that incident back then; none dared to claim innocence.<br /> Sean furrowed his brow. He had reviewed the surveillance footage from the hotel but hadn't investigated the details. He didn't expect this to be a drama involving infidelity, sabotage, and coercion.<br /> Sean glanced at Xander standing beside him, "Xandy, did you really do these things?"<br /> Xander's face went through shades of blue and red within a few seconds. He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.<br /> He was truly stuck, unable to lie in front of Sean.<br /> "It seems it's true."<br /> Sean lifted the teacup, elegantly blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, and raised his gaze. His unemotional eyes fell upon Claire's face, "How do you want him to compensate you?"<br /> Claire fearlessly met his gaze and enunciated each word, "I want ten percent of shares in the Morgan Group."<br /> "What?" Xander was so infuriated that he nearly jumped in place. "Ten percent of shares in Morgan Group? Claire, why don't you just rob us!?"<br /> Sean shot him a sharp glare, silencing Xander. Xander stood there like a quail, afraid to utter another word.<br /> Sean then placed the teacup down and nodded, "Agreed."<br /> Xander's eyes widened in astonishment. As the eldest son of the Morgans, he only owned eight percent of the shares in the Morgan Group. Yet, Sean was actually agreeing to give Claire ten percent?<br /> With this arrangement, even if he escaped his family's reprimand, his father would surely thrash him to death!<br /> Robert discreetly tugged at Xander's sleeve and winked at him, as if asking, "Didn't you say Mr. Sean came to support you?"<br /> Xander was frustrated and angry. He clenched his teeth and thought about the consequences of breaking off the engagement. His anger boiled over, and he blurted out, "If that's the case, then I'm not breaking off the engagement. I'm marrying her!"<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to install [Joylit] to continue reading "The Billionaire's Surprise Twins" (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app). ๏ปฟ๐๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๐๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๐<br /> โค๏ธClick to read more exciting contentโค๏ธ<br /> ๐CONTINUE READING๐ | Billionaire Reading | 163 | https://facebook.com/61556466491636 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827626 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 250391211494828 | 2 | 4.6778856906894E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558112388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715962223 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436410423_1143368643473832_3319165804827203474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OQYN6-edyYQQ7kNvgEMBWWZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD1qT4rG_zyD4ak4oEfOnERJdMcuenh7mjYMuTIM0hy0Q&oe=664F25E6 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436354979_430153136625154_8453950369754941160_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iCK84odCS3UQ7kNvgEvVvIx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCqjZa9es5VI1FyrkAElLSKLjr3-nVHSaTlfWH2ZOmnNA&oe=664F0C33 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827628 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774050 | 810 | 277105162063193 | 2 | 3.8061393930035E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624063923788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956527 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138819_495440402806097_2115425451148592662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Eppqfhm-yBYQ7kNvgHjmbbY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBc3MMXdsY14BRjbwu3NfMLz1uP8-1TCeBgFnsbpQNCqA&oe=664F145D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301754_1619481288827088_6082857721006502463_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=huq-poecHBkQ7kNvgHIY_wI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDndkpdCF_9x7WAQZ5OPmv-RHSKTEdZW4FHBJIp-RGZCQ&oe=664F079F | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827629 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 277105162063193 | 2 | 3.8061393930035E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624063923788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956527 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138819_495440402806097_2115425451148592662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Eppqfhm-yBYQ7kNvgHjmbbY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBc3MMXdsY14BRjbwu3NfMLz1uP8-1TCeBgFnsbpQNCqA&oe=664F145D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301754_1619481288827088_6082857721006502463_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=huq-poecHBkQ7kNvgHIY_wI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDndkpdCF_9x7WAQZ5OPmv-RHSKTEdZW4FHBJIp-RGZCQ&oe=664F079F | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827630 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 277385025366747 | 2 | 4.5931673658595E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624069915988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957250 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438254840_2173560613002084_552267293373208350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PsFBGaLWxLEQ7kNvgFEzg9v&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5yxGqgbn__ovWLZwPaXlYSVsDeb2bAv7ci855lPvoNg&oe=664F233C | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239585_758581599800011_6677708975825966671_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ow5pdXJk3q0Q7kNvgFSpyEk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAUglgQ5l_NF72PKOdNqQswpye514zQm5l0V33EazWFDw&oe=664F194A | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827631 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 277385025366747 | 2 | 4.5931673658595E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624069915988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957250 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438254840_2173560613002084_552267293373208350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PsFBGaLWxLEQ7kNvgFEzg9v&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5yxGqgbn__ovWLZwPaXlYSVsDeb2bAv7ci855lPvoNg&oe=664F233C | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239585_758581599800011_6677708975825966671_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ow5pdXJk3q0Q7kNvgFSpyEk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAUglgQ5l_NF72PKOdNqQswpye514zQm5l0V33EazWFDw&oe=664F194A | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827632 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 293553923821222 | 2 | 9.69086607879E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558170588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902990 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473336_753794923582159_2046707295646575618_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vSnoHlKCxKUQ7kNvgFdNC3H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt-FO7Xti5HZFkyJrn44SeKOADw97KSNf02dPJrC_3XA&oe=664F0663 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469091_320890104376589_8544871738885473199_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=veCsWpVJUsUQ7kNvgHtHkr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAsnTZ6F1Dh4qsh9L_m-M0JszW-QCuv7gk2Zi7mWVJPaA&oe=664F1CB2 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827633 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 293553923821222 | 2 | 9.69086607879E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558170588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902990 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473336_753794923582159_2046707295646575618_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vSnoHlKCxKUQ7kNvgFdNC3H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCt-FO7Xti5HZFkyJrn44SeKOADw97KSNf02dPJrC_3XA&oe=664F0663 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469091_320890104376589_8544871738885473199_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=veCsWpVJUsUQ7kNvgHtHkr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAsnTZ6F1Dh4qsh9L_m-M0JszW-QCuv7gk2Zi7mWVJPaA&oe=664F1CB2 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827634 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 319995444312430 | 2 | 4.1398101151684E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624066060588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956736 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441322140_436569985988766_3157235081525803368_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kvbiOI807RQQ7kNvgGI8eH3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBAoF4-ySj0-7xoWYUXOyI1CRFUEErLPYYEfSpbInbY-w&oe=664F0249 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441414204_2659951094165641_5379631238908575551_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xpCuEqw2tKsQ7kNvgHqJkLU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCqE5DccFcs4_IVCHXYNt3WLMA_Wdalgf0gmZPkO3tKJg&oe=664F0E66 | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827636 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 337157619114775 | 2 | 9.7545534430452E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624080045588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958321 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442510962_458120710103182_719850666931467404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l22Hog8leNAQ7kNvgHrn1_I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrf1W7iKtC3eratdxOpwaXM1vBbs8jG_KkxRzn8chT1g&oe=664F2534 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490422_1191709185295523_5111020769171245312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FGQbw_BAo68Q7kNvgHw455q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFQX5i7-WGBW_eG4lDeNfvW2G9pXR6yAnkKILHftM6-g&oe=664EFF22 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827637 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 337157619114775 | 2 | 9.7545534430452E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624080045588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958321 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442510962_458120710103182_719850666931467404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l22Hog8leNAQ7kNvgHrn1_I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrf1W7iKtC3eratdxOpwaXM1vBbs8jG_KkxRzn8chT1g&oe=664F2534 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490422_1191709185295523_5111020769171245312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FGQbw_BAo68Q7kNvgHw455q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFQX5i7-WGBW_eG4lDeNfvW2G9pXR6yAnkKILHftM6-g&oe=664EFF22 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827638 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774051 | 810 | 361947880227175 | 2 | 7.6068846588809E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624092862788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960119 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436366017_1686402035226675_4633593745641700726_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U0SmTjfZA-UQ7kNvgFgmDE5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAutJkd9h275dzwRB0nWpvc32pYJzV5RoYaL4mfFI-ouA&oe=664F0E38 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444484570_430980262985827_3819076384052948192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EZ0naAp_QI8Q7kNvgFol0wh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUMLikajnE1Q0uVrejzLsG7H9CDwNul-e0-M1hYUC2EQ&oe=664F2CAD | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827639 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774051 | 810 | 361947880227175 | 2 | 7.6068846588809E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624092862788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960119 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436366017_1686402035226675_4633593745641700726_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U0SmTjfZA-UQ7kNvgFgmDE5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAutJkd9h275dzwRB0nWpvc32pYJzV5RoYaL4mfFI-ouA&oe=664F0E38 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444484570_430980262985827_3819076384052948192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EZ0naAp_QI8Q7kNvgFol0wh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUMLikajnE1Q0uVrejzLsG7H9CDwNul-e0-M1hYUC2EQ&oe=664F2CAD | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827640 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774051 | 810 | 383239650716121 | 2 | 3.9193031383814E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624060071988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955888 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441175437_1648431175960336_8794921143366349338_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ysNvbcX0TbYQ7kNvgEXT2eb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDTgMdEtigXotNymvd8COi77W1ph9vezKyhhrJvr51lCA&oe=664F2491 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443837012_1120517625852481_7581882048093013353_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CuGn7Nv0GxkQ7kNvgEWDwt6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCbm2J2a11DmIyfB5loDegVWrUULD-KfnYs4bu_NKJyRA&oe=664F2188 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827641 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774051 | 810 | 383239650716121 | 2 | 3.9193031383814E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624060071988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955888 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441175437_1648431175960336_8794921143366349338_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ysNvbcX0TbYQ7kNvgEXT2eb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDTgMdEtigXotNymvd8COi77W1ph9vezKyhhrJvr51lCA&oe=664F2491 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443837012_1120517625852481_7581882048093013353_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CuGn7Nv0GxkQ7kNvgEWDwt6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCbm2J2a11DmIyfB5loDegVWrUULD-KfnYs4bu_NKJyRA&oe=664F2188 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827642 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 392060523834151 | 2 | 3.2938045774195E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624068272188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957028 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732957_471721735293101_2960430553409739242_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hszz_0Lpq5cQ7kNvgHoPQEU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCZZyXXysjL_Tsqbt91Ix-hTzxulSeuPAQlE3zXJYdrOA&oe=664F1D36 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441197919_996622632077553_5871695506000483375_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hStIGFZ0KLMQ7kNvgE6_pxi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBHOzZObW8efJw1e0YZB2cGjiB2DyWvqtzb0jfBo-dXRQ&oe=664F1B3B | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827643 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 392060523834151 | 2 | 3.2938045774195E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624068272188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957028 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732957_471721735293101_2960430553409739242_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hszz_0Lpq5cQ7kNvgHoPQEU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCZZyXXysjL_Tsqbt91Ix-hTzxulSeuPAQlE3zXJYdrOA&oe=664F1D36 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441197919_996622632077553_5871695506000483375_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hStIGFZ0KLMQ7kNvgE6_pxi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBHOzZObW8efJw1e0YZB2cGjiB2DyWvqtzb0jfBo-dXRQ&oe=664F1B3B | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827644 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 411383601773460 | 2 | 1.1651158880051E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558225988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715903022 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424633645_1046242643556160_194546570072254352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TqjMZqlEHXIQ7kNvgH_6V5Z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI35DT3lOK_DOvW6Kg-Kyovc8Qxt5ZgvGH88k0dMmxTw&oe=664F1068 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717371_802183691858318_5627427418018176088_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SulugMAGvaYQ7kNvgEIl5IL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCwZKI07v_84Q2UgQ5c7qY-T45t-jXZc5zAv55iF6DBHg&oe=664F1746 | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827645 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 411383601773460 | 2 | 1.1651158880051E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558225988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715903022 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424633645_1046242643556160_194546570072254352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TqjMZqlEHXIQ7kNvgH_6V5Z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI35DT3lOK_DOvW6Kg-Kyovc8Qxt5ZgvGH88k0dMmxTw&oe=664F1068 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717371_802183691858318_5627427418018176088_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SulugMAGvaYQ7kNvgEIl5IL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCwZKI07v_84Q2UgQ5c7qY-T45t-jXZc5zAv55iF6DBHg&oe=664F1746 | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827646 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 422092890615359 | 2 | 9.6772441482001E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624044848388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953692 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484555_973814540961390_6896711309433044805_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4NHWh00u31cQ7kNvgFFH9oU&_nc_oc=AdjntYLc-sKCqzcOfF8CVtMbP6OSOzxKXxc1dXDv84axCZJF7kWA5dlCCUItvuHFlA0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeYuouEr71_X_jVXGAYZHABP70d25phXUFgylt3J871Q&oe=664F09D7 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476497_292316090616644_640553685271452138_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7OBRPUxNNSEQ7kNvgGUVDB5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCim8ORn4o7zHmbLVTlEq9hQFtsfqKRM7kI9ZvH_j9aJA&oe=664F2AA8 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827647 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 422092890615359 | 2 | 9.6772441482001E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624044848388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953692 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484555_973814540961390_6896711309433044805_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4NHWh00u31cQ7kNvgFFH9oU&_nc_oc=AdjntYLc-sKCqzcOfF8CVtMbP6OSOzxKXxc1dXDv84axCZJF7kWA5dlCCUItvuHFlA0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeYuouEr71_X_jVXGAYZHABP70d25phXUFgylt3J871Q&oe=664F09D7 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476497_292316090616644_640553685271452138_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7OBRPUxNNSEQ7kNvgGUVDB5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCim8ORn4o7zHmbLVTlEq9hQFtsfqKRM7kI9ZvH_j9aJA&oe=664F2AA8 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827648 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 423697737216348 | 2 | 1.1818945229883E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624077835588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957777 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441603018_1136365397631607_3994844857418769111_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEIbTcTaxQkQ7kNvgHVvH3P&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCNr82RgNkGGOKm1hkwsjHkhCeJdNXL4Rj2WU294UvFLA&oe=664F2F0D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436440398_378290841261225_4201508496879187623_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iZRYPBC_jP8Q7kNvgEB3XhD&_nc_oc=AdhduIfrM_kl8vms9TUfEVnB446Y45o_PopNPZxPX4iuH7IJS9-K0J_HTIq8hEuihMk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCva0kc-OasuT9pZS47pGYCaqRTO4QX_jY1wpOcKdqqYQ&oe=664F2AC2 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827649 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 423697737216348 | 2 | 1.1818945229883E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624077835588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957777 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441603018_1136365397631607_3994844857418769111_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEIbTcTaxQkQ7kNvgHVvH3P&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCNr82RgNkGGOKm1hkwsjHkhCeJdNXL4Rj2WU294UvFLA&oe=664F2F0D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436440398_378290841261225_4201508496879187623_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iZRYPBC_jP8Q7kNvgEB3XhD&_nc_oc=AdhduIfrM_kl8vms9TUfEVnB446Y45o_PopNPZxPX4iuH7IJS9-K0J_HTIq8hEuihMk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCva0kc-OasuT9pZS47pGYCaqRTO4QX_jY1wpOcKdqqYQ&oe=664F2AC2 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827650 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 431549252853009 | 2 | 4.2448361375106E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558431988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902965 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441572277_1301624964545506_1914838691986810959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UW2qNYk9HY8Q7kNvgH3TZvI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA9hcIS5pI8TLGUEvy27XH7zlqwvydw1Dg-JO8vB5reYQ&oe=664F1BEA | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441192456_336983939412496_2057584662930469965_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=px5Ka_WvHZAQ7kNvgF0hWf7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9CrwD6qyYVNuJA5wwXI2bopykSD_wwFSgRuOWoUvDFQ&oe=664F0761 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827651 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 431549252853009 | 2 | 4.2448361375106E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558431988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902965 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441572277_1301624964545506_1914838691986810959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UW2qNYk9HY8Q7kNvgH3TZvI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA9hcIS5pI8TLGUEvy27XH7zlqwvydw1Dg-JO8vB5reYQ&oe=664F1BEA | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441192456_336983939412496_2057584662930469965_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=px5Ka_WvHZAQ7kNvgF0hWf7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9CrwD6qyYVNuJA5wwXI2bopykSD_wwFSgRuOWoUvDFQ&oe=664F0761 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827652 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 432641606066427 | 2 | 4.7752297150082E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624084116388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958935 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316271_2192273994442788_5401131199832690837_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0St4qLx_YuAQ7kNvgHv37NH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD66sBR54wcEA0yIrElspWtjlZ0EeXYM2Af7K2o0qoo5w&oe=664F2DCC | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441271548_792618806299499_6357822286947178564_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lIQv-LVam-kQ7kNvgHlU0O9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCFbN02hyWdlDtWz5rcB4mvTm1XyDpoJUjvqlyxPyp2ZA&oe=664F142F | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827653 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 432641606066427 | 2 | 4.7752297150082E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624084116388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958935 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316271_2192273994442788_5401131199832690837_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0St4qLx_YuAQ7kNvgHv37NH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD66sBR54wcEA0yIrElspWtjlZ0EeXYM2Af7K2o0qoo5w&oe=664F2DCC | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441271548_792618806299499_6357822286947178564_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lIQv-LVam-kQ7kNvgHlU0O9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCFbN02hyWdlDtWz5rcB4mvTm1XyDpoJUjvqlyxPyp2ZA&oe=664F142F | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827654 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 436083189175775 | 2 | 8.109967142791E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624103677188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715961593 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436311168_1884572608695090_1987456472804545942_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rW5cwm8asGsQ7kNvgG66Pm9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD7nGakvy7aBNkZKSQP7I1KIFLhPOAQnu1mbQqou4CY1A&oe=664F1F92 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436367399_2402512696804547_31654641591757972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_S7brjhbzaIQ7kNvgE9QeW9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCCLSdA8UbnLeOO_-HqHqXjowIUkQ0G0Zq422v_pDCEuw&oe=664F34E9 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827655 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 436083189175775 | 2 | 8.109967142791E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624103677188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715961593 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436311168_1884572608695090_1987456472804545942_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rW5cwm8asGsQ7kNvgG66Pm9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD7nGakvy7aBNkZKSQP7I1KIFLhPOAQnu1mbQqou4CY1A&oe=664F1F92 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436367399_2402512696804547_31654641591757972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_S7brjhbzaIQ7kNvgE9QeW9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCCLSdA8UbnLeOO_-HqHqXjowIUkQ0G0Zq422v_pDCEuw&oe=664F34E9 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827656 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 437430435564600 | 2 | 4.4899529438224E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558426588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715962034 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442449116_1165123078170219_6267971149543251496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G1Y2V2BC1-UQ7kNvgElbvkH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDYXFiLaNMAM6GFT2hong6oH9GnahffWyDbWrH51uxJQA&oe=664F0832 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499182_775160491056326_6161827585051942858_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MHXxilQRqQYQ7kNvgH69mXx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7Kfe-sEKilHIi3tCTSk3uzT2nug1RJ9s9aK_vDTovHw&oe=664F35EA | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827657 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 437430435564600 | 2 | 4.4899529438224E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558426588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715962034 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442449116_1165123078170219_6267971149543251496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G1Y2V2BC1-UQ7kNvgElbvkH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDYXFiLaNMAM6GFT2hong6oH9GnahffWyDbWrH51uxJQA&oe=664F0832 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499182_775160491056326_6161827585051942858_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MHXxilQRqQYQ7kNvgH69mXx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7Kfe-sEKilHIi3tCTSk3uzT2nug1RJ9s9aK_vDTovHw&oe=664F35EA | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827658 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774052 | 810 | 453751740521055 | 1 | 7.0746089474346E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624097893788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960798 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411007_305848825795290_4104481893330484317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8ljThAZTosQ7kNvgFTQH6r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCMoQyWBErpOnDv32HHcU_Vq7MEZBzSwSj3gKQfhGXTA&oe=664F2E5F | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441548726_2540964482753618_7440715868934495862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wtTpnYrBxXMQ7kNvgEu6bJ4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALN4H3btzyUxrinH6jraElbrZ9nwmaAxSCuU9Pgwz40A&oe=664EFE68 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827659 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 453751740521055 | 1 | 7.0746089474346E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624097893788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960798 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411007_305848825795290_4104481893330484317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8ljThAZTosQ7kNvgFTQH6r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCMoQyWBErpOnDv32HHcU_Vq7MEZBzSwSj3gKQfhGXTA&oe=664F2E5F | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441548726_2540964482753618_7440715868934495862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wtTpnYrBxXMQ7kNvgEu6bJ4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALN4H3btzyUxrinH6jraElbrZ9nwmaAxSCuU9Pgwz40A&oe=664EFE68 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827660 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 454059220541024 | 2 | 4.7084968896526E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023481388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952208 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436593010_758219109807547_3800395071498342749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xtM2dczKd3cQ7kNvgEHwpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCP8JSLhdl8UUd7qorhEGH0dsiqYOEjvF5xfmMhT-jvDg&oe=664F168E | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698527_1810226599471501_4838425801408310026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZANDiBYuyowQ7kNvgFR7-jh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4MQODhjXda8ANld7AhLbeRrwZgrUtDPmwj1wSyAgXIA&oe=664F0D2A | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827661 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 454059220541024 | 2 | 4.7084968896526E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023481388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952208 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436593010_758219109807547_3800395071498342749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xtM2dczKd3cQ7kNvgEHwpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCP8JSLhdl8UUd7qorhEGH0dsiqYOEjvF5xfmMhT-jvDg&oe=664F168E | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698527_1810226599471501_4838425801408310026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZANDiBYuyowQ7kNvgFR7-jh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4MQODhjXda8ANld7AhLbeRrwZgrUtDPmwj1wSyAgXIA&oe=664F0D2A | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827662 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 454059220541024 | 2 | 4.7084968896526E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023481388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952208 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436593010_758219109807547_3800395071498342749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xtM2dczKd3cQ7kNvgEHwpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCP8JSLhdl8UUd7qorhEGH0dsiqYOEjvF5xfmMhT-jvDg&oe=664F168E | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698527_1810226599471501_4838425801408310026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZANDiBYuyowQ7kNvgFR7-jh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4MQODhjXda8ANld7AhLbeRrwZgrUtDPmwj1wSyAgXIA&oe=664F0D2A | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827663 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 454235020627283 | 2 | 4.6121194628433E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558341988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715908577 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442468947_1121040702508368_1834258709390788830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gFp9gLpLW5oQ7kNvgEh35BU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA5RG2QGHndyXcaJYFKQlZLLlUGjR-W93fx8mk5QfkM1Q&oe=664F2AAE | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442495677_1521542575458731_321247789578417416_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OCLICFlYdYMQ7kNvgHOhDaV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBsGHJ3Lw4x-0i8JJqnevUq79Hx5gbiJKJjN-jjIRBucw&oe=664F27E4 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827664 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 454235020627283 | 2 | 4.6121194628433E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558341988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715908577 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442468947_1121040702508368_1834258709390788830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gFp9gLpLW5oQ7kNvgEh35BU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA5RG2QGHndyXcaJYFKQlZLLlUGjR-W93fx8mk5QfkM1Q&oe=664F2AAE | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442495677_1521542575458731_321247789578417416_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OCLICFlYdYMQ7kNvgHOhDaV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBsGHJ3Lw4x-0i8JJqnevUq79Hx5gbiJKJjN-jjIRBucw&oe=664F27E4 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827665 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 457704376755106 | 3 | 9.6468269173184E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623455511788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893146 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442434884_3590060267882400_2238199131688484213_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yvy_N_FkW8wQ7kNvgGW38ZV&_nc_oc=AdgDa9MO-odWyjgVkK6lLoycqXyP3VkvBFltuL_pS8ib9dUwoZLZoupS8fzhNO2SzuE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAeXvhURPvVuaC1DgNJZk3pBL-iYMqTcHYSQH3lwJ1HWg&oe=664F359D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442504127_858202762993461_3612221004196145722_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7NssBSW9BasQ7kNvgFI6cIJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBxYiuGMzNLoyvZotXpNNDvukSWmMF_po1bVUNwDHYy_w&oe=664F2990 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827671 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 461712343023721 | 2 | 4.1686014786182E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624082631588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958725 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444903414_981320487046003_5701756120416072293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7sK4qqX1BcYQ7kNvgEz2khN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCSWrZfsAyPiUHktClDeqRKL_Gz_DcjZOszG9MXxas6gw&oe=664F0034 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441604647_1211257660244062_8107699026716430589_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w-ztXzMzaTkQ7kNvgHu2C4w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB5ZBHauvHvgEQn4VB7ltpNokUcvmkleDqZyjvD4HPl7g&oe=664F350D | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827666 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 457704376755106 | 3 | 9.6468269173184E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623455511788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893146 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442434884_3590060267882400_2238199131688484213_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yvy_N_FkW8wQ7kNvgGW38ZV&_nc_oc=AdgDa9MO-odWyjgVkK6lLoycqXyP3VkvBFltuL_pS8ib9dUwoZLZoupS8fzhNO2SzuE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAeXvhURPvVuaC1DgNJZk3pBL-iYMqTcHYSQH3lwJ1HWg&oe=664F359D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442504127_858202762993461_3612221004196145722_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7NssBSW9BasQ7kNvgFI6cIJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBxYiuGMzNLoyvZotXpNNDvukSWmMF_po1bVUNwDHYy_w&oe=664F2990 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827667 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 459792323251117 | 2 | 7.726873783097E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624054617988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715954828 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444480328_477823714918080_1167998187293244918_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XTN4u0jLHKwQ7kNvgHqTKNS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhGB91TuTmcd2FPEa0-SS7R2YPV0yrSoRaauSCnTikJQ&oe=664F067B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503438_1117732209490052_6756897648984134217_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vxub6BdIblMQ7kNvgG4dsCO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC_GKliM5bZ34az_eMpF0zlbigHV0YxUkvGkTCQPaQF8g&oe=664F29B8 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827668 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 459792323251117 | 2 | 7.726873783097E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624054617988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715954828 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444480328_477823714918080_1167998187293244918_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XTN4u0jLHKwQ7kNvgHqTKNS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhGB91TuTmcd2FPEa0-SS7R2YPV0yrSoRaauSCnTikJQ&oe=664F067B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503438_1117732209490052_6756897648984134217_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vxub6BdIblMQ7kNvgG4dsCO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC_GKliM5bZ34az_eMpF0zlbigHV0YxUkvGkTCQPaQF8g&oe=664F29B8 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827669 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 460616816438959 | 2 | 1.0049277243773E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558112988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902996 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441295661_7358823250880186_6818247482973812221_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=68R-96FJxkUQ7kNvgFQjBqD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB2V5ZsznMvHUBcP0qi2PekzrbGYL4OHDrwdNzNL66vxg&oe=664F3133 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441281737_985537862637575_825282447966794924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iHU0c3J6Jq8Q7kNvgFCUTNO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB00YjhWstomG6HkG4xox7JwZPQhsjnklXrOwem1dQ46Q&oe=664F293C | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827670 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 460616816438959 | 2 | 1.0049277243773E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558112988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902996 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441295661_7358823250880186_6818247482973812221_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=68R-96FJxkUQ7kNvgFQjBqD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB2V5ZsznMvHUBcP0qi2PekzrbGYL4OHDrwdNzNL66vxg&oe=664F3133 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441281737_985537862637575_825282447966794924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iHU0c3J6Jq8Q7kNvgFCUTNO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB00YjhWstomG6HkG4xox7JwZPQhsjnklXrOwem1dQ46Q&oe=664F293C | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827672 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 461712343023721 | 2 | 4.1686014786182E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624082631588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958725 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444903414_981320487046003_5701756120416072293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7sK4qqX1BcYQ7kNvgEz2khN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCSWrZfsAyPiUHktClDeqRKL_Gz_DcjZOszG9MXxas6gw&oe=664F0034 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441604647_1211257660244062_8107699026716430589_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w-ztXzMzaTkQ7kNvgHu2C4w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB5ZBHauvHvgEQn4VB7ltpNokUcvmkleDqZyjvD4HPl7g&oe=664F350D | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827673 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/13/25, 5:24 AM | 1716079221 | 1747131889 | 810 | 468260342435609 | 3 | 4.6920046568745E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623454845388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893046 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441866754_2152011871847484_790286519778801642_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NJ2dlJ0WQyoQ7kNvgHw7Lsi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCzKhh8LRAOhR9hp21mUr7PanEq_FFvaadUrti1Ui5rpg&oe=664F1720 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427873477_1625294624915519_4342233359159086871_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UmigcE7-_80Q7kNvgH0DaaU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUG_Z8RwXK0w13qhOC3KtRBUMVw0GD4UGqtjUjihxX3g&oe=664F24BE | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827674 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 468260342435609 | 3 | 4.6920046568745E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623454845388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893046 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441866754_2152011871847484_790286519778801642_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NJ2dlJ0WQyoQ7kNvgHw7Lsi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCzKhh8LRAOhR9hp21mUr7PanEq_FFvaadUrti1Ui5rpg&oe=664F1720 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427873477_1625294624915519_4342233359159086871_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UmigcE7-_80Q7kNvgH0DaaU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUG_Z8RwXK0w13qhOC3KtRBUMVw0GD4UGqtjUjihxX3g&oe=664F24BE | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827675 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 758807033048348 | 2 | 1.2474204295614E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624044455988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953648 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436280579_421075524211645_4142749338060843554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-MxspxcKCwwQ7kNvgEDdHkE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBPQvMvFrzG7SKNZpNc7TNvJk5QFMPTnlEQ3YX4YhTFdw&oe=664F2068 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436237177_981581213319907_6215072307243205212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WcPmuSrmOw4Q7kNvgFGLiO5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCebh33WmoCCMsys_U5D8BQD2q886pnvUVIHBeftjz4_Q&oe=664F327B | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827676 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 758807033048348 | 2 | 1.2474204295614E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624044455988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953648 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436280579_421075524211645_4142749338060843554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-MxspxcKCwwQ7kNvgEDdHkE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBPQvMvFrzG7SKNZpNc7TNvJk5QFMPTnlEQ3YX4YhTFdw&oe=664F2068 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436237177_981581213319907_6215072307243205212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WcPmuSrmOw4Q7kNvgFGLiO5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCebh33WmoCCMsys_U5D8BQD2q886pnvUVIHBeftjz4_Q&oe=664F327B | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827677 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 761605362802224 | 2 | 4.3689877240699E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624097893788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960798 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411007_305848825795290_4104481893330484317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8ljThAZTosQ7kNvgFTQH6r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCMoQyWBErpOnDv32HHcU_Vq7MEZBzSwSj3gKQfhGXTA&oe=664F2E5F | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441548726_2540964482753618_7440715868934495862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wtTpnYrBxXMQ7kNvgEu6bJ4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALN4H3btzyUxrinH6jraElbrZ9nwmaAxSCuU9Pgwz40A&oe=664EFE68 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827678 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774053 | 810 | 761605362802224 | 2 | 4.3689877240699E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624097893788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715960798 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411007_305848825795290_4104481893330484317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8ljThAZTosQ7kNvgFTQH6r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCMoQyWBErpOnDv32HHcU_Vq7MEZBzSwSj3gKQfhGXTA&oe=664F2E5F | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441548726_2540964482753618_7440715868934495862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wtTpnYrBxXMQ7kNvgEu6bJ4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALN4H3btzyUxrinH6jraElbrZ9nwmaAxSCuU9Pgwz40A&oe=664EFE68 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827679 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 769278351988912 | 2 | 1.4151578560318E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624036805988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953076 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486799_1651995805548191_7998596199585785233_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GaloyIaEv4gQ7kNvgF8LKzd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBClol9kuRajgSvs85z_KE5eRrP8c1lDVXNGrKFnmgcWw&oe=664F2F13 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441265020_813738294150745_4744659943329053692_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rjZq0QFqLqkQ7kNvgEQxXem&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnx7MCShSvcsX5LEeOyK8M7IPbGsrU54ubwW2FY21qWA&oe=664F2E4B | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827680 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 769278351988912 | 2 | 1.4151578560318E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624036805988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953076 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486799_1651995805548191_7998596199585785233_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GaloyIaEv4gQ7kNvgF8LKzd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBClol9kuRajgSvs85z_KE5eRrP8c1lDVXNGrKFnmgcWw&oe=664F2F13 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441265020_813738294150745_4744659943329053692_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rjZq0QFqLqkQ7kNvgEQxXem&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnx7MCShSvcsX5LEeOyK8M7IPbGsrU54ubwW2FY21qWA&oe=664F2E4B | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827681 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 790516459702858 | 2 | 1.4587478947226E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624075583588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957568 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443733441_748250260845677_4750202446709104880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JDR8FL_ZLvgQ7kNvgHJTIvD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUCSrzF_1Pm4QC1_N9R9GyrRNdNoxXepFVGUOolnKb5g&oe=664F00FF | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441149856_306215915755362_8119351263601755095_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gP9BBAxu06sQ7kNvgGS6onf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD9tP-qlAR6nN2o823CgED6zuDMEl5uH0QF6VkShitqEA&oe=664EFF50 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827682 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 790516459702858 | 2 | 1.4587478947226E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624075583588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715957568 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443733441_748250260845677_4750202446709104880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JDR8FL_ZLvgQ7kNvgHJTIvD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUCSrzF_1Pm4QC1_N9R9GyrRNdNoxXepFVGUOolnKb5g&oe=664F00FF | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441149856_306215915755362_8119351263601755095_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gP9BBAxu06sQ7kNvgGS6onf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD9tP-qlAR6nN2o823CgED6zuDMEl5uH0QF6VkShitqEA&oe=664EFF50 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827683 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 800764258652988 | 2 | 2.7040082664231E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624105838788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715961976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442467694_1630694544450682_863440670544199882_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yDrYjOnY42EQ7kNvgGp4UNN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBX9UNlC2AyqK58e_laQwF6XrcxFM6Nh2dxF8uR_vR8Kg&oe=664F2201 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490410_2174442986247952_3140890782191550019_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vkjaAAeqHmwQ7kNvgHUlUzW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn9h8QXUmRYVvigqumXKrPZQsADGK3H8pEifecS3kHkA&oe=664F12A5 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827684 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 800764258652988 | 2 | 2.7040082664231E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624105838788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715961976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442467694_1630694544450682_863440670544199882_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yDrYjOnY42EQ7kNvgGp4UNN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBX9UNlC2AyqK58e_laQwF6XrcxFM6Nh2dxF8uR_vR8Kg&oe=664F2201 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490410_2174442986247952_3140890782191550019_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vkjaAAeqHmwQ7kNvgHUlUzW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn9h8QXUmRYVvigqumXKrPZQsADGK3H8pEifecS3kHkA&oe=664F12A5 | 0 | 3 | I wouldnโt be caught dead driving for dollars. Wholesaling in general is just something Iโd never do. Playing the middleman and trying to take advantage of both sides of a deal just doesnโt sit right with me, you know? Itโs impossible to create a win-win if the only way you make money is to have somebody desperate take a low-ball offer and then convince an investor that the ARV is high enough to create some profit. Somebody always gets shafted in a wholesale deal โ which is why Iโve been trying to point people towards land development for the last 20 years. All the things that people like about wholesalingโฆ - Being able to get started without a ton of capital - Opportunity / abundance of deals - Low time commitment โฆAll apply to doing land deals too. The HUGE difference is that weโre in a value add business so weโre creating win-win-wins and massive pay days on each deal. So youโre not just collecting big checks, youโre making a big impact. Youโre also helping solve a huge crisis in our country right now with the lack of housing. Purpose. Fulfillment. Impact. If you want in, click the link below. I go more into depth on this business model and how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827685 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 807677040974308 | 2 | 1.1698507575198E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624039798788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953353 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717940_800524995381683_7838881097972344515_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vlxZaoQeqL8Q7kNvgGQ12NA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAP3o46Umn2Y6j1bRNK53wR1RQULCCHC6pPR2nurhBUOA&oe=664F00CF | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712992_411010555227793_1447622880986668503_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kGZuaYmjkRQQ7kNvgEpImEz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYByPdyqoUg0TBQTUW90FRSMwZan81xAt8uzGeWIKvmrsw&oe=664F0D50 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827686 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 807677040974308 | 2 | 1.1698507575198E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624039798788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715953353 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717940_800524995381683_7838881097972344515_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vlxZaoQeqL8Q7kNvgGQ12NA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAP3o46Umn2Y6j1bRNK53wR1RQULCCHC6pPR2nurhBUOA&oe=664F00CF | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712992_411010555227793_1447622880986668503_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kGZuaYmjkRQQ7kNvgEpImEz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYByPdyqoUg0TBQTUW90FRSMwZan81xAt8uzGeWIKvmrsw&oe=664F0D50 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827687 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 812533274132085 | 2 | 4.5282321715599E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558342988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902856 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441936123_1542010146361426_6469221546503905052_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AuJMU2N5_3gQ7kNvgFVHMO4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuJ3QZIG-pRzKEcKmBeTt4ZUlinoAlfU9vbUo90fYP8A&oe=664F0E36 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442495278_1191278568909013_2022360194964157053_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qIOoJhLP61EQ7kNvgGDJcMr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA0uqKQ8JkR7yQtcwPuhW2vmeZ4EMzUQrUjwjMaG_e-_w&oe=664F2697 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827690 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 822313295892271 | 2 | 3.6120008357291E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624058492788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955678 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213701_966391351443414_7170841304968286159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e2wFvKz520AQ7kNvgHwC_t7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYARt3tzQpAAx92Oh5rIrA_pVxc6JR9V8R0iD2sBXmuwUw&oe=664F2917 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438224897_463293972814418_933455041874431609_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TDU2PBteZkAQ7kNvgFuS5kA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCRc2rc1Ksl6TRYOUVh-Ofd9gngdqCxVQhtSjyfuv0pRg&oe=664F3042 | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827691 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 957511986373867 | 2 | 4.6113416298305E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624079268588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958125 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441290598_969975531487560_2694746011059906762_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k7foyD8CYc0Q7kNvgEWb3jD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_hdshQGdWFC0cXM7R_0dHBwsgQdTXWgFIRD5P30PDyA&oe=664F33CD | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583696_425364077101326_8382835979545348933_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LH8XzDVz9gYQ7kNvgEKS6PN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEZd-w5hQXF9lIUJUZaZFXXIuueej3i1g8sG3s0NlDwA&oe=664F31B9 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827692 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 957511986373867 | 2 | 4.6113416298305E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624079268588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715958125 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441290598_969975531487560_2694746011059906762_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k7foyD8CYc0Q7kNvgEWb3jD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_hdshQGdWFC0cXM7R_0dHBwsgQdTXWgFIRD5P30PDyA&oe=664F33CD | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583696_425364077101326_8382835979545348933_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LH8XzDVz9gYQ7kNvgEKS6PN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEZd-w5hQXF9lIUJUZaZFXXIuueej3i1g8sG3s0NlDwA&oe=664F31B9 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827693 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 958654719133607 | 2 | 8.7963173389261E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023559988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952081 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441572218_780407167404690_5901451361470001691_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lcBBkQW2AzYQ7kNvgEA97L2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAKn0JTQk1QLiUCWUQOuazlbY3WjW1K8J76-5FwjdJL7Q&oe=664F013B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441658503_1431988940762737_7080030606861094534_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tlwrPMj2aokQ7kNvgFsoaXE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDy0Iz8R0Ou1b_ecHR7he4xdNgxbrUkQGtDEv-6FIOkwQ&oe=664F0749 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827694 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 958654719133607 | 2 | 8.7963173389261E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023559988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952081 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441572218_780407167404690_5901451361470001691_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lcBBkQW2AzYQ7kNvgEA97L2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAKn0JTQk1QLiUCWUQOuazlbY3WjW1K8J76-5FwjdJL7Q&oe=664F013B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441658503_1431988940762737_7080030606861094534_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tlwrPMj2aokQ7kNvgFsoaXE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDy0Iz8R0Ou1b_ecHR7he4xdNgxbrUkQGtDEv-6FIOkwQ&oe=664F0749 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827695 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 966034268167531 | 2 | 1.6151874258991E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023568388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952210 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440959838_372489888576052_6021435780942189336_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MHj5HJA60kQ7kNvgE5JviB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDLlBJvceqeRTLOf6Z-IQAFUnqOMMCqxzhPACVWkVa7kQ&oe=664F2F6C | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302319_1099706051517440_5230807939748128981_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KhC6IFjUVkkQ7kNvgEmD4Be&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEigx1j4PDM55FHzkIeMD7K4aVxBYQIBaGX4e46d4bVQ&oe=664EFFAE | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827696 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 966034268167531 | 2 | 1.6151874258991E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023568388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952210 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440959838_372489888576052_6021435780942189336_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MHj5HJA60kQ7kNvgE5JviB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDLlBJvceqeRTLOf6Z-IQAFUnqOMMCqxzhPACVWkVa7kQ&oe=664F2F6C | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302319_1099706051517440_5230807939748128981_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KhC6IFjUVkkQ7kNvgEmD4Be&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEigx1j4PDM55FHzkIeMD7K4aVxBYQIBaGX4e46d4bVQ&oe=664EFFAE | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827697 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 988039906218880 | 3 | 4.52446163942E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623456309388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893200 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441267911_1137812694035502_6186193037007686314_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bAYgZxbRoGcQ7kNvgEq41tY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBokNnuXRFbIIK8Erclse2NcvQynXjEO1tXC1eZ5MffoA&oe=664F2F73 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252252_952224173313409_8069799054326690921_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vRqyJSWGt1gQ7kNvgHjokQZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBg_1BkSP-LhBnARzVbIL656jAvJswepcz5CxfB95lcsQ&oe=664F36A9 | 0 | 3 | Thereโs a shortage of over 3 million single family homes in the United States, and Iโm going to show you how YOU can help solve this crisis without ever getting loans from banks or building homesโฆ In fact, youโll never actually have to own a property. You see, everyone thinks property real estate is where itโs at. But really, you have to dig a little deeperโฆ Literally. Iโm talking about the land beneath your feet on which these properties are built. There is a blue ocean of opportunity when it comes to raw land development, and for the next few minutes, Iโm going to give you the keys to that kingdom. And before you count yourself out because you think you lack the experience, the funds, the expertiseโฆ None of that matters. Iโm simply going to show you how you can act as a land prospector and bring deals to developers who are EAGER to pay you for your efforts. You never have to purchase the land, hire engineers to deem it fit, or put a shovel in the ground to cash out on this in a big way. All the hard work falls on the person you bring the deal to โ you just need to know exactly how and where to find land worth passing off to builders. And if it sounds overly simple or too good to be true โ I get that. But believe me, it took a lot of work to get to this place and nail down this system to a tee. So if you want in and want to learn more, click the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827699 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 994173868780251 | 2 | 8.4648547083317E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023482188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952205 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445046721_460213736396300_8415661858084794321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fdmikwN0Y4sQ7kNvgG-6Rje&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmoG1IDtg8UdqT-yl-ospzNl90s1vlY59U1VKs82-xLA&oe=664F2F7D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441183374_438469708928528_2583528840218115764_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNgazqOI3c8Q7kNvgH6zt2J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw_jwt5hsmq40n0EP9DxtM_IQ3EDG2Ezy13aM0LdOOyQ&oe=664F04BA | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827700 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 994173868780251 | 2 | 8.4648547083317E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023482188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952205 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445046721_460213736396300_8415661858084794321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fdmikwN0Y4sQ7kNvgG-6Rje&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmoG1IDtg8UdqT-yl-ospzNl90s1vlY59U1VKs82-xLA&oe=664F2F7D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441183374_438469708928528_2583528840218115764_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNgazqOI3c8Q7kNvgH6zt2J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw_jwt5hsmq40n0EP9DxtM_IQ3EDG2Ezy13aM0LdOOyQ&oe=664F04BA | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827701 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 994173868780251 | 2 | 8.4648547083317E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624023482188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952205 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445046721_460213736396300_8415661858084794321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fdmikwN0Y4sQ7kNvgG-6Rje&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmoG1IDtg8UdqT-yl-ospzNl90s1vlY59U1VKs82-xLA&oe=664F2F7D | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441183374_438469708928528_2583528840218115764_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNgazqOI3c8Q7kNvgH6zt2J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw_jwt5hsmq40n0EP9DxtM_IQ3EDG2Ezy13aM0LdOOyQ&oe=664F04BA | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827702 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079221 | 1723774054 | 810 | 1001156641353162 | 3 | 3.5633697413272E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623421238188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889919 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436253536_819069886276599_7823552995346402683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0DV3SaeheLEQ7kNvgErfIvO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC6kGkWf8grjbTSLgwmXkYxYVb0cmqCc4P9wZNj_JCV-A&oe=664F203B | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698817_969979204393433_8889823186353145504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kemWT3Y5toQQ7kNvgGaVqyQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAsFeTX2dktUYLJVLrhoosC6X2k3k2lBaQfQIbCF-9W-Q&oe=664F10FE | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827705 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774054 | 810 | 1007965744022534 | 2 | 3.808445882657E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624060753188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715955976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230870_7555710297875942_4920442651449883998_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9YkRndNxnCkQ7kNvgFzZWue&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCC7pynFge0t82g57yDuVQ0jJq-DOvkx390hDns0L195Q&oe=664F06F2 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438224178_954374376384452_3511020084011007516_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SqqgamaPDboQ7kNvgErP0FX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHTxZfobMnZpfoJqyXKtQn8UX66YBUzo7w6vaT7aE_hw&oe=664F3086 | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827706 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1096958028076303 | 3 | 1.6506516623463E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623448574388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715892751 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442510522_7586701624770175_4496076115121285528_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dBDmToINiJAQ7kNvgGFqvnO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0uJTQ1c0OCPNJfrSrFypowf0T1-RhiR5jSc0-NTNu0g&oe=664F2EED | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481421_333412366187350_7454368501255190508_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IUUBeseIXd4Q7kNvgGjPI1M&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADWOaDt7HbNGThZe4NClIwuJ4J1Zrxl7Pj900a9s-4fg&oe=664F182D | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827707 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1096958028076303 | 3 | 1.6506516623463E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623448574388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715892751 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442510522_7586701624770175_4496076115121285528_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dBDmToINiJAQ7kNvgGFqvnO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0uJTQ1c0OCPNJfrSrFypowf0T1-RhiR5jSc0-NTNu0g&oe=664F2EED | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481421_333412366187350_7454368501255190508_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IUUBeseIXd4Q7kNvgGjPI1M&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADWOaDt7HbNGThZe4NClIwuJ4J1Zrxl7Pj900a9s-4fg&oe=664F182D | 0 | 3 | โHe who controls the dirt, controls the deal.โ - Real Estate-evations 11:1. Thatโs right โ weโre not talking about properties right now. We are talking about RAW LAND. And if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827708 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1107245593903865 | 2 | 9.4907083352889E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624027011788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952579 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441153072_927140859188940_7350139806768207496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mpKVwJkdo8gQ7kNvgGSs9QL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0hSjPkckgrVFSVAg2qNVmuaOexU_DlApre3X0gzCMUA&oe=664F2DA0 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963600_969390284727640_3597920011200291313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IGwNitzfySwQ7kNvgGmO-l0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBALA6Zj_ODEZ9d1SSvxtNphIcXoQTp9lUngk_uAraiAg&oe=664F1D86 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827709 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1107245593903865 | 2 | 9.4907083352889E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624027011788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952579 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441153072_927140859188940_7350139806768207496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mpKVwJkdo8gQ7kNvgGSs9QL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0hSjPkckgrVFSVAg2qNVmuaOexU_DlApre3X0gzCMUA&oe=664F2DA0 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963600_969390284727640_3597920011200291313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IGwNitzfySwQ7kNvgGmO-l0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBALA6Zj_ODEZ9d1SSvxtNphIcXoQTp9lUngk_uAraiAg&oe=664F1D86 | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827710 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1180601586446857 | 2 | 7.9164283317351E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623457316188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715893280 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138015_733720052042358_7024258936436724663_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E_271sn9jYgQ7kNvgHr2jsE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBrbv3z3lMNk_S5-rSC9rr3NuHsafGUV8DKpxVnEO_DEw&oe=664F1950 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438231050_1422508821961436_223492755180905215_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wydE69eQa7IQ7kNvgG-A9-f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYASHpaqwgd2wFlPHOqVHRnTpdsRBpnKieZsB1Hob8d8YA&oe=664EFF60 | 0 | 3 | Want to learn how to do massive Land Deals without ever having to stick a shovel in the ground? People hear the words โland developmentโ and think โconstruction hat, bulldozer, and big investment.โ But thatโs not true. At least not the way I do it. So if you want to learn how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ Click the link below to access my free training. I cover all of it. This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. Quite frankly, there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Learn more at the link below. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827712 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1237300434307709 | 2 | 1.021986292898E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624065161788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956556 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499456_298529969994715_9213583127917182838_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gOudNnOrEisQ7kNvgHj0HhO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAhX7IhU9mz_CYQsv0wv9kEXYP4nvScBVgLpjcxoWy8lQ&oe=664F15B0 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441320983_750154167324207_4195531042642334508_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yU6wCsVGPN0Q7kNvgEgSCUp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDIXp0larmYUoZ0l2uKfNY03M0_QAcratiLZF8JzFi3xQ&oe=664F24E2 | 0 | 3 | Would you rather be the guy who has to mine ALL the coal to find goldโฆ Or would you rather just lead people to the cave, sit back while they do all the hard work, and collect your cut just for pointing them in the right direction? Well thatโs raw land prospecting for you. You donโt have to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourself. I put together a free training on the next page where I get more into it, click the link below and start learning about the blue ocean that is raw land developmentโฆ โฆand then thank me later. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827714 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1370277140345299 | 2 | 4.6600306914234E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558168188 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902976 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252788_779753320948882_5220724654442805440_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fs0kJmQ2OdIQ7kNvgEeTlaY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCsmFiUxrJ6d_AULht2i80G3bOppG1F55nqNhUv8ZV4pA&oe=664F2B01 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441581220_354617767633997_7988864213855132099_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ORwXCI5E7nsQ7kNvgG6MAvu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgJrrqZvAOxwTKZMkorZ9zhuLshGSCO6shVQlCqBtNSA&oe=664F2B1E | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827716 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1431326854409767 | 3 | 1.095593261545E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623420086388 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889789 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441156090_790102216415470_1686002475891530530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cq9rD2qXcp4Q7kNvgHuJa-2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2fSnqyERyB_baIRdmzJwt_mLraHw8Q0_8il8nHjMlNA&oe=664F3224 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441194991_790746383020671_8682469709776610306_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nklnl7Hww2IQ7kNvgF1akWU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCvJhXcvfPxqWtjcmKVReR4c5MLWE-7YxuXuOKP2B_SHw&oe=664F11FA | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling is cool if you donโt mind scamming grandmas and vulnerable people to make a couple thousand bucks. And maybe this is a stupid question, butโฆ Would you rather do hundreds of small deals to make a livable wage through wholesaling, or would you rather make well over a typical annual salary from just one single deal? And the best partโฆ You donโt have to work in the ethical gray area that is wholesaling? If the answer is โyesโ then click the link below. I put together a free training on how you can tap into developer level money without ever having to pull out a loan, use your own savings, do the complicated paperwork, put a shovel in the ground, or even OWN that land yourselfโฆ This method isnโt just more lucrative than wholesaling, rehabbing, fix & flipping or any of the real estate investing opportunities out thereโฆ Itโs less competitive, less risky, and less exhausting. Even if the masses DID start to do this and this became as mainstream as the real estate methods out thereโฆ itโs still a blue ocean of endless opportunity. And if youโre thinking โ ok then why are SO LITTLE people doing it? Itโs because they lack the education to know how to do it RIGHT. And there are very few people even qualified to teach you โ especially the way I do it here. Click that link if you wanna quit wholesaling for good. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827718 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1510661773140700 | 2 | 1.4749509100709E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624027286788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952754 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444467227_428068826604905_2209806954021337358_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vEzAaZj0iJ4Q7kNvgHfIWTt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCMM-Odi_aByb_kVTJmvvZ1DIuJZSp29q53Xw9ZNXkUnA&oe=664F1441 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441514841_7656999814343581_302518486360536428_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IPsGAYeof8Q7kNvgHy_xAU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC72AclNlXJEv83G2cGGMsczGMmj_yMKDKT0ifXG6yEbg&oe=664F00AF | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827719 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1510661773140700 | 2 | 1.4749509100709E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624027286788 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715952754 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444467227_428068826604905_2209806954021337358_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vEzAaZj0iJ4Q7kNvgHfIWTt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCMM-Odi_aByb_kVTJmvvZ1DIuJZSp29q53Xw9ZNXkUnA&oe=664F1441 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441514841_7656999814343581_302518486360536428_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5IPsGAYeof8Q7kNvgHy_xAU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC72AclNlXJEv83G2cGGMsczGMmj_yMKDKT0ifXG6yEbg&oe=664F00AF | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre a wholesaler and youโre out driving for dollars, you see a distressed property, it seems vacant so you go knock on the neighbors door to see if they know the ownersโฆ Turns out they actually own the property free and clear and have been wanting to get rid of it for a couple years. They say if they could walk away with $25k theyโd sell it tomorrow, you feel like the ARV on this has to be at least $150k and you could easily find a buyer at $75k. $50k profit on a single wholesale deal, this is yours and every other wholesaler's dream dealโฆ And yet itโs still not even 5% of what I make on a single land development deal. Click the link below if you want to learn why Land Development is the best kept secret in Real Estate. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827720 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1651983398873110 | 2 | 9.3401431540427E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558226588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902997 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438241222_308870492261840_2977737615338787758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xcnvAgqeaGoQ7kNvgFtvd9f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuxZ5FQp6cPZfFrxbxrGb-LwLMLQkuVHJWahjznGQyoA&oe=664F34E6 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499748_963817285441020_6325111445405688479_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q7vXd_w8H8oQ7kNvgEttkod&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDx4UKfhNe9dxOb1n09yoSIp5naUhjsWbnJ2sVRdL5CNg&oe=664F12FF | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827721 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1651983398873110 | 2 | 9.3401431540427E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623558226588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715902997 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438241222_308870492261840_2977737615338787758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xcnvAgqeaGoQ7kNvgFtvd9f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuxZ5FQp6cPZfFrxbxrGb-LwLMLQkuVHJWahjznGQyoA&oe=664F34E6 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499748_963817285441020_6325111445405688479_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q7vXd_w8H8oQ7kNvgEttkod&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDx4UKfhNe9dxOb1n09yoSIp5naUhjsWbnJ2sVRdL5CNg&oe=664F12FF | 0 | 3 | Picture this: youโre scrolling on Zillow. You find a property for 200k, find a seller willing to buy it for 250 and you walk away with a clean 50k check, feeling pretty good about yourselfโฆ And yet thatโs STILL 20X less than what you could walk away with from a single raw land deal. Letโs be realโฆan average wholesale deal is between 5% to 10% in most cases. If you get something under contract for $100,000 and flip the contract for 10% more, you'll be generating $10,000 per dealโฆ versus land deals where youโre walking away with 6, 7-figures at a time. Itโs pennies vs. stacks. Itโs almost embarrassing at that point to keep trying to make wholesaling a source of substantial income. Especially if the goal is to achieve financial AND time freedom??? Yeah ok let me know how thatโs been going for you. Because to me, sounds like a whole lot of work for not a whole lot of reward. And donโt EVEN get me started on the moral implications of the practiceโฆ Now if youโre cool scamming vulnerable people for a small check over and over again, then maybe learning about raw land development is a waste of your time. But if youโre tired of the hustle and the pit in your stomach every time you flip a contract and screw someoneโs grandma out of a couple thousand dollarsโฆ Click the link below and letโs get you out of there. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827722 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1865940173848561 | 2 | 2.5100469810073E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624062239588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956278 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428345747_2158026814529695_6814519094454375959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvF32tg1MhMQ7kNvgG1_1sj&_nc_oc=AdjSLAaZtk83Ube-pYmdF90Tj53miEKEwyxlyQY3EsOkkWBXsYmqZuQtwm56XAAV2Bc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAInjXODnAHTTTlJ_TKxUoReDHfZcI6jH1tkkRU9u1zOQ&oe=664F1A75 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310256_431459676182780_5233656156102853547_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c577URrssDgQ7kNvgEd9CmE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZuVmjzpgwfk6HnNxiYhAV2Z2ph8bJf_OWhi9eJBQp7A&oe=664F15DD | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827723 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1865940173848561 | 2 | 2.5100469810073E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624062239588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956278 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428345747_2158026814529695_6814519094454375959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvF32tg1MhMQ7kNvgG1_1sj&_nc_oc=AdjSLAaZtk83Ube-pYmdF90Tj53miEKEwyxlyQY3EsOkkWBXsYmqZuQtwm56XAAV2Bc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAInjXODnAHTTTlJ_TKxUoReDHfZcI6jH1tkkRU9u1zOQ&oe=664F1A75 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310256_431459676182780_5233656156102853547_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c577URrssDgQ7kNvgEd9CmE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZuVmjzpgwfk6HnNxiYhAV2Z2ph8bJf_OWhi9eJBQp7A&oe=664F15DD | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827724 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1981489492252974 | 3 | 4.634111328124E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623418454988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889697 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442441856_800921965475966_319776914297109114_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wczQVc6nDOIQ7kNvgFlrLWI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGctUlw8Ks6yplBVunteaWEzGm0VzXXx_ECn4j5Dr85w&oe=664F0469 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441510870_1782035825616907_7366257857881359867_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NuHgRaUGgC0Q7kNvgGgmFkC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBflA5cO-PMAgmR8-I25e1VuIdPgMy0H2SS5JB4LfFtuQ&oe=664F1C83 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827725 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 1981489492252974 | 3 | 4.634111328124E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6623418454988 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715889697 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442441856_800921965475966_319776914297109114_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wczQVc6nDOIQ7kNvgFlrLWI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGctUlw8Ks6yplBVunteaWEzGm0VzXXx_ECn4j5Dr85w&oe=664F0469 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441510870_1782035825616907_7366257857881359867_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NuHgRaUGgC0Q7kNvgGgmFkC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBflA5cO-PMAgmR8-I25e1VuIdPgMy0H2SS5JB4LfFtuQ&oe=664F1C83 | 0 | 3 | Wholesaling will not set you financially free, and if youโve been doing this for a while now or youโre a few deals inโฆ I think you know that. Look, I donโt care how anyone slices itโฆ Itโs a business model where you are ripping someone off one way or another: Whether thatโs people going through foreclosures, vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, or people who just don't know the true value of their property because theyโre uneducatedโฆ It just doesnโt sit right. And maybe itโs just me, but itโs not the type of work Iโd wanna stamp my legacy onto. Not to mention, itโs simply not enough to fix and flip, rehab, or wholesale anymoreโฆ Unless of course youโre fine pouring ALL of your time, money, and energy into cranking out deal after deal just to make low returns that barely move the needle. But if youโre not fine with that, if you would rather make 3X the amount of money in half the time AND you donโt have to scam any grandmas or down-bad families in the processโฆ Click the link below. I put together a free training to show people exactly how Iโve been tapping into raw land deals for the last 20 years, collecting 6 to 7-figure paychecks per deal at a time. And you never have to own the land, put a shovel in the ground, more or less get a permit. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827726 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 2892904810847419 | 1 | 1.3855086888228E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624062239588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956278 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428345747_2158026814529695_6814519094454375959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvF32tg1MhMQ7kNvgG1_1sj&_nc_oc=AdjSLAaZtk83Ube-pYmdF90Tj53miEKEwyxlyQY3EsOkkWBXsYmqZuQtwm56XAAV2Bc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAInjXODnAHTTTlJ_TKxUoReDHfZcI6jH1tkkRU9u1zOQ&oe=664F1A75 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310256_431459676182780_5233656156102853547_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c577URrssDgQ7kNvgEd9CmE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZuVmjzpgwfk6HnNxiYhAV2Z2ph8bJf_OWhi9eJBQp7A&oe=664F15DD | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827727 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 2892904810847419 | 1 | 1.3855086888228E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1918477891613374 | 0 | Cody Bjugan | 6624062239588 | land.vestright.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | How To Make Big Paydays With Land Deals In 2024 | {{product.description}} | https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | 1715956278 | 1.9184778916134E+15 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428345747_2158026814529695_6814519094454375959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvF32tg1MhMQ7kNvgG1_1sj&_nc_oc=AdjSLAaZtk83Ube-pYmdF90Tj53miEKEwyxlyQY3EsOkkWBXsYmqZuQtwm56XAAV2Bc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAInjXODnAHTTTlJ_TKxUoReDHfZcI6jH1tkkRU9u1zOQ&oe=664F1A75 | person_profile | 0 | Cody Bjugan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310256_431459676182780_5233656156102853547_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c577URrssDgQ7kNvgEd9CmE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZuVmjzpgwfk6HnNxiYhAV2Z2ph8bJf_OWhi9eJBQp7A&oe=664F15DD | 0 | 3 | Iโve been in real estate investing for over 20 years now, and I don't know a single person whoโs been able to turn wholesaling into something sustainable. They all move on to something different โ whether itโs multi-family, fix and flip, or whatever elseโฆ But even thatโs silly compared to what weโre doing. Weโre literally controlling the dirt, which means all deals start with us AND we have control. We rarely even have to take ownership of anything which is the best part. We're adding value to the property through what they call the entitlement process, and never have to stick a shovel in the ground before we pass it on to a homebuilder for a huge pay day. And thatโs what weโre teaching at VestRight right now. How to prospect for these properties, how to navigate the entitlement process, and how to exit the deal. Itโs nuts but I'd say a majority of our students right now arenโt even taking properties through the entitlement process because thereโs potential 6-figure paydays by simply referring a seller to land development companies like mine. Itโs a blue ocean man because most people think land development is this big scary thing that requires a ton of experience, capital, and relationships. And if you want to learn more about how weโre doing this and get in on the gold mine that is raw landโฆ Click the link below to watch a free training. I get more into depth about all of this and about how you can get started. https://land.vestright.com/vsl-prospecting | Cody Bjugan | 9587 | https://facebook.com/Codybjugan | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827728 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774055 | 810 | 287735677677366 | 1 | 1.5643918077277E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104298162281462 | 0 | Subway Hero Run | 120206925376020780 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | Download for Free | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rd1RaceTeam.Parkour | 1710388021 | 1.0429816228146E+14 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432548206_936447364774852_6936297406555599231_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vDzMH638ApUQ7kNvgExFum8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDkXDm6A6-ZWDvbKqh_uFVgEySTbPp1CYoVss61GYHu4Q&oe=664F2E50 | person_profile | 0 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432647230_424130703480323_5900148093727173414_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UIzlqPdkrKMQ7kNvgE886Sl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCk4F4vBw2c3M0NPdPowNzEbhpkilPRJmfoFfJBd7DVbg&oe=664F0D40 | 0 | 3 | This exciting racing game ๐๏ธ๐ฎ will never let you down! ๐ฏ | Subway Hero Run | 3474 | https://facebook.com/SubwayHeroRun | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1710399600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827729 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774056 | 810 | 379242031568452 | 1 | 4.167445975671E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104298162281462 | 0 | Subway Hero Run | 120206925418870780 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | Download for Free | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rd1RaceTeam.Parkour | 1710388050 | 1.0429816228146E+14 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430123646_1382421839075897_2517627588814767604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tVLunVEn3kwQ7kNvgEevqc-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAF5zQd8cPM3O5-4t0F-bleeOfsYvUVmzfKuwFwWggWxg&oe=664EFFA6 | person_profile | 0 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430114736_2406056962926785_686685547844803932_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IDoEn4ZLbiAQ7kNvgFCb9vz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDQNq1SIESo5lsFtRvU0hq1XK764B6T75NR4SyEswTJSA&oe=664F15B1 | 0 | 3 | This exciting racing game ๐๏ธ๐ฎ will never let you down! ๐ฏ | Subway Hero Run | 3474 | https://facebook.com/SubwayHeroRun | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1710399600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827730 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774056 | 810 | 937265294392727 | 1 | 3.3820250202318E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104298162281462 | 0 | Subway Hero Run | 120206924989850780 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | Download for Free | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rd1RaceTeam.Parkour | 1710387390 | 1.0429816228146E+14 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433114498_749719163890775_6135618152730434641_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yAS2yPznP-AQ7kNvgEzfdXs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBOrFb990Wa2CbjISihTM1sg1kQtdR1OCkxGe29iwyQmw&oe=664F1588 | person_profile | 0 | Subway Hero Run | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431889459_1406645236725025_7188828354219336480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s9q9MtNekf8Q7kNvgEXKj6R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDR8lQKSAaQDt73hs9Edi0qpywoTPeqsnXkEnmbf8ASqw&oe=664F24D1 | 0 | 3 | This exciting racing game ๐๏ธ๐ฎ will never let you down! ๐ฏ | Subway Hero Run | 3474 | https://facebook.com/SubwayHeroRun | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1710399600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827754 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774056 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827755 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827757 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827758 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 208628629010429 | 2 | 1.5139877394666E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247941590435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=uEKtfxgGj6q8g8mh7e&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841911 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469796_1806207376553021_2276946066458019504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qXv0buVhoz4Q7kNvgGBe7-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBn0RHsSkQHmRHHAOJWfZb9xj6GEuEF4VTAa0yAt1iuCA&oe=664F1375 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489485_1121329692422980_1524917667958584504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIOI8e6xORkQ7kNvgGPFCOR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGLKzAxL6tpNTlRG7BtwJkYvatgirtj2W85f89bE3E9Q&oe=664F2DCC | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827760 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827761 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827762 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827763 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827764 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827765 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827767 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827793 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774056 | 810 | 1122610258958533 | 1 | 1.6162491225306E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921023127 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070765 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351576_806823934732059_3076254121375236965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PFSeGlOjijQQ7kNvgEj6PLH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW1SB_R5M7SCclBya1OAzkRz4NipIlyTN9nTCbyS3ZWg&oe=664F0B91 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476351_1595711114558069_5338534284846701638_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3UYPNzV9DrgQ7kNvgEWWYWv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyg_HSCzYEhVu00jUcrOOCVYPP83y_fdZ4WWqtwOaWIw&oe=664F2D48 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827773 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 340975292028255 | 1 | 3.6494393657389E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41230758002 | 0 | Free Poker Network | 6590920601365 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | FPN Leagues = FUN | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716052768 | 41230758002 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445074290_399655853065372_355373949081185891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKMwv8Y596YQ7kNvgG7s8YU&_nc_oc=Adj74PJPToDEC6POddRk_UeUyg0Wg9rjXgFrJZ_KRtKABz0SjQq9AK3hzjepwWWiI-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0EHx6vssiXa4nem-kJB93h2o-gP3AhWyrxYK5VR17qA&oe=664F0D10 | person_profile | 0 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963609_1087990672273196_8821680885849134845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bm6zDuAMDrAQ7kNvgHUxwOx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjwIIGJzisHQRG0hhG7z51Wo0h76KE3X-fPDporeQLMg&oe=664F0EAF | 0 | 3 | Free Poker Network | 7888 | https://facebook.com/freepokernetwork | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827774 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 340975292028255 | 1 | 3.6494393657389E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41230758002 | 0 | Free Poker Network | 6590920601365 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | FPN Leagues = FUN | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716052768 | 41230758002 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445074290_399655853065372_355373949081185891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKMwv8Y596YQ7kNvgG7s8YU&_nc_oc=Adj74PJPToDEC6POddRk_UeUyg0Wg9rjXgFrJZ_KRtKABz0SjQq9AK3hzjepwWWiI-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0EHx6vssiXa4nem-kJB93h2o-gP3AhWyrxYK5VR17qA&oe=664F0D10 | person_profile | 0 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963609_1087990672273196_8821680885849134845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bm6zDuAMDrAQ7kNvgHUxwOx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjwIIGJzisHQRG0hhG7z51Wo0h76KE3X-fPDporeQLMg&oe=664F0EAF | 0 | 3 | Free Poker Network | 7888 | https://facebook.com/freepokernetwork | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827775 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 340975292028255 | 1 | 3.6494393657389E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41230758002 | 0 | Free Poker Network | 6590920601365 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | FPN Leagues = FUN | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716052768 | 41230758002 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445074290_399655853065372_355373949081185891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKMwv8Y596YQ7kNvgG7s8YU&_nc_oc=Adj74PJPToDEC6POddRk_UeUyg0Wg9rjXgFrJZ_KRtKABz0SjQq9AK3hzjepwWWiI-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0EHx6vssiXa4nem-kJB93h2o-gP3AhWyrxYK5VR17qA&oe=664F0D10 | person_profile | 0 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963609_1087990672273196_8821680885849134845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bm6zDuAMDrAQ7kNvgHUxwOx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjwIIGJzisHQRG0hhG7z51Wo0h76KE3X-fPDporeQLMg&oe=664F0EAF | 0 | 3 | Free Poker Network | 7888 | https://facebook.com/freepokernetwork | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827776 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 340975292028255 | 1 | 3.6494393657389E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41230758002 | 0 | Free Poker Network | 6590920601365 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | FPN Leagues = FUN | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716052768 | 41230758002 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445074290_399655853065372_355373949081185891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKMwv8Y596YQ7kNvgG7s8YU&_nc_oc=Adj74PJPToDEC6POddRk_UeUyg0Wg9rjXgFrJZ_KRtKABz0SjQq9AK3hzjepwWWiI-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0EHx6vssiXa4nem-kJB93h2o-gP3AhWyrxYK5VR17qA&oe=664F0D10 | person_profile | 0 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963609_1087990672273196_8821680885849134845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bm6zDuAMDrAQ7kNvgHUxwOx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjwIIGJzisHQRG0hhG7z51Wo0h76KE3X-fPDporeQLMg&oe=664F0EAF | 0 | 3 | Free Poker Network | 7888 | https://facebook.com/freepokernetwork | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827784 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/3/25, 10:23 PM | 1716079223 | 1749007407 | 810 | 1126743905277052 | 1 | 1.417990505743E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1020109081491604 | 0 | Juan Campos | 6576889539656 | Contact us | NONE | image | garage door 9x6'6 C.H.I model 5250 | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/333122659877610/ | 1716071211 | 1.0201090814916E+15 | Juan Campos | regular_page | 1 | Juan Campos | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443819063_816896056972699_992889974844238019_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=feiASuZf5ogQ7kNvgFqQCL_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuK3hid84ubt1ju-WPmiJQQZMp42cV8E_u-O9fWfmaFQ&oe=664F1FDA | 0 | 3 | garage door 9x6'6 C.H.I model 5250 - $1.00<br /> <br /> New garage door available, different sizes and styles message me for more details, <br /> Free estimates..404-750-3409 <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Juan Campos | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100002136218795 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827791 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 1122610258958533 | 1 | 1.6162491225306E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921023127 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070765 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351576_806823934732059_3076254121375236965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PFSeGlOjijQQ7kNvgEj6PLH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW1SB_R5M7SCclBya1OAzkRz4NipIlyTN9nTCbyS3ZWg&oe=664F0B91 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476351_1595711114558069_5338534284846701638_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3UYPNzV9DrgQ7kNvgEWWYWv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyg_HSCzYEhVu00jUcrOOCVYPP83y_fdZ4WWqtwOaWIw&oe=664F2D48 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827809 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774058 | 810 | 1094946161599307 | 1 | 6.3975978502504E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 257742080765747 | 0 | wehavefuncomedy | 6602551620538 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/wehavefuncomedy | 1716070192 | 2.5774208076575E+14 | wehavefuncomedy | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/442650275_494112502950774_655132697510257864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=JPtjV3bs3dMQ7kNvgGEK4rL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCT1VZAY89zOb3goigPMOSYXz_A2v4xP7c43vWjEQaQhQ&oe=664F188B | ig_ads_identity | 1 | We Have Fun - A Comedy Show | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640924_1509095019984603_310572209840870835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDTppJprh-AQ7kNvgGfecpa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC28G9r6AFO59vuPxw9Rt7iFm5i-8isX0yTDuG9WvSUeQ&oe=664F2FEC | 0 | 3 | wehavefuncomedy | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/wehavefuncomedy | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827818 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774058 | 810 | 7572945036128057 | 1 | 4.6690819254149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116871281321879 | 0 | High Society Meats | 6590134639027 | highsocietymeats.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Free Wagyu + 15% Off | Use code 'MemorialDay15' for 15% off when you shop our exclusive selection of the best and rarest Michelin Star quality steaks. Offer ends soon. | https://highsocietymeats.com/discount/MemorialDay15 | 1716069968 | 1.1687128132188E+14 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441313966_432678026206281_873142795973973159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ApeaQLmYkd0Q7kNvgGyKHcI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTgy26sQO7mSaFP9cYNGfJtLglmAp_CbUxAT-_8Seuww&oe=664F33EF | person_profile | 0 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482262_423604327289478_6265882564578750773_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9cnXBVFEKAQ7kNvgEjjbxW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBX-r0d57d_ICx1s5c8DW2ZEyYBY4FrVwJhYDsW80dbIg&oe=664F15EC | 0 | 3 | Enjoy 15% off premium wagyu and more with promo code, MemorialDay15. Free gifts unlock on orders over $200 and $500. Free 1-day shipping over $400. Be the star of your next cookout with this incredible Memorial Day Sale. โณ Offer ends May 27. Shop now! | High Society Meats | 265 | https://facebook.com/highsocietymeats | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827819 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774058 | 810 | 7572945036128057 | 1 | 4.6690819254149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116871281321879 | 0 | High Society Meats | 6590134639027 | highsocietymeats.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Free Wagyu + 15% Off | Use code 'MemorialDay15' for 15% off when you shop our exclusive selection of the best and rarest Michelin Star quality steaks. Offer ends soon. | https://highsocietymeats.com/discount/MemorialDay15 | 1716069968 | 1.1687128132188E+14 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441313966_432678026206281_873142795973973159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ApeaQLmYkd0Q7kNvgGyKHcI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTgy26sQO7mSaFP9cYNGfJtLglmAp_CbUxAT-_8Seuww&oe=664F33EF | person_profile | 0 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482262_423604327289478_6265882564578750773_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9cnXBVFEKAQ7kNvgEjjbxW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBX-r0d57d_ICx1s5c8DW2ZEyYBY4FrVwJhYDsW80dbIg&oe=664F15EC | 0 | 3 | Enjoy 15% off premium wagyu and more with promo code, MemorialDay15. Free gifts unlock on orders over $200 and $500. Free 1-day shipping over $400. Be the star of your next cookout with this incredible Memorial Day Sale. โณ Offer ends May 27. Shop now! | High Society Meats | 265 | https://facebook.com/highsocietymeats | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827820 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774058 | 810 | 7572945036128057 | 1 | 4.6690819254149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116871281321879 | 0 | High Society Meats | 6590134639027 | highsocietymeats.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Free Wagyu + 15% Off | Use code 'MemorialDay15' for 15% off when you shop our exclusive selection of the best and rarest Michelin Star quality steaks. Offer ends soon. | https://highsocietymeats.com/discount/MemorialDay15 | 1716069968 | 1.1687128132188E+14 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441313966_432678026206281_873142795973973159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ApeaQLmYkd0Q7kNvgGyKHcI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTgy26sQO7mSaFP9cYNGfJtLglmAp_CbUxAT-_8Seuww&oe=664F33EF | person_profile | 0 | High Society Meats | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482262_423604327289478_6265882564578750773_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9cnXBVFEKAQ7kNvgEjjbxW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBX-r0d57d_ICx1s5c8DW2ZEyYBY4FrVwJhYDsW80dbIg&oe=664F15EC | 0 | 3 | Enjoy 15% off premium wagyu and more with promo code, MemorialDay15. Free gifts unlock on orders over $200 and $500. Free 1-day shipping over $400. Be the star of your next cookout with this incredible Memorial Day Sale. โณ Offer ends May 27. Shop now! | High Society Meats | 265 | https://facebook.com/highsocietymeats | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827821 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774058 | 810 | 3826361734263558 | 1 | 9.6320239907119E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551601670068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1715723164 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943974_1783430352179657_7701071571992597070_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ypLqMq8KKoYQ7kNvgFAV5uJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCaUiJGLxuHy6uUfsa-Y8n2ftzzvQEErybLhKA8QeEDRw&oe=664EFF23 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441577272_419644617594248_8489422951818437180_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DAdGA8O9QNYQ7kNvgFixtZa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAgi53S4n3niyDP3akkhh4wgIzuqAtP89BowL1iIBsAFQ&oe=664F11A0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827836 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 5:50 PM | 1716079224 | 1747003807 | 810 | 1101332114265866 | 1 | 1.659084851506E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207552019380068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1715723895 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438223147_1957716817976695_4357966842951077592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GfQ5_NFMKwwQ7kNvgHuAoDd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiAHXersoJDlwl2Pknpbsbx7ep0KwjVytCteaBwNo3Ig&oe=664F01A9 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440939614_1137357934208803_4273581843215654375_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4CGubqsvKlsQ7kNvgEqg3K4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCC_2O16T14LQcMmduVSDW2zY6BalwoLT0neCl58GLVIA&oe=664F139B | 0 | 3 | ๐ Frisco Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready With Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Summer Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility:16100 TX-121 bldg b 220, Frisco, TX 75035<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827841 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 1676524209818320 | 1 | 1.6687030872305E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551274170068 | novuskin.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1715722480 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441363724_862925408980127_5385942925234764435_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KE6hW8iqW6wQ7kNvgHf-8XX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBJ2IsmcRCM_0t6J3GKYbs1SnslDHfYb-5FxnkQ-ibbvw&oe=664F1F06 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481431_995697548558802_4580807033472240816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rq2E4celBokQ7kNvgFeUbPL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBjrVBx4tU6RJVRH05SSet98qMfY2YJwa1YSB7jqEIIPA&oe=664F3088 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready With Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer! โจ Program Highlights: ๐ Weekly Shots ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism โ๏ธ FDA Approval ๐ No Exercise Required ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting ๐น Summer Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer! ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only! โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results. ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success. ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin! ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐ ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827840 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 1421417341875471 | 1 | 4.4471979492004E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 115497373329891 | 0 | Relate and Create with Mary | 6584936940584 | NONE | multi_images | 1716069690 | 1.1549737332989E+14 | Relate and Create with Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487987_465873869444782_8131568676362720520_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CQGS5DQze0wQ7kNvgEnfDeP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBaFW_s4DsVt11SbMHuUqTAJbz-QvVCK_iJosCwB3fXGQ&oe=664F21AF | person_profile | 0 | Relate and Create with Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445034846_430689452927490_5391631187851216794_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qfyXZDnFmqUQ7kNvgGS4hz1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB12sdXRBV-NIz338B9MRooElLGJFYzbCO6nt2-cw7_xg&oe=664F2233 | 0 | 3 | Who doesnโt like a little bling in their life๐. I needed a pair of flip flops that had good support but, also wanted some bling on them. Can we say EXPENSIVE. So, I purchased a good pair (cheap at Ross) and did the rest by hand with my stash. Before and after photoโsโฃ๏ธ Donโt forget to โLikeโ, โFollowโ and, sprinkle with your friends for more Cool Crafting on a budget๐ I also take orders for customization so, feel free to PM me for your own custom pairโฃ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Supplies you will need:<br /> Glue gun (regular or, fabric sticks)<br /> Bling trim<br /> Bling center piece<br /> <br /> Instructions:<br /> 1 Choose your pair of flip flops<br /> 2 Choose your trim bling and center piece of bling<br /> 3 Grab that glue gun and bling away๐ซ<br /> <br /> If you choose rubber strapped flip flops you can use regular glue sticks but, I would start with low setting.<br /> <br /> Cut your trim pieces and glue. Choose your center piece and glue. | Relate and Create with Mary | 3307 | https://facebook.com/relatecreatewithmary | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827838 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/3/25, 8:47 AM | 1716079224 | 1743688053 | 810 | 1832245190612750 | 1 | 4.311834996281E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707911220317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Raised Garden Bed (5 Ft.) Galvanized Planter Box Outdoor, Oval Large Rot-Resistant 60ร29ร11 in | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/420954224186428/ | 1716069724 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441169048_410675861791459_3218811941453315280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9lN6G0EU93YQ7kNvgFHeldq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5kKXhHNtd0wyFrvHldMnqvWjE49fdFjeUWn5bOFz3ZA&oe=664F1C1A | 1 | 3 | Raised Garden Bed (5 Ft.) Galvanized Planter Box Outdoor, Oval Large Rot-Resistant 60ร29ร11 in - $52.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> Size: 60ร29ร11 in, 68 gallons of soil required.<br /> Built to Last: Our raised garden beds outdoor are made of 0.8mm galvanized metal sheet, double-layer anti-corrosion galvanizing and oval structure design. Compared with the ordinary rectangular elevated garden bed with a thickness of 0.3mm, it will be the right choice for you.<br /> Open Bottom: This galvanized planter is designed with an open base, which can effectively avoid water accumulation and decay, protect the roots of plants, and allow the roots to better absorb nutrients.<br /> Easy to Assemble: The raised garden bed is very easy and quick to put together, even if you're older. Necessary hardware and instruction are included.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827842 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 1676524209818320 | 1 | 1.6687030872305E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551274170068 | novuskin.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1715722480 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441363724_862925408980127_5385942925234764435_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KE6hW8iqW6wQ7kNvgHf-8XX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBJ2IsmcRCM_0t6J3GKYbs1SnslDHfYb-5FxnkQ-ibbvw&oe=664F1F06 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481431_995697548558802_4580807033472240816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rq2E4celBokQ7kNvgFeUbPL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBjrVBx4tU6RJVRH05SSet98qMfY2YJwa1YSB7jqEIIPA&oe=664F3088 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready With Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer! โจ Program Highlights: ๐ Weekly Shots ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism โ๏ธ FDA Approval ๐ No Exercise Required ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting ๐น Summer Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer! ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only! โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results. ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success. ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin! ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐ ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827843 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/6/25, 6:19 PM | 1716079224 | 1746573570 | 810 | 1088074745633638 | 1 | 8.162709565715E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551276830068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1715722515 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441157530_986855873023550_997737545945553806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-r9ti7nGXMAQ7kNvgGSb6Sa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBdIHnshZaq9XXElqeh_eVEX0XuUArOJHfNwn_Ks0394w&oe=664F12C4 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441068112_415223534612314_2192609298631318693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MNo3BfUwDx8Q7kNvgGi_Y3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB0u_RYnrm2SWV5IGATs5ywa-hXBGf1XdNdGdXOSK0dtA&oe=664F2B48 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready With Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Summer Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827845 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 364499859954685 | 1 | 1.5602311414923E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777681040068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1713827188 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230705_1712815919124203_6465520377619840177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rwSMlka8onwQ7kNvgG1EsiH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDags7u7v77yi7dQbr9r44XAEgce3YgJkUbsC25YwzRdg&oe=664F08C9 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438254331_1510974696441099_2389229872060030535_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=apgtzoKpdSsQ7kNvgHP-sN8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA8fACajK1xZpri3zYq8Vakdf1pv6MLgq5aWHnGgni2uQ&oe=664F1743 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827844 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/2/25, 3:08 AM | 1716079224 | 1743581285 | 810 | 1586803445223352 | 1 | 7.9774715556294E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777668560068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1713827158 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438330046_821588366451280_2327971983777932128_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-1xQhnrh3TMQ7kNvgE_kNKE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA71oDHPg448bvQAXcFh4XZd3Qqurdbtnh4kI6-1quGIA&oe=664F0CB9 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438702327_400288869586999_7964613742605180523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5SoExuDB2nIQ7kNvgFw-A3E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCWH2OdlKW4imDTUw7-xvKnSPBwuHsgyQsLMvC7wANvgA&oe=664F232F | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827849 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 4059785207581562 | 1 | 3.5646937073169E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777675710068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1713827181 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438910156_7613936688667028_3478575088000135587_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3E53tPsDaxAQ7kNvgFDFA9i&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCgL9Pv97xiY2V22l2etL65DF88e7gGaawwo6aOBwWxKg&oe=664F324F | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631110_1375886499797174_2949945642658166753_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ufWRBFP8vMsQ7kNvgHOLaFo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZFwYGERpym38Ye-cBrpaEudSwOs16ZaYWfUj8FdR3dw&oe=664F255D | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827857 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 385281651144243 | 1 | 1.6802026461098E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 281853948576634 | 0 | River to Ridge | 6634756275664 | rivertoridge.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | River to Ridge | https://www.rivertoridge.com/ | 1716069632 | 2.8185394857663E+14 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436129908_1531714210892889_3368182888197228085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qtyn20cPf0AQ7kNvgGKc81Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXGawCu0kQHly_u_PC7kiwmKc6ieCtUnJmNMpie7BjIg&oe=664F0D66 | person_profile | 0 | River to Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436428323_1601823380611024_8862185033383821142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DFbgtVmD69UQ7kNvgH5jHhc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAT1QiGz-cFXrAotjNV3gcbhlb-gP1CifFJwt8TJxg15Q&oe=664F2898 | 0 | 3 | River to Ridge | 14631 | https://facebook.com/Rivertoridgeclothing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827862 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 995509788252741 | 5 | 3.2862616337516E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120208435445100307 | campsnapcamera.com | Order Now | NONE | dco | Summer Camp Approved Screen-Free Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1715726910 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489289_825842736071777_2283103855728645154_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gx1g1gNaCUEQ7kNvgGl7RSN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMZa0jamraI1sx3iesgPcQGlrg8IAbnkLh1SrnnB6VdQ&oe=664F04B1 | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442440346_1094166558360365_6381456202925338212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ps3-7-lwRIUQ7kNvgFBDGrK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHsh2h6HD_GCK-KMiGu1KE-_cqZBMAUq-ve429c8hQQA&oe=664F227B | 0 | 3 | Looking for a camera that's perfect for your child's summer camp adventures? Look no further than Camp Snap! Our screen-free digital camera replaces the need for disposable film cameras and captures high-quality 8-megapixel images that are stored on a TF memory card. Plus, with the ability to store more than 2000 photos, Camp Snap is better for the environment and saves you money. Camp Snap features a rechargeable battery that can take hundreds of photos per charge, and photos are easily transferred to your computer via USB-C. Plus, with no screen, your child won't be distracted by technology and can focus on making memories with their bunkmates. | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827861 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774059 | 810 | 995509788252741 | 5 | 3.2862616337516E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120208435445100307 | campsnapcamera.com | Order Now | NONE | dco | Summer Camp Approved Screen-Free Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1715726910 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489289_825842736071777_2283103855728645154_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gx1g1gNaCUEQ7kNvgGl7RSN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMZa0jamraI1sx3iesgPcQGlrg8IAbnkLh1SrnnB6VdQ&oe=664F04B1 | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442440346_1094166558360365_6381456202925338212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ps3-7-lwRIUQ7kNvgFBDGrK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHsh2h6HD_GCK-KMiGu1KE-_cqZBMAUq-ve429c8hQQA&oe=664F227B | 0 | 3 | Looking for a camera that's perfect for your child's summer camp adventures? Look no further than Camp Snap! Our screen-free digital camera replaces the need for disposable film cameras and captures high-quality 8-megapixel images that are stored on a TF memory card. Plus, with the ability to store more than 2000 photos, Camp Snap is better for the environment and saves you money. Camp Snap features a rechargeable battery that can take hundreds of photos per charge, and photos are easily transferred to your computer via USB-C. Plus, with no screen, your child won't be distracted by technology and can focus on making memories with their bunkmates. | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827866 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/28/25, 3:18 PM | 1716079224 | 1743193114 | 810 | 3699304806982661 | 1 | 1.1695369711517E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1747437898623149 | 0 | Jaz Hair Studio | 6541262827449 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I set an appointment For s Highlight? ","response":""},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more? Balayage ","response":""},{"title":"Can I book an appointment for Balayage?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716069521 | 1.7474378986231E+15 | Jaz Hair Studio | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485756_1181725356353370_8885248382265720867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KuTkZKKxWZoQ7kNvgHimln7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA2DGaLfPporA-ss5aBwG-1r6sHvjx3vZg1xKAhW_Z2xg&oe=664F128A | person_profile | 0 | Jaz Hair Studio Salon & Spa | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698507_7540203612702088_1686853133610729250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NSo5Zkb-iAMQ7kNvgEc5mu0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBOJyEw_1VS5__iZbz9L6sVncpvjc908LP_kv1XGALl4A&oe=664F0227 | 0 | 3 | Custom Foil Highlights or Balayage special for$99, you can enjoy gorgeous blended results that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful. This offer includes most lengths of hair, up to 10 inches, as well as shampoo, conditioner, and toner. If you have extremely long hair, additional charges may apply. <br /> <br /> We invite you to call for a free consultation at 361-855-2323. We have limited appointments available, so don't wait to book your spot at our salon located at 6113 Saratoga, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 (next to Walmart). <br /> <br /> This offer is only valid for new customers or those who haven't visited us in over a year and expires on 12-31-24. Special available Tuesday through Friday. <br /> <br /> Visit our website at <br /> http:/www.jazhairstudio.com<br /> <br /> Google Maps at https:/goo.gl/maps/xVL9jG2gib22. | Jaz Hair Studio | 1342 | https://facebook.com/jazhairstudio | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827867 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774060 | 810 | 976388860531196 | 1 | 1.9020638735757E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 897997927040983 | 0 | From Military to Millionaire | 6670309184213 | militaryrealestateinvest.com | Learn more | NONE | video | How to start investing as a service member or vet | https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register | 1716069466 | 8.9799792704098E+14 | From Military to Millionaire | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407354_1637711363731038_8301420736357245485_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZoP18wcjOHgQ7kNvgFULvsv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-bj0GHPkrUbUr2fRlof5KS7XVX-tzcf8PXKY7ulh8Mw&oe=664F0FEB | person_profile | 0 | David Pere | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444487802_828866822482830_9066057227676711082_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=im46zN1LuRMQ7kNvgEndFZD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfx6t_OgEfzlgVfwX7x3Ni4YanC2pYrdYk3LbNpkROWQ&oe=664F1DE3 | 0 | 3 | A few years back I was a broke Sergeant of Marines, working 80+ hours a week... <br /> <br /> Today, I own over 120 rental units and basically work whenever I feel like it. <br /> <br /> If youโre a service member you know the feeling of leaving active duty. <br /> <br /> What am I going to do next? <br /> <br /> Should I go to school?<br /> <br /> What job would I like to get?<br /> <br /> The truth is, no job is going to fill the sense of purpose you felt while serving. <br /> <br /> BUT being your own boss and building wealth for your family, is a close second. <br /> <br /> And thereโs a simple way to use your VA loan to put next to nothing down to kickstart your investment portfolio and start buying rentals. <br /> <br /> Iโm hosting a free training to show you how you can use your military benefits to buy your first or next rental and take control of your life after active duty. <br /> <br /> Click below to register. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmilitaryrealestateinvest.com%2Fregister&h=AT2bgfbAWDhTBsTI8ujTkJjLCxE7aUNc6FXMHvsBEJPf5eFNiiG1OPH5qlEF2S_Oj5qTx10KwoHMklcgRl9DP2rNc_IG0HQMuPisQNg7GeE3Od3MfHqhvNstiCNKO0CADExfzE3kxL51jg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register</a> | From Military to Millionaire | 3409 | https://facebook.com/frommilitarytomillionaire | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827868 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774060 | 810 | 472334022032494 | 1 | 3.6878598381286E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107801215238558 | 0 | Amata Health | 120209742649960364 | instagram.com | Send message | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/amatahealth | 1716069432 | 1.0780121523856E+14 | Amata Health | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436310081_851677993446240_7297177654640605779_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=17WPTmxnNIoQ7kNvgEErU0x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBdhewwO4KWOEEIhbpSWSmuHPo0VMH2fHMnU6XGJqM9MQ&oe=664F2DDE | person_profile | 0 | Amata Health | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442447907_807806824615712_5314579110023531927_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W32H7GX8CZoQ7kNvgEAYMj6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAezBplFaKg1xcyBgVqTTHDeDDBZI-CyCLgf_cMvdrdnA&oe=664F064D | 0 | 3 | DM us for a FREE bottle of Amata! <br /> #naturallysweetened #monkfruit #waterdrops #hydration | Amata Health | 7 | https://facebook.com/100083066745202 | 0 | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827873 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/5/25, 7:59 AM | 1716079225 | 1749128387 | 810 | 1796344337526973 | 1 | 2.850340038457E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707786360317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Cat Water Fountain with LED Light, 67oz/2.1L, Ultra Quiet Cat Drinking Fountain | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1703022973565451/ | 1716069274 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441195554_792774506256556_699358606952574874_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ufM944w31qcQ7kNvgFTE1qo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJmoAEzoMhMVstxiTzZTvwJ6oP4Y212oYn8bap6IvTGg&oe=664F1EAB | 1 | 3 | Cat Water Fountain with LED Light, 67oz/2.1L, Ultra Quiet Cat Drinking Fountain - $21.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> Ultra Quiet Pump (< 30 dB) - Looking for a water fountain for cats inside that guarantees restful sleep for u & ur furry friends? This is a perfect choice.<br /> 4-Stage Circulating Filtration System - The pet fountain provides a healthy, fresh and oxygen-enriched waterfall.<br /> Classic Flower Design - Cats prefer running waterer with the flower to gently bubbling water.<br /> <br /> Translucent Cat Water Dispenser with LED Light - The water level is clear at a glance. Made of food-grade, BPA-free materials<br /> <br /> Replacement Filter - You can search B08PDCVDS1 or B08Y6QYNG2 to find the filter or the foam for the watering feeder. Or, find them on the {Product Description}. Purchase the official iPettie filters from Amazon for your pet's safety.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827875 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 10:53 AM | 1716079225 | 1746978792 | 810 | 746836700866711 | 1 | 7.0398478509774E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1675060416133629 | 0 | Diamond Furniture | 6550712541754 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716070406 | 1.6750604161336E+15 | Diamond Furniture | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712749_749283457286653_1974581317783236552_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wiz4OMhHVgIQ7kNvgEI3y7j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB1BuihWY9mMtBpMALbMFtXOXa2O8sInq_iIcdFRrVc6Q&oe=664F1A42 | person_profile | 0 | แด ษชแดแดแดษดแด าแดสษดษชแดแดสแด | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_836853871593525_7992193587252171513_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QtGqvK11cnoQ7kNvgHoyrps&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKrWgVnmiaiGPq_A04lcFU4a9PvkwbWxJAXCNdc-jDrw&oe=664F2620 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ Unlock incredible deals this Memorial Day at Diamond Furniture! <br /> <br /> Up to 70% off on a huge selection of furniture. Shop smart with our flexible payment options! ๐๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐9096 Parkway E, Birmingham, AL 35206 <br /> ๐(205) 703-8411 | Diamond Furniture | 17905 | https://facebook.com/diamondfurniture2 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827876 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774060 | 810 | 431632069602715 | 1 | 9.6876068798785E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 107303508328241 | 0 | Shasta Rene'e | 6612281607947 | Contact us | NONE | image | Harley-Davidson Leather Puffer Motorcycle jacket | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1178488390241722/ | 1716069153 | 1.0730350832824E+14 | Shasta Rene'e | regular_page | 1 | Shasta Rene'e | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172835_742809164591319_4264475959103224329_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hkyg47zy-lsQ7kNvgFb8h9l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw28YL_yinv_igbBrh1OsL9_m9-mNIl4ijt0ZZUkEKxw&oe=664F3372 | 0 | 3 | Harley-Davidson Leather Puffer Motorcycle jacket - $90.00<br /> <br /> Come by and pick it up anytime, or make an offer. Price is negotiable.<br /> <br /> I work from home so I am available anytime or you may come during next weekends garage sale. if you want to schedule a garage sale sneak-peek please reach out via messenger.<br /> <br /> Our multi-family garage sale will be held:<br /> <br /> Saturday May 25th 7am<br /> @<br /> 210 N. 49th AVENUE COURT, greeley CO 80634. <br /> <br /> So far additional items that will be available include:<br /> Women's riding gear, Riding boots HD size 7.5, women's heels, flats, uggs, sneakers all 7.5, household decor, vases, tablets, laptops, dual monitor stand, home remodel remnants, electrical 14/2 wire, networking cables, women's bags, backpacks, purses, women's clothing of all sizes 8-18, table saw, Large flat screen TV, office organization items, couch, baking and cookware items, twin thru king size sheet sets, pillow cases, curtains, blankets, large canvas art, mugs, barstools, huge ottoman, lamps, christmas or halloween decor, baby monitor set, baby feeding bowls, bib, cutlery, jewelry, there will also be free items etc. <br /> <br /> During next weekends garage sale there will be signs directing the way, otherwise if you have scheduled and confirmed a sooner pick-up time with me via messenger please note that we are on 49th avenue COURT. Thank you <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Shasta Rene'e | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100000205830187 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827878 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/15/25, 8:01 PM | 1716079225 | 1747357270 | 810 | 360433903715336 | 1 | 3.8452393454279E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100862322872597 | 0 | Trrell Thomas | 6628409984015 | NONE | text | 1716069094 | 1.008623228726E+14 | Trrell Thomas | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440984903_817684330279179_6618179695600955959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pv6In77sze0Q7kNvgEeyX4x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCwytbhA8-CtD_xkAlFj_aVk-fH3_djxJPIaLIlbSxawA&oe=664F0A50 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Emotion check, homies!!<br /> <br /> Be honest, how are you feeling today???<br /> <br /> [Judgment-free zone] | Trrell Thomas | 135 | https://facebook.com/RahsDad | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827879 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774061 | 810 | 970490730999828 | 1 | 4.067604690115E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 201204846591205 | 0 | Greenwood Little Theatre | 6566034906725 | greenwoodlittletheatre.com | Book now | NONE | image | Greenwood Little Theatre | We are a non-profit community theater in Greenwood, Mississippi run by volunteers who work together to produce four live stage shows each season. We work hard at creating a theatrical experience that will be inspirational and educational, and have a positive influence on and within the community. | http://greenwoodlittletheatre.com/ | 1716069090 | 2.0120484659120E+14 | Greenwood Little Theatre | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442414561_829395572380187_5070211350227476750_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8cx8M-Y5i3MQ7kNvgGnpplk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCoGzTFlr-fVBS0xXF6h1zbxmCWegN6WkfQQGLyL_WeTw&oe=664F0766 | person_profile | 0 | Greenwood Little Theatre | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442422652_2740500102781373_4987165442673829631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pPDC1Q6zvI4Q7kNvgF65EW5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBbPYxOJpJj7KQUFcZpsjdrVVt8oo4XUsHQMziMU8t4Eg&oe=664F20B5 | 0 | 3 | ๐ญ Introducing Patricia Kilburn as Reba Freitag! ๐ญ<br /> <br /> Patricia Kilburn makes her theatrical debut with the Greenwood Little Theatre as Reba Freitag in "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," proudly sponsored by Kirk Auto Group! ๐๏ธ A Greenwood native and experienced nurse at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Patricia brings her nurturing spirit and love for storytelling to the stage. Married to Nathan for 15 years and a mother of three, she's an avid animal lover who enjoys reading and movies. We can't wait for you to see her shine in her first role!<br /> <br /> Ticket Information:<br /> ๐๏ธ $20 for adults<br /> ๐๏ธ $10 for students<br /> โจ GLT members receive complimentary admission<br /> ๐ Tickets are available online: Buy Here<br /> <br /> โจ Become a member for the 24/25 season and receive free admission to "Ballyhoo!"<br /> <br /> Join us in celebrating Patricia's debut and enjoy this wonderful performance alongside the talented cast! ๐ญโจ<br /> <br /> #GreenwoodLittleTheatre #TheLastNightOfBallyhoo #KirkAutoGroup #PatriciaKilburn | Greenwood Little Theatre | 2767 | https://facebook.com/GreenwoodLittleTheatre | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827883 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774061 | 810 | 1748478319016514 | 1 | 2.1222479981452E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113532518282742 | 0 | powerwing | 120210592346700341 | powerwing.co | Shop now | NONE | video | https://powerwing.co/collections/sacrifice | 1716069018 | 1.1353251828274E+14 | powerwing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441413674_7119866594785816_2950879016380763287_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=11-PwDDP0UoQ7kNvgHI_KGj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB2MDMvCAPswpj2GggF_C_xKbjG1_Wc3Otq1IYPXPhR8w&oe=664F2D9B | person_profile | 0 | POWERWING | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137766_1387737535249459_5331956225795085793_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f8mPFDCFPVcQ7kNvgEXDv4Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB9NWRe982Ixarq25NqaR1BWNIbxr5Yb-VhenCixpL91Q&oe=664F1D21 | 0 | 3 | Drop is LIVEโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> SACRIFICE Collection | <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.powerwing.co%2F&h=AT2DEwMBhgeCdobvcOgBlV9YJ0oNmliDIV0iwCwALEApFd8iQsKrHI111tRqFbFCG1xDmRDa52D1jdzmSQDldlaEt6--OJQFy6_g8W2WWzGJ9A3Aascaya---jgyERU8dmQQd52aFVnD3Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.powerwing.co</a> ๐ฆ<br /> <br /> Person with most comments gets a free hoodie! โฌ๏ธ | powerwing | 2 | https://facebook.com/powerwingco | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827886 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774061 | 810 | 1964049974035383 | 1 | 4.1169685508605E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 352525065567 | 0 | Lovarzi | 6552165600900 | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Win Exclusive Scarf | Prize worth ยฃ54.99! | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | 1716069479 | 352525065567 | Lovarzi | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252828_1113818209930113_3932223833546955022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P7iea96zbScQ7kNvgHsgtWB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD7_rhYvqM4wMN5XSSlzXMeqQzSYHlA6LTn4uTlA1euNA&oe=664F3599 | person_profile | 0 | LOVARZI | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443699174_810040821035930_8472329102567078572_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PvHNqZXI_N4Q7kNvgFMhEo1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDO8qjMA4SiW5hcMxYpU8XhZArSIb1v4wiNri29IPjOvA&oe=664F141B | 0 | 3 | ๐ GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a longer Season 18 Fourth Doctor scarf worth ยฃ54.99! ๐ Click the link to join: https://buff.ly/36nQ0bK ๐ Open WORLDWIDE, contest ends May 26th at 11:30 PM UK Time. ๐โฐ | Lovarzi | 26278 | https://facebook.com/lovarzi | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827887 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774061 | 810 | 1964049974035383 | 1 | 4.1169685508605E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 352525065567 | 0 | Lovarzi | 6552165600900 | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Win Exclusive Scarf | Prize worth ยฃ54.99! | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | 1716069479 | 352525065567 | Lovarzi | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252828_1113818209930113_3932223833546955022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P7iea96zbScQ7kNvgHsgtWB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD7_rhYvqM4wMN5XSSlzXMeqQzSYHlA6LTn4uTlA1euNA&oe=664F3599 | person_profile | 0 | LOVARZI | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443699174_810040821035930_8472329102567078572_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PvHNqZXI_N4Q7kNvgFMhEo1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDO8qjMA4SiW5hcMxYpU8XhZArSIb1v4wiNri29IPjOvA&oe=664F141B | 0 | 3 | ๐ GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a longer Season 18 Fourth Doctor scarf worth ยฃ54.99! ๐ Click the link to join: https://buff.ly/36nQ0bK ๐ Open WORLDWIDE, contest ends May 26th at 11:30 PM UK Time. ๐โฐ | Lovarzi | 26278 | https://facebook.com/lovarzi | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827888 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774062 | 810 | 1964049974035383 | 1 | 4.1169685508605E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 352525065567 | 0 | Lovarzi | 6552165600900 | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Win Exclusive Scarf | Prize worth ยฃ54.99! | https://bit.ly/3WMu5XU | 1716069479 | 352525065567 | Lovarzi | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252828_1113818209930113_3932223833546955022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P7iea96zbScQ7kNvgHsgtWB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD7_rhYvqM4wMN5XSSlzXMeqQzSYHlA6LTn4uTlA1euNA&oe=664F3599 | person_profile | 0 | LOVARZI | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443699174_810040821035930_8472329102567078572_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PvHNqZXI_N4Q7kNvgFMhEo1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDO8qjMA4SiW5hcMxYpU8XhZArSIb1v4wiNri29IPjOvA&oe=664F141B | 0 | 3 | ๐ GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a longer Season 18 Fourth Doctor scarf worth ยฃ54.99! ๐ Click the link to join: https://buff.ly/36nQ0bK ๐ Open WORLDWIDE, contest ends May 26th at 11:30 PM UK Time. ๐โฐ | Lovarzi | 26278 | https://facebook.com/lovarzi | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827889 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774062 | 810 | 417715891151295 | 5 | 9.7306472120365E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103653135338679 | 0 | Batteryevo | 120208529470350643 | batteryevo.com | Shop now | NONE | image | DISCOUNT CODE: GOKONG get 35% OFF | get free shipping now! | https://batteryevo.com/batteryevo-deals/ | 1716068852 | 1.0365313533868E+14 | Batteryevo | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137725_1626811444722271_196024624544126077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8c4f2OUJGsoQ7kNvgHAg3VD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAd6mfo068XxNGIbLELDz1ev5xIuqiqLr552AuKRsdD2w&oe=664F1CD1 | person_profile | 0 | BatteryEVO | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428340559_7839601079437507_3724954793569454494_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lgakb3U3l8sQ7kNvgGx4Pdh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBslt1NpZnMZG5zMvrv3FCjZrzKDYgxaiZmqEHHb9QILA&oe=664F24B3 | 0 | 3 | Last Chance: Secure 48V KONG ELITE for Uninterrupted Power! | Batteryevo | 1277 | https://facebook.com/Batteryevousa | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827896 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774062 | 810 | 804228044625725 | 2 | 1.440450563512E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 206743222527035 | 0 | MCD Bakery | 6584661965465 | NONE | image | MCD Bakery | Sourdough Microbakery! Made to order! โค๏ธ | https://facebook.com/61555920835258 | 1716068706 | 2.0674322252704E+14 | MCD Bakery | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436384082_1822890044903158_7215862763871567395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8AoKyXy82-0Q7kNvgEYnr7R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAPgUecjtv-PIRWMhiytiOo8tk-rDm8GzP0yAgfxUj6Ww&oe=664F1168 | person_profile | 0 | MCD Bakery | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441691935_3798029930520820_3115737975379487996_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1DXNyZMZIJkQ7kNvgGdiDzN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAblOn2OsoRHcjGQ2JQGa-JuHFXBftgGw2RVluQYSvGsQ&oe=664F31D3 | 0 | 3 | Had the pleasure of gifting some bagels to the staff at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littlepeachpediatrictherapy">Little Peach Pediatric Therapy</a> for national SLP day! ๐ <br /> <br /> Iโd love to support the community by doing this more often, so with that being said Iโll be hosting a giveaway for our local businesses that help our community! <br /> <br /> Feel free to share and invite your friends<br /> <br /> โผ๏ธโผ๏ธโผ๏ธโจTag a business you think deserves a special treat next month โจ โผ๏ธโผ๏ธโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> - They can choose one from the following -<br /> <br /> โข Up to 20 bagels<br /> โข Two dozen cookies <br /> โข Four sourdough loaves plain or with inclusions <br /> โข Two 8ct cinnamon rolls <br /> <br /> โผ๏ธPLUS <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Local-Lemon/61559866342820/">The Local Lemon</a> has partnered with me to also bring you 12 16oz cups of FRESH LEMONADE ๐๐โผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> *Must share this post and invite 5 friends to this page for your submission to count! ๐ซถ๐ผ | MCD Bakery | 329 | https://facebook.com/61555920835258 | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827893 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774062 | 810 | 972285384190592 | 1 | 3.2328480413636E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1740887772863974 | 0 | Dent Machine | 6609807704851 | Call now | NONE | image | Dent Machine | Dent Machine: your solution for dent repair and hail damage in the DFW Metroplex. | 1716068813 | 1.740887772864E+15 | Dent Machine | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436441417_2241637479504292_1434627665547618564_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9SDxqBgZAUgQ7kNvgEyHTPy&_nc_oc=AdgIdN36be54sCZlDGoa6zuWRuhOGLN0_WGYYM38kNxkup2ov2RfZZ3z9IWdvWtooLw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUTArEEhBq4IdUjxoLbiuSelTOd6bKMZay7glHRw2Uwg&oe=664F081A | person_profile | 0 | Dent Machine | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442416482_1355296795148637_3785299469970953458_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_px1HQfe16QQ7kNvgHZXbx8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAAElQwFvMW6g40_cQaitfTVBDkbEqjcRYc6vQz-Vm8vA&oe=664F0E1B | 0 | 3 | โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐KILLEEN TX ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> AUTO HAIL REPAIR <br /> WE WORK WITH ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES ! $0 out of pocket! <br /> <br /> ๐DRIVE IN TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ๐<br /> 2301 OLD FM440 Rd .<br /> KILLEEEN, Tx 76549<br /> <br /> ๐(682)306-4090๐ | Dent Machine | 771 | https://facebook.com/dentmachinetx | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827898 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774062 | 810 | 867346355410419 | 11 | 7.2995160134353E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1731149377151424 | 0 | Lance Mikkel | 6609351862720 | webinar.refocusonhappiness.com | Learn more | NONE | image | These phrases are the beginning of the end of a relationship! | https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/DEIlBG | 1711241076 | 1.7311493771514E+15 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433136817_1264089011216129_3149046180743957774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zsjIYJSKZx4Q7kNvgFhAPiH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC0nWe4xw-M0leUiBPeIgnSBVTdthuHbmSOjJNIMu46fA&oe=664F33CD | person_profile | 0 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433128829_931948845257571_6862039641166063716_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s1qTrVIRdMMQ7kNvgGJqanB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD7t_ipBb1D0ulUbKAVHm7pFyISaxEEmp4Bc2vCVQOC0A&oe=664F2F5B | 0 | 3 | If your partner has recently said to you "I need some time to myself" or "I need time to figure out what I want", you better listen carefully!<br /> <br /> The decision to be in or work on a relationship is emotional, NOT logical! So if they need more time to themselves and are looking to spend less time with you, don't ignore the signs!<br /> <br /> So if you are dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge you want to get back to being a rockstar in your professional life / business, the time to take action is NOW! As in life, the best defense is a great offense!<br /> <br /> My clients are proof that it's possible for men and women to get their confidence back within days, even if they feel beaten, downhearted, and worried they'll never be the same person again.<br /> <br /> They get over the past hurt and disappointment, even if they secretly didn't think they never would. And when you feel great you radiate! When you feel great, you finally stop the pattern of sabotage at the emotional core! And that is when the tide starts to turn and a relationship can be seemingly be resurrected from the ashes.<br /> <br /> But to do this within days requires you to do something very unconventional. It requires you to do something that you probably never thought was possible. It requires you to get over your ex within days rather than the conventional wisdom that tells you that it takes weeks, months or even years.<br /> <br /> To do this requires you to rewire your brain to get out of the sadness, anger, and fear you are currently feeling.....and back into happiness, gratitude and power.<br /> <br /> The good news is that science shows reality is the brain can be trained just like a muscle, and Iโll illustrate step-by-step how to get that mental-six pack within days.<br /> <br /> If this โcrazy ideaโ that you can actually control your brain sounds even a little enticing, you need to check out this free training:<br /> <br /> "10 game-changing insights to reclaim your power when dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge!"<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwebinar.refocusonhappiness.com%2Fs%2FDEIlBG&h=AT2BuJaSzffLF3nkBsNK44_1SEhzNr8wAtmYtyz5qPi-pvJyAB4tKMy0IwGKoj4vKlajNY2k2Pab5S1xalYie4Iz6hKYoOo3o5tUtd1BVws9btiVpwmdLe0JQS4KtIkqQN2mY13ZoBAznQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/DEIlBG</a> | Lance Mikkel | 7165 | https://facebook.com/LanceMikkel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827899 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774063 | 810 | 753442403659364 | 1 | 3.6549728047742E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 144508056212018 | 0 | Cyndrom | 120207086873530257 | fb.com | Learn more | NONE | image | "Ride On" Collection | https://fb.com/canvas_doc/389661620666110 | 1712105234 | 1.4450805621202E+14 | Cyndrom | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434641917_386646507664801_7787282495554482673_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HSEdprii7TYQ7kNvgGDN13w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA4nOTAwRC1RD_63Af9eoE8ZSZCQ2EyGMBL-ssthvYAYQ&oe=664EFF61 | person_profile | 0 | Cyndrom | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434503725_340104998558031_3708699586115221411_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pQnuumASs4cQ7kNvgGUwpiI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0qFlXKfeJMsW2ok0GaCU06TzwxV7DBvyxsKp24oAdsA&oe=664F1024 | 0 | 3 | The hat that started it all. Our most popular product is back in stock! Grab one with a "Ride on Beanie" and get Free Shipping! | Cyndrom | 233 | https://facebook.com/CyndromApparel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827911 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774063 | 810 | 1006331277519631 | 1 | 1.3912334315851E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1394585644187024 | 0 | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | 120208870913580593 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | video | Showroom Shine For Years! | Limited Time Offer | http://fb.me/ | 1716068594 | 1.394585644187E+15 | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469492_1811020819376813_1192505530981802363_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wzcbm8Vzo38Q7kNvgEd2vcM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBuuR5z0pwo5vX9Hvww76eUm0Ue9qWJXO7vxMYoSZpHQQ&oe=664F083A | person_profile | 0 | Matthew N Crystal Rodriguez | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444770745_1371944546930849_68462809551392911_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eJnPZMQmiiMQ7kNvgHEBPRE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBxjjW9Z-Q_8HoZcX9kwi63o95DxQFAcvXuygWVXwG68g&oe=664F2D11 | 0 | 3 | Get ready to see your vehicle like never before...<br /> <br /> If you care about protecting and keeping your vehicle clean, you need to check this out.<br /> <br /> Ceramic Coating gives your vehicle extra protection and a shiny look without any hassle.<br /> <br /> It's an invisible glass layer that bonds to your paint and keeps dirt, water, and light scratches away.<br /> <br /> Our Ceramic Coating and paint correction packages will:<br /> <br /> โ Protect your vehicle from the sun to prevent fading<br /> โ Let water and dirt slide off easily<br /> โ Get rid of marks and imperfections<br /> โ Make washing and taking care of your car super easy<br /> โ Keep your vehicle looking shiny for years to come<br /> <br /> ๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ we're offering a professional grade ceramic coating for just $545! With an additional:<br /> <br /> โ FREE 3-step paint correction ($400 Value)<br /> โ Plus a FREE windshield coating ($200 Value) and FREE interior detail ($150 Value) for the first 10 people<br /> <br /> Click below to Book your Ceramic Coating for your vehicle today!<br /> <br /> ๐ Hassle-Free Mobile Service (We Come To You!)<br /> ๐คฉ Rated 4.9/5 Stars (Based On 55 Google Reviews)<br /> ๐Serving Tampa Bay Area & All Surrounding Areas | Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing | 184 | https://facebook.com/EsDetailing813 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827914 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774063 | 810 | 1482160082727123 | 1 | 5.202872503873E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110838505344804 | 0 | Mondays at Midtown | 120208689339140757 | eventbrite.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Mondays at Midtown | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mondays-at-midtown-tickets-891921028807?aff=oddtdtcreator | 1716068551 | 1.108385053448E+14 | Mondays at Midtown | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441528191_760527246106124_4700416826817714936_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kRnwUsFyj60Q7kNvgF9Pbzq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQibgGhFQIH7f8geW6Kd09kXAIy_0O7Nrn-2nZxA0GvQ&oe=664F1D32 | person_profile | 0 | Mondays at Midtown | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441511520_1227104992007051_6865298785694407210_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MP7GC29rC-oQ7kNvgFCnZFM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCx8qeAlP3KCwBs9hlxt6EIQVLPmKqhAWlZvPoDWg2fnA&oe=664F1BA8 | 0 | 3 | Mondays at Midtown | 1 | https://facebook.com/100092294876749 | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827953 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/5/25, 2:47 PM | 1716079226 | 1743882477 | 810 | 421877680693158 | 1 | 4.0623963231495E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 102301232155280 | 0 | Marie Fenniche | 6581162453907 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1103845990730962/ | 1716068063 | 1.0230123215528E+14 | Marie Fenniche | regular_page | 1 | Marie Fenniche | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490723_461924276376929_5858224141116431168_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jB0AK7jBQLsQ7kNvgG_L5pF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzpfs0Ogg3R3lWv7odbM3NQ8s3QYvAi7oEWUUFg0dUZQ&oe=664F1EC3 | 0 | 3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan - $7,950.00<br /> <br /> 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor W203 Sport Sedan, 71k miles. Clean CarFax, Clean Title. Lived Only In SoCal. AMG Styling Package. Sport Package. CD Changer. Power Operated Sunroof & Rear Sunshade. Cruise Control. Dual Zone Climate Control. Homelink. Supercharged Inline-4. Call or text us at (702) 969-1910 with any questions.<br /> <br /> Please see many more super high resolution photos on our website to zoom in on details.<br /> <br /> Clean Carfax, Clean Title, No Accidents, No Damage. Ask us for a free copy of the Carfax report. <br /> <br /> Cubanite Silver Metallic over Black MB-Tex w/ Aluminum Sport Trim<br /> <br /> - Cruise Control<br /> - Power Operated Rear Sunshade<br /> - CD Changer<br /> - Power Operated Sunroof<br /> - AMG Styling Package<br /> - Sport Package<br /> <br /> Please see many more super high resolution photos on our website to zoom in on details.<br /> <br /> Call or text us at (702) 969-1910 to book a viewing.<br /> <br /> --- We offer low shipping rates nationwide. --- Ask us about our extended warranty options. โ Please call ahead of time to make sure the car you want to see is available, as some of our cars are stored in other locations. --- Call or text us at 702 969-1910 with any questions. --- <br /> <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Marie Fenniche | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=858500006 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827963 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774064 | 810 | 916670020254149 | 1 | 9.4676222722915E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107201618415695 | 0 | T-Rex Tractor Service LLC | 120208300804990426 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716067974 | 1.072016184157E+14 | T-Rex Tractor Service LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445089058_1143523490231534_268515050151718303_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v8wBllQ8EWMQ7kNvgF9yrnO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBdNGVnPrmU7XG202Phe8_U5WEU5YvSwnFqbmvC9I0rvg&oe=664F0632 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DIYing your own Astro turf , but donโt want to break your back on the much needed prep work?? Thatโs what we are here for ! Give us a call for all your landscape and dirt work needs!Free estimates ๐ฆ(719)717-5947 | T-Rex Tractor Service LLC | 153 | https://facebook.com/100076504265096 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827970 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774065 | 810 | 972688947828717 | 1 | 1.1781538133446E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 246683858535005 | 0 | The Living Factor | 120210627040470316 | thelivingfactor.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Boost 3+ inches HEIGHT | Free Shipping | https://thelivingfactor.com/products/mens-shoes-8cm-lightweight-breathable-casual-small-size-elevator-shoes | 1716067838 | 2.4668385853500E+14 | The Living Factor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444135472_1185633949470124_8260633457637808327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oOVxj7WOKPkQ7kNvgELPpPF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYANYcjCDc1bhRm18OHZ0eyZeW3aPj9d5q77JqaACfOrmA&oe=664F10D7 | person_profile | 0 | Thelivingfactor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435983423_1586385642211855_1912761751905709276_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BUoIPMGspmkQ7kNvgEntPIw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC59oJvzRCCPXnqJXRuFU0erVUyQS1HXwjjl4KYNo_sRw&oe=664F1F24 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Reach New Heights with Sneakers 2.0 Height shoes! ๐ Elevate your stature and confidence with ease. <br /> <br /> Add up to 3 inches to your height effortlessly. Join the countless individuals walking taller and feeling unstoppable. <br /> <br /> Try them now and step into a life of greater confidence! ๐ฅ | The Living Factor | 9 | https://facebook.com/61557415686225 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827974 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/29/25, 5:48 AM | 1716079227 | 1748515734 | 810 | 1386670582049627 | 1 | 4.8817907024417E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 284947834981461 | 0 | Pia Lamberg | 6547980777997 | www.pialamberg.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://www.pialamberg.com/workouts | 1716067923 | 2.8494783498146E+14 | Pia Lamberg | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441709816_1159090801950331_8065669355984636435_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ql9oQUVUJXcQ7kNvgHgSyIm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCrIuMDuFp8lHijOtaQfR42crzeA74A23Qis-b80h8W-Q&oe=664F2FC0 | person_profile | 0 | Pia Lamberg | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441184164_414798578037948_6426284863626675908_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YWK-qBHmfoIQ7kNvgEFyYYQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAAGxaJGpIxIE-4jZglS9fCSX9P55uMqiiPI4iDdQ2Big&oe=664F0333 | 0 | 3 | โจ Transform Your Workouts with Proper Form! โจ<br /> <br /> Finally, a workout program youโll love, where results skyrocket! Learn the right form for every move with my guidance. <br /> <br /> I see so many people risking injury due to poor form. As a trainer, I prioritize teaching and guiding you through every movement. Join my program today from the link in bio! Get 2 weeks free and start seeing the difference proper form can make! ๐ช<br /> <br /> Proper form in exercise is not just about looking goodโitโs about staying safe and getting the best results. Hereโs why it matters:<br /> <br /> 1. Injury Prevention: Avoid strains and sprains by aligning your body correctly.<br /> 2. Efficiency: Maximize the effectiveness of each move for targeted results.<br /> 3. Better Results: Work muscles correctly for improved strength and endurance.<br /> 4. Longevity: Keep going strong without setbacks for long-term fitness.<br /> 5. Foundation for Progression: Build a safe base to advance your workouts over time.<br /> <br /> Ready to transform your fitness journey? Link in bio!<br /> <br /> #FitnessJourney #WorkoutTips #ProperForm #HealthyLifestyle | Pia Lamberg | 6967 | https://facebook.com/lambergpia | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827977 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774065 | 810 | 450350837680139 | 1 | 3.3910299891372E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 914992938521115 | 0 | A Plus Heating & Air | 6583334978463 | Sign up | NONE | image | Home > A Plus Heating & Air Conditioning | 1716067780 | 9.1499293852112E+14 | A Plus Heating & Air | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239840_1403837773650962_4469423797984881336_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V-j_miRuvDgQ7kNvgGRvBpL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAMJlIvoxxlnuCrpNsxmlU49IGA_H7iputY6HV8JTlfjQ&oe=664F0F33 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Heating & Air Conditioning Sales & Service, All Brands | A Plus Heating & Air | 812 | https://facebook.com/aplusheatingair | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827976 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774065 | 810 | 402567576084980 | 1 | 4.1721869778221E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1844878099137901 | 0 | Gigiโs Spiritual Awakenings | 6585255127379 | instagram.com | Send message | NONE | image | https://www.instagram.com/ | 1716066014 | 1.8448780991379E+15 | Gigiโs Spiritual Awakenings | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501475_1366719201386679_4561100275506613913_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D4VJ8XV9HB0Q7kNvgFIqrB_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBlUx6X4DPrNHa-xLHc-kzQ2uxJjknAdaUs5ZiZ9kmLHQ&oe=664F0A72 | person_profile | 0 | Gigi Bella Luce | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442436482_1627513861122769_8871385587002935300_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4fJrgyJBaPQQ7kNvgGiPf-W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsm72cNduiexAtWmT7bXlqFcaZuZ2NmIHeDNejY2CXVA&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Gigiโs Spiritual Awakenings | 1699 | https://facebook.com/readingsbygigi | 0 | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827981 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774066 | 810 | 796374269264244 | 1 | 9.7445049750494E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 182130868489581 | 0 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 6638267928982 | fb.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get A FREE Kids Gymnastics Class ๐ | https://fb.com/messenger_doc/ | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Hi, I'm interested in trying a FREE gymnastics class for my child","response":"Hi! We are offering a free trial class for you to try us out.\n \nWe have limited spots available so If you'd like to secure a spot for your child we will send you a text confirmation to secure your spot and schedule you in for the free trial class! Whats the best number for us to send the text to?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","welcome_message_edited":true,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"856756232520212","template_version":13} | 1716067755 | 1.8213086848958E+14 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440949999_326241383646487_2103342118017376255_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fG-LFAlIE90Q7kNvgF48RAb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCICxIYUnFqaOd-VE83epHesHufbh72b9tymFtezf2mjQ&oe=664F0B07 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จHey Moms In the area!๐, Have you been looking for a fun way to get your kids active? Come try out a gymnastics trial class for your child completely FREE!!<br /> <br /> *For kids 18 months old and up. (No experience necessary)*<br /> <br /> Imagine how awesome it's going to be when you get to see your child experience a fun, safe, and exciting gymnastics class for the very first time! Our focus is on the kids, not just gymnastics, so that your child has the best experience possible! Your child will immediately gain confidence, build discipline, as well as make friendships that will last a lifetime!<br /> <br /> Here at Woodlands Gymnastics we offer a wide range of different programs for you and your child to choose from such as: Gymnastics, Recreational, Ninja Warrior, and Tumbling. We've trained thousands of kids and we have over 100 years of collective experience teaching gymnastics!<br /> <br /> **Our gym is located in Spring, Texas**<br /> <br /> Click "Learn More" to get more info and to claim your FREE Kids Gymnastics Trial Class! | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 3003 | https://facebook.com/WoodlandsGymnastics | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827990 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774067 | 810 | 1018628896354882 | 1 | 8.6819071834108E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109569957340565 | 0 | Zain Jan | 120208812987740406 | growth.solarceos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get 25 Solar Deals GUARANTEED | https://growth.solarceos.com/biz-owners?utm_source=FB&utm_medium={{adset.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}} | 1716067687 | 1.0956995734056E+14 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436334249_305384945842792_5882344617189711152_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uLEMnaWOc-MQ7kNvgGbgsgz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCu2DUgdG0JGvGM_skkrNvP9TJyaQMBplR1GIQ3KTyWMg&oe=664F12A6 | person_profile | 0 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441310979_348212235031779_166974130321466586_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8cRu0DmpptgQ7kNvgEEa0lW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAPBPfieaOEKoZ2ccdQVf26uNR2Qrch6KcVL-9hGm0g1w&oe=664F268B | 0 | 3 | Solar Business Owners, let's cut to the chase. I will GUARANTEE you close an 25 extra solar deals minimum with this offer or we'll work for free until you do.<br /> <br /> My name is Zain Jan and I have scaled my own solar installer to tens of thousands of deals by implementing the strategies I'm going to teach you.<br /> <br /> (It's called Better Earth Solar, feel free to google it)<br /> <br /> And in the past few years I started helping solar business owners grow and scale too with these exact strategies - and the results have been mind blowing.<br /> <br /> And listen, this is not a gimmick or a trick.<br /> <br /> Anyone else would be crazy out of their mind for offering this.<br /> <br /> But we are so confident we can help your solar business grow that we guarantee you 25 deals or we'll work totally for free until you hit it...<br /> <br /> We help you with every part of the business (not just marketing)<br /> <br /> And we can do that because we actually own a 9 figure solar business and have done it before...<br /> <br /> THIS IS NOT A COURSE OR AN AGENCY<br /> <br /> This is actual 1on1 help from my business to yours.<br /> <br /> We will teach you all the proven processes and strategies of my 9 figure solar business so you can scale your operations to 7, 8 or even 9 figures.<br /> <br /> If this is not enough to catch your attention I don't know what else will.<br /> <br /> Schedule your call on the next page and see if this makes sense for you <br /> <br /> (the only reason it wouldn't would be because you don't want to grow your business bad enough, or because you're straight up crazy to pass on this offer ๐)<br /> <br /> Talk soon,<br /> <br /> -Zain Jan<br /> CEO of Better Earth Solar | Zain Jan | 3353 | https://facebook.com/zainjanofficial | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827993 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774067 | 810 | 774281921510347 | 1 | 2.5477020721913E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 44130041766 | 0 | Ten One Design | 6570293264252 | tenonedesign.com | Order now | NONE | video | Tired of sharing your Wi-Fi password out loud? Say hello to Wifi Porter! Simply tap or scan for instant access. ๐ถ #NoMorePasswordShouting #WifiPorter | Make life easier for your guests and yourself with Wifi Porter! Say goodbye to Wi-Fi setup headaches. ๐ซ๐โโ๏ธ #EasierWifi #WifiPorter. Wifi Porter is: ๐ฅ Easy to setup ๐ฅEasy to manage ๐ฅ Effortless to Keep your home clutter-free and your Wi-Fi access hassle-free with Wifi Porter! Stylish, seamless, and oh-so-convenient. ๐ซ๐ | http://tenonedesign.com/porter.php | 1715983101 | 44130041766 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442398703_456161793658098_2037176933383135417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x8xbej-3pJ8Q7kNvgFrZWqM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmMSdNclQeea15amSuMTO29bjcYgrLkTV1gvGv9V63jg&oe=664F2FAD | person_profile | 0 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441492767_1176134200365407_120198249549024497_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nH64WSlDLnUQ7kNvgHb4m5X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYByZx_lSMc7lvB6zvt7gaccZBZsDS2NuaW36G_n0ao91w&oe=664F3277 | 0 | 3 | "I absolutely love my Wifi Porter! It's such a game-changer for guests connecting to our Wi-Fi without any hassle. Plus, it looks sleek and matches our home decor perfectly. Highly recommend!" | Ten One Design | 3485 | https://facebook.com/tenonedesign | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827992 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774067 | 810 | 1613676212768522 | 1 | 8.1222247707081E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117137925112022 | 0 | High Pointe Church | 6597338649103 | NONE | image | 1716067613 | 1.1713792511202E+14 | High Pointe Church | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485039_1130554548154325_7574778102712399667_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uId-qzTkt14Q7kNvgHwUZ56&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDq5M9iTbc9QLX9Y4Xe49Oweb1r0UP6l_RnaM6BTSKymg&oe=664F0751 | person_profile | 0 | High Pointe Church | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444480752_955081382993437_3847200044870400702_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vPO1iLn0kOoQ7kNvgFq5u9n&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChU3wMHSX0IOINrO5gSyvU-6Of_I-wcZL13kDd7FyLlA&oe=664F2450 | 0 | 3 | FREE Kids Event!<br /> <br /> For kids entering Kindergarten in the FALL all the way up to kids entering 6th Grade in the FALL.<br /> <br /> June 24th - June 28th<br /> 9am-12pm each day<br /> <br /> Get ready to start the party and celebrate the good news!<br /> <br /> Through interactive activities such as awesome crazy games, energetic worship, crafts and age appropriate lessons, your children will learn about...<br /> Friendship<br /> Belonging<br /> Forgiveness<br /> Abundant life <br /> Purpose<br /> and so much more!<br /> <br /> PLUS! Every child who attends our Kids Day Camp get a chance to win a Nintendo Switch Mario Party Game Bundle! Invite more friends to join you this week for more chances to win!!!<br /> <br /> Sign up by clicking the link below (Online Registration closes June 21st but Walk-Ins are welcome all week)<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgotohpc.churchcenter.com%2Fregistrations%2Fevents%2F2230273&h=AT3F4DlefdyN32ZDJjRmf5jOc5EAh-ILsBZ6COA2i7IszOpM7ogdN9G2jg27JceKSUho1uF_EQwpBJ325a7-oBk3YGswZeJF4t-2X-kruQo5to5kRlmeakoM-X1cxuzZ5hVsBIwBdGyGCR-CKar9di47ZS4" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://gotohpc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2230273</a> | High Pointe Church | 2224 | https://facebook.com/HighpointechurchCT | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828000 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/24/25, 8:32 AM | 1716079227 | 1748093564 | 810 | 917465943403169 | 1 | 2.4019307766627E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 278382862025054 | 0 | Daisy Nguyen - Cแปญa Hร ng Trรกi Cรขy Nhแบญp Khแบฉu | 120209322055920604 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1715877594 | 2.7838286202505E+14 | Daisy Nguyen - Cแปญa Hร ng Trรกi Cรขy Nhแบญp Khแบฉu | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442462787_488544880346771_3641329635624151475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hU-JCD-6foUQ7kNvgHUIp_S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHVHjFrsvI7AgC80tU6btqch4Exn4k4LM3YzdvCPhlFQ&oe=664F1BA8 | person_profile | 0 | Daisy Nguyen - Cแปญa Hร ng Trรกi C | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415218_1670941290381359_4103055543196511274_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SG9-TF2jq1UQ7kNvgH2O5ad&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYALlzI1vUivZeDJ3Rk4rS--yjriNjuIEJeYkGiDLdLKfw&oe=664F1574 | 0 | 3 | ๐๐๐๐TRรI CรY NHร VฦฏแปN NGON - Sแบ CH - Rแบบ ฤแบขM BแบขO SแปจC KHแปE CHO MแปI NHร๐๐๐๐<br /> ( Bแบฃng $ nร y cรณ thแป thay ฤแปi theo ngร y แบก)<br /> -----------------------------------------------<br /> ๐๐๐๐ฅฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฅญ๐ฅ๐<br /> - Mแบฃng cแบงu na Viแปt Nam //120$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mแบฃng cแบงu Na Thรกi Lan//145$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Tรกo Tร u//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mแบฃng cแบงu xiรชm Viแปt Nam //125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mรขy Indonesia//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mรขy Thรกi Lan//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mแบญn ฤแป Viแปt Nam//120$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Xoร i Thรกi//115$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Xoร i cรกt Hรฒa Lแปc//120$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mฤng cแปฅt//130$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Sแบงu riรชng Thรกi Lan//165$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Mรญt tแป nแปฏ//18$...1trรกi//3lb<br /> - Mรญt Thรกi Lan//145$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - แปi ruแปt ฤแป//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Vรบ sแปฏa tรญm//130$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Vรบ sแปฏa trแบฏng//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Me dแปt bแปt//129$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Bฦฐแปi da xanh//120$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Bฦฐแปi da ฤแป//135$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Lรช ki ma//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Thanh Long ruแปt ฤแป//130$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Dแปซa sรกp Trร Vinh//130$...1thรนng...8 trรกi<br /> - Mแบญn xanh //125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Bรฒn bon Thรกi//160$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Nhรฃn hแบกt tiรชu//129$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Chรดm chรดm//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Sapoche//130$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Cรณc Thรกi//130$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> - Hแปng treo giรณ//125$...1thรนng...15lb<br /> โ Sแบฃn phแบฉm nguแปn gแปc xuแบฅt xแปฉ rรต rร ng<br /> โ Bแบฃo hร nh trรชn tแปซng quแบฃ ฤem ฤแบฟn chแบฅt lฦฐแปฃng tแปt nhแบฅt cho khรกch nhร mรฌnh mแปi khi dรนng<br /> โ Shop e hแป trแปฃ free shipping vร bao ฤn nรชn khรกch hร ng order vui lรฒng kiแปm tra kแปน vร quay videos lแบกi ฤแป xแปญ lรฝ nแบฟu cรณ vแบฅn ฤแป vแป ฤฦกn hร ng<br /> โ Inbox trแปฑc tiแบฟp cho page ฤแป ฤฦฐแปฃc tฦฐ vแบฅn vร ฤแบทt hร ng nhanh chรณng.<br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------<br /> โ๏ธ : +1 315-273-4839<br /> ฤแปa chแป :2357N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL, United States, Florida<br /> โ๏ธ FRESHIPPING OVERNIGHT | Daisy Nguyen - Cแปญa Hร ng Trรกi Cรขy Nhแบญp Khแบฉu | 921 | https://facebook.com/61558392715241 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828212 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774067 | 810 | 837622624912327 | 1 | 1.1546932358747E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236342316225096 | 0 | foodnaura | 120209035330720444 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | foodnaura | https://www.facebook.com/236342316225096 | 1716066076 | 2.363423162251E+14 | foodnaura | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442506877_7457405267678550_7499190692343954901_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rdpc79_aZJAQ7kNvgGAphEl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCNkeNEDONCqc_OQVJVWCgneL3bmzUltSawRHhgKGVeBw&oe=664F2BDE | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฉโ๐ณ Daily Delicious Recipes with all the directions needed. Thumbs Up from right side ๐๐ | foodnaura | 5329 | https://facebook.com/61556072527755 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828004 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774067 | 810 | 982442220153257 | 1 | 1.4196481686986E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 112918190079374 | 0 | Brynn Ford | 120211176704100215 | amazon.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Forbidden Dark Romance! ๐ค๐๐ค | One-click this unforgettable series and binge read now! | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KLRQ4B?maas=maas_adg_E8CC8ACE3201DF399025E0430B9E4B4A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas | 1716067522 | 1.1291819007937E+14 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484332_1684435722301179_1164309111260870169_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eGV58F45TsYQ7kNvgGuzccq&_nc_oc=AdhH3avfCAyAARx0oXtIw0MU8dBqmHWCBQRucyE3utC34MN1NWgrGA4048vQR3stpkU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJt8IdMsX5wFrDxK13qxRFj1h2khoc0wgof9O4n-BUoQ&oe=664F1AB5 | person_profile | 0 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441276254_1213561276303158_4344353495757005857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zhD2VD32_roQ7kNvgE4ot6G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBwvqZruZurxDJSEn07g7tsPHZUml2cNf9H-Wo1qNXcsA&oe=664F2E81 | 0 | 3 | "There. I've done it. I've brought the devil out of him." ๐ค๐๐ค One-click this captivating dark romance now and read the entire series for free in Kindle Unlimited! GO TO AMAZON โก amzn.to/4aTaCc2 | Brynn Ford | 1471 | https://facebook.com/BrynnFordAuthor | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828013 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774068 | 810 | 466522865859962 | 1 | 4.127899216681E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1672123229685289 | 0 | My Medic | 6608326539768 | mymedic.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Stay Alive | Free Shipping + Lifetime Guarantee | https://mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits | 1716067487 | 1.6721232296853E+15 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405923_1415416482448217_8649424139770443887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K5UUf302Wb8Q7kNvgG0jmkn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBEyNMx28lpw8_ZPo_BvFJ3mRBunrh6pEHiBjvBC3W__g&oe=664F338D | person_profile | 0 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202488_1778986465926374_8793004989724471100_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TL3VBoGixjUQ7kNvgGT7wFO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxuY0vrE6ZTi22YmJ5UCbOpfq3kkAi7y_ylzTZyT1iHA&oe=664F1634 | 0 | 3 | The life-saving first aid kits EVERYONE is talking about. ๐ฅ | My Medic | 227705 | https://facebook.com/mymedicofficial | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828024 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774068 | 810 | 667176408884574 | 1 | 7.859155447481E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 219365831268873 | 0 | Ada Made | 6584902436545 | Send message | NONE | image | 'Ada Made' Creations Spread Prevention Awareness | As the mother of 5-year-old and 7-month-old boys and a full-time career as a pediatric nurse, Whitney Oliver has plenty of things to occupy her time. | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I make a purchase?","response":""},{"title":"Can I see more products?","response":""},{"title":"Is this available in my size?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067992 | 2.1936583126887E+14 | Ada Made | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441966177_2005572256530933_6699436176147903728_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=stuf8yFxX74Q7kNvgHBAgxE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD9UgNBFGe-9OxBWAxuXGV8-aGXtRekHE194Z1xMdfobA&oe=664F0384 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Thrilled to have donated to the Greene county antidrug coalition! Even more heartened to hear that one of the free Narcan kits I distributed was used to save a life. While it's something we hope never has to be used, I'm grateful to know it made a difference. #CommunitySupport #SavingLives<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenevillesun.com%2Fnews%2Flocal_news%2Fada-made-creations-spread-prevention-awareness%2Farticle_24a9c552-1483-11ef-bc62-53a2b65bb3df.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR291rx4ArPik16V9TM7fLf224k_jmp7HEE8dsIViZO2aWYwep2i-o062wg_aem_AU-PBhK3gx1LHnZwS33v5rmXG-heqgLSjVAQAP9OmAjPvz29wW3Ouhob6Khxl3IzwiOrHte2CIwO8eSbb0ICPYHs&h=AT3T9IX9jMx71iu3IGssp8VUUhSjZBqIpAWr6Tn-Dv6pVw9sKAW-sA_8qym1ZPpi76OZ2ny7xfYeUU0hT_hYGnPH0J7zxDK_Wg3hCo54uoDvFEZuBQvlxlb0_Sk8b4P-vcfmIUKXnOdP0Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/ada-made-creations-spread-prevention-awareness/article_24a9c552-1483-11ef-bc62-53a2b65bb3df.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR291rx4ArPik16V9TM7fLf224k_jmp7HEE8dsIViZO2aWYwep2i-o062wg_aem_AU-PBhK3gx1LHnZwS33v5rmXG-heqgLSjVAQAP9OmAjPvz29wW3Ouhob6Khxl3IzwiOrHte2CIwO8eSbb0ICPYHs</a> | Ada Made | 160 | https://facebook.com/AdaMadeApparel | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828030 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774068 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828026 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774068 | 810 | 2813623588789956 | 2 | 9.7919749659524E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146628125203759 | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 120208980657310391 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | image | $6497 For A New Roof | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | http://fb.me/ | 1716067389 | 1.4662812520376E+14 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438275651_1924255381337094_6121558709749340311_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K_6Yyu4_qhgQ7kNvgGh7M87&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBXOpAWgD1D2m9glVdrGVk23flJ56AoCZ0u6UCvZjhKGA&oe=664F2131 | person_profile | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137995_1123746545516096_8763890579031245225_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1zi-vixk-wkQ7kNvgFpJMeV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMMm4x6rhjLOEKWxdLBxt5BWj84RbDsHOnV-scB1o_YQ&oe=664F2DE1 | 0 | 3 | $6,497 for a roof?<br /> <br /> Sure, it has to do with it's size.<br /> <br /> Some roofs are 10k, 20k or even 30k.<br /> <br /> But our roofs are more affordable than most our competitors.<br /> <br /> Here's why:<br /> <br /> We might be Mighty Dog, but we are not a BIG company. We are locally owned and operated.<br /> <br /> We don't have 20 offices, 50 trucks and 100 billboards.<br /> <br /> We run our business like a lean mean machine.<br /> <br /> We have a small team, run our own crews, use smart marketing and we manage our finances properly.<br /> <br /> Less overhead for us.<br /> <br /> Better prices to you.<br /> <br /> All of this while still using the same high quality materials these other contractors use but charge 3x more.<br /> <br /> Click the "GET QUOTE" button below to get a FREE Quote! | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 102 | https://facebook.com/61552982302665 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828027 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 418530487754847 | 3 | 1.1088349570628E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146628125203759 | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 120208980657340391 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | image | $6497 For A New Roof | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | http://fb.me/ | 1716067392 | 1.4662812520376E+14 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441621369_7513658012035979_4204002002377891781_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=weO-rxY-SVYQ7kNvgHp4Bag&_nc_oc=AdgZxxaJnXi4rA1b1rIcjEM6FSKgmfw50sP2D0H_lq29cb7Gc1TIl7yFgFgoDH4phAk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyXJ46TkxcqYCtLXQBrmr5syPD-mvbkMihxGFpe0pX0w&oe=664F329E | person_profile | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441491204_364041910020979_8289656740115287934_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zmqQmwYf2CsQ7kNvgFU0Ci4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBHPxbi8ybXK1vhiZEfAeSg6ITqxxp4VQUfnNgcFBeTYA&oe=664F372C | 0 | 3 | $6,497 for a roof?<br /> <br /> Sure, it has to do with it's size.<br /> <br /> Some roofs are 10k, 20k or even 30k.<br /> <br /> But our roofs are more affordable than most our competitors.<br /> <br /> Here's why:<br /> <br /> We might be Mighty Dog, but we are not a BIG company. We are locally owned and operated.<br /> <br /> We don't have 20 offices, 50 trucks and 100 billboards.<br /> <br /> We run our business like a lean mean machine.<br /> <br /> We have a small team, run our own crews, use smart marketing and we manage our finances properly.<br /> <br /> Less overhead for us.<br /> <br /> Better prices to you.<br /> <br /> All of this while still using the same high quality materials these other contractors use but charge 3x more.<br /> <br /> Click the "GET QUOTE" button below to get a FREE Quote! | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 102 | https://facebook.com/61552982302665 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828032 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828033 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828034 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828035 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828040 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 1097181474914862 | 1 | 9.763145575351E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101863025760066 | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | 120207866139960674 | https://bestgardenlandscapeservices.com/ | Get Quote | NONE | dco | Request a Free Quote | https://thesocialbeemarketing.simplero.com/page/511471-best-garden-landscape-services | 1716067291 | 1.0186302576007E+14 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445383037_757696669740509_7253799186618174519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R5IxmV6vAlcQ7kNvgFqDo6p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDYXHEO6yJfPPS8fbvBo31egyI3-oTckiqbncfFmp8Nfw&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445361544_365132583205466_7388516938882033814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=caJ48bD70jcQ7kNvgGRoOC4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVpBOfN8Jm0odEwudXqakMXBzkoVTRAagD6EM--NOkRA&oe=664F0BF0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ Attention Florida Homeowners! ๐จ Tired of a dull backyard? Let Best Garden Landscape Services transform it into a breathtaking outdoor oasis with custom pool landscapes and hardscaping features. From lush greenery to intricate paver patios and fire pits, we elevate curb appeal and create the perfect space for relaxation. For a limited time, get a FREE estimate and $500 off select services! | Best Garden Landscape Services | 638 | https://facebook.com/BestGardenLandscapeServices | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828041 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774069 | 810 | 1097181474914862 | 1 | 9.763145575351E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101863025760066 | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | 120207866139960674 | https://bestgardenlandscapeservices.com/ | Get Quote | NONE | dco | Request a Free Quote | https://thesocialbeemarketing.simplero.com/page/511471-best-garden-landscape-services | 1716067291 | 1.0186302576007E+14 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445383037_757696669740509_7253799186618174519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R5IxmV6vAlcQ7kNvgFqDo6p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDYXHEO6yJfPPS8fbvBo31egyI3-oTckiqbncfFmp8Nfw&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445361544_365132583205466_7388516938882033814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=caJ48bD70jcQ7kNvgGRoOC4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVpBOfN8Jm0odEwudXqakMXBzkoVTRAagD6EM--NOkRA&oe=664F0BF0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ Attention Florida Homeowners! ๐จ Tired of a dull backyard? Let Best Garden Landscape Services transform it into a breathtaking outdoor oasis with custom pool landscapes and hardscaping features. From lush greenery to intricate paver patios and fire pits, we elevate curb appeal and create the perfect space for relaxation. For a limited time, get a FREE estimate and $500 off select services! | Best Garden Landscape Services | 638 | https://facebook.com/BestGardenLandscapeServices | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828056 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774070 | 810 | 464920389247817 | 1 | 1.978296605919E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 253637064495518 | 0 | Local Growth AI | 120210487751750127 | localgrowthai.co | Learn More | NONE | dco | Elevate Your Customer Experience with AI Assist โ No Credit Card Required! | AI-Powered ChatBot designed to elevate your customer experience. Engage with your customers 24/7 on your website and GBP, collect customer information effortlessly, Communicate with your customers from one centralized Inbox. | https://localgrowthai.co/generate-lead-for-your-agency | 1715807223 | 2.5363706449552E+14 | Local Growth AI | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477114_1488421842554884_1778710129329638008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VpuJPQLdsk0Q7kNvgG_GR_E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5Hc-kJ8iRCfmSKPv2QV7HrNaP5RwfpIhYiHfyhXSRrg&oe=664F34F0 | person_profile | 0 | Steve Torchyan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496140_472848821752171_442303558741711031_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oR4hpmuSLtsQ7kNvgHELHnC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDrURi2zmbcvT6Fd7qbdm2KYy9pmRbjk8tNMfsHbupQpw&oe=664F2560 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Transform Your Insurance Agency with AI Assist! ๐ Introducing AI Assist, the revolutionary chatbot designed specifically for insurance agencies. Our AI-powered technology engages with your customers seamlessly, collecting essential information and generating valuable leadsโall without a single keystroke from your team. Why AI Assist? โ Automated Customer Interaction: Engage and capture customer data 24/7. โ Lead Generation Made Easy: Every conversation is an opportunity turned into a lead. โ Hassle-Free Setup: Easy to integrate with your website and GBP. โ Customer Experience Elevated: Provide answers and collect information effortlessly. ๐ Special Launch Offer! Enjoy a FREE 30-day trial of AI Assist, no credit card required. Experience how AI can boost your agency's efficiency and customer satisfaction. Don't miss out on the future of insurance customer interactions. Empower your agency with AI Assist today! | Local Growth AI | 9 | https://facebook.com/localgrowthai | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828057 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774070 | 810 | 464920389247817 | 1 | 1.978296605919E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 253637064495518 | 0 | Local Growth AI | 120210487751750127 | localgrowthai.co | Learn More | NONE | dco | Elevate Your Customer Experience with AI Assist โ No Credit Card Required! | AI-Powered ChatBot designed to elevate your customer experience. Engage with your customers 24/7 on your website and GBP, collect customer information effortlessly, Communicate with your customers from one centralized Inbox. | https://localgrowthai.co/generate-lead-for-your-agency | 1715807223 | 2.5363706449552E+14 | Local Growth AI | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477114_1488421842554884_1778710129329638008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VpuJPQLdsk0Q7kNvgG_GR_E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5Hc-kJ8iRCfmSKPv2QV7HrNaP5RwfpIhYiHfyhXSRrg&oe=664F34F0 | person_profile | 0 | Steve Torchyan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496140_472848821752171_442303558741711031_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oR4hpmuSLtsQ7kNvgHELHnC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDrURi2zmbcvT6Fd7qbdm2KYy9pmRbjk8tNMfsHbupQpw&oe=664F2560 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Transform Your Insurance Agency with AI Assist! ๐ Introducing AI Assist, the revolutionary chatbot designed specifically for insurance agencies. Our AI-powered technology engages with your customers seamlessly, collecting essential information and generating valuable leadsโall without a single keystroke from your team. Why AI Assist? โ Automated Customer Interaction: Engage and capture customer data 24/7. โ Lead Generation Made Easy: Every conversation is an opportunity turned into a lead. โ Hassle-Free Setup: Easy to integrate with your website and GBP. โ Customer Experience Elevated: Provide answers and collect information effortlessly. ๐ Special Launch Offer! Enjoy a FREE 30-day trial of AI Assist, no credit card required. Experience how AI can boost your agency's efficiency and customer satisfaction. Don't miss out on the future of insurance customer interactions. Empower your agency with AI Assist today! | Local Growth AI | 9 | https://facebook.com/localgrowthai | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828058 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774070 | 810 | 964077095174469 | 1 | 1.6008652973655E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2446236252075427 | 0 | Haley Blankenhorn | 120209256313890394 | Contact us | NONE | image | 12x20 Metal Shed - Free Delivery - Zero Down Options Available | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1447398692818787/ | 1716067125 | 2.4462362520754E+15 | Haley Blankenhorn | regular_page | 1 | Haley Blankenhorn | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470127_460122553188333_3499952736504950705_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=npVSbz39Zj8Q7kNvgFLNeIR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDqtw4zWeh9X-WnVjsLkBdj6_nAoJwOLLisfG1gr2l6Pw&oe=664F23A4 | 0 | 3 | 12x20 Metal Shed - Free Delivery - Zero Down Options Available - $4,665.00<br /> <br /> RTO and LOW Monthly Payment Financing Available โ 12X20 Metal Garage with Rollup Garage Door - Includes Free Delivery and setup.<br /> <br /> Our buildings are of the highest quality with our attention to detail unmatched by mass produced sheds. Just pick the size, the color of your siding, trim and roof and we will take care of the restโฆโฆโฆโฆ<br /> <br /> Other Sizes Available:<br /> <br /> 10X16 <br /> 12ร16 <br /> 12ร24 <br /> 12X30 <br /> 14ร24 <br /> 14ร28 <br /> 14ร32 <br /> 14ร36 <br /> <br /> Roof Material: Metal<br /> <br /> Siding Material: Metal<br /> <br /> Standard Features:<br /> <br /> All standard with a rollup garage door and a 3โ4โ floor.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Haley Blankenhorn | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1159470216 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828059 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774070 | 810 | 471907658847154 | 1 | 1.2345833741848E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106613425153564 | 0 | The Iron Lion Breaks-Page | 6550706494354 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/ironlionbreaks | 1716067118 | 1.0661342515356E+14 | The Iron Lion Breaks-Page | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441205050_461954936248033_2697258048611097953_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2PxmIS9Q_RoQ7kNvgHVOMgm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhjRsr9Mt35MxPLG1ZguU23sdTwWXZK3PxJOi1OVY4AQ&oe=664F2D8E | person_profile | 0 | The Iron Lion Breaks | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441729512_2641739935999466_7276525827050464801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LTwuc7IYHfwQ7kNvgEKgUBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBL2i8vtO4TIElgibEfPh8hMpFONefig6ggBq3WjNac9Q&oe=664F0877 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ๐จ๐จ๐PLAYOFF GIVEAWAY POST๐ ๐จ๐จ๐จ<br /> <br /> All new members to our Facebook group (New meaning joined starting on 5-17-24) can get a FREE ENTRY to winโผ๏ธTHOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE FACEBOOK CAN ENTER ALSOโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ALL BREAK SPOTS/TEAMS PURCHASED FROM TODAY UNTIL THIS ENDS WILL COUNT AS ENTRIES FOR THIS GIVEAWAYโผ๏ธNO LIMIT ON ENTRIESโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> NO NEED TO COMMENT, WE WILL BE TRACKING EVERYTHINGโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> 1st-2023-24 Prizm Basketball Hobby Box<br /> <br /> 2nd-2018-19 Prizm Luka Doncic Rookie Silver <br /> <br /> 3rd-2018-19 Select Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Light Blue Rookie /299 PSA 10<br /> <br /> 4th-2018-19 Select Jalen Brunson Rookie Autograph /199 <br /> <br /> ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ<br /> <br /> CUTOFF FOR ENTRIES IS 5-27-24โผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Good luck, Iron Lion familyโผ๏ธ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ | The Iron Lion Breaks-Page | 1521 | https://facebook.com/ironlionbreaks | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828061 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774070 | 810 | 792550729500131 | 1 | 9.8808292556941E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 122315731293895 | 0 | Golden Rosycross | 120212805527730405 | goldenrosycross.org | Listen Now | NONE | carousel | Free books, videos, events, podcasts...and more! | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | https://www.goldenrosycross.org/spiritualacademyprogramdetails/sta_mysteriessoulen | 1716057267 | 1.223157312939E+14 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128614_1132045984780793_8149950878961606482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NIJI3E1e9qgQ7kNvgGtprGV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEiu_ag42et3jnTb8zAm8uSGluB5F_8mIiipmhCi5r5Q&oe=664F1A91 | person_profile | 0 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436317526_434714625869436_4307594224188999712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iou-Xm8po7QQ7kNvgFVZe1h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDbJijRvFLkI1qom_ZwXhL_zqcP5_HG-mTH_3VybhYAqQ&oe=664F1F52 | 0 | 3 | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | Golden Rosycross | 683201 | https://facebook.com/goldenrosycross | 0 | LISTEN_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828062 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774070 | 810 | 792550729500131 | 1 | 9.8808292556941E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 122315731293895 | 0 | Golden Rosycross | 120212805527730405 | goldenrosycross.org | Listen Now | NONE | carousel | Free books, videos, events, podcasts...and more! | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | https://www.goldenrosycross.org/spiritualacademyprogramdetails/sta_mysteriessoulen | 1716057267 | 1.223157312939E+14 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128614_1132045984780793_8149950878961606482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NIJI3E1e9qgQ7kNvgGtprGV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEiu_ag42et3jnTb8zAm8uSGluB5F_8mIiipmhCi5r5Q&oe=664F1A91 | person_profile | 0 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436317526_434714625869436_4307594224188999712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iou-Xm8po7QQ7kNvgFVZe1h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDbJijRvFLkI1qom_ZwXhL_zqcP5_HG-mTH_3VybhYAqQ&oe=664F1F52 | 0 | 3 | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | Golden Rosycross | 683201 | https://facebook.com/goldenrosycross | 0 | LISTEN_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828063 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774070 | 810 | 792550729500131 | 1 | 9.8808292556941E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 122315731293895 | 0 | Golden Rosycross | 120212805527730405 | goldenrosycross.org | Listen Now | NONE | carousel | Free books, videos, events, podcasts...and more! | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | https://www.goldenrosycross.org/spiritualacademyprogramdetails/sta_mysteriessoulen | 1716057267 | 1.223157312939E+14 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128614_1132045984780793_8149950878961606482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NIJI3E1e9qgQ7kNvgGtprGV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEiu_ag42et3jnTb8zAm8uSGluB5F_8mIiipmhCi5r5Q&oe=664F1A91 | person_profile | 0 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436317526_434714625869436_4307594224188999712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iou-Xm8po7QQ7kNvgFVZe1h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDbJijRvFLkI1qom_ZwXhL_zqcP5_HG-mTH_3VybhYAqQ&oe=664F1F52 | 0 | 3 | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | Golden Rosycross | 683201 | https://facebook.com/goldenrosycross | 0 | LISTEN_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828064 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 415765424585577 | 1 | 1.5931590714732E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 173727702968742 | 0 | Crystal Parenti Photography | 6588615493695 | www.crystalparentiphotography.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | FREE tips on de-stressing a stressful session! | The perfect tool for anyone looking to improve their newborn game! Follow along with an 18 page PDF and instructional videos that cover set-up, wrapping, bean placement, shooting angles, pose variations, editing and so much more! Decrease your session time and increase your 5 star ratings! | https://crystalparentiphotography.thrivecart.com/free/ | 1716067102 | 1.7372770296874E+14 | Crystal Parenti Photography | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440322582_981319943169983_8554513577490942997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BApPZQRvngEQ7kNvgGdnzJI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBnC0J5iaUCWtS7k5OPaP7vq9hNvVRxjmNDR5Mz-_ZvDQ&oe=664F1CC9 | person_profile | 0 | Crystal Harczak Parenti | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441492558_415688248052212_8377204589208693074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BLjc9SxzCfkQ7kNvgEdaqTJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAb46IOf6jYBMKyV25iNaldBCqK6LNmFQVf9YPvCibP9w&oe=664F0D2D | 0 | 3 | Crying baby? Anxious parents?? Stressed photographer??? I got your back! | Crystal Parenti Photography | 1631 | https://facebook.com/crystalparentiphotography | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828065 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 415765424585577 | 1 | 1.5931590714732E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 173727702968742 | 0 | Crystal Parenti Photography | 6588615493695 | www.crystalparentiphotography.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | FREE tips on de-stressing a stressful session! | The perfect tool for anyone looking to improve their newborn game! Follow along with an 18 page PDF and instructional videos that cover set-up, wrapping, bean placement, shooting angles, pose variations, editing and so much more! Decrease your session time and increase your 5 star ratings! | https://crystalparentiphotography.thrivecart.com/free/ | 1716067102 | 1.7372770296874E+14 | Crystal Parenti Photography | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440322582_981319943169983_8554513577490942997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BApPZQRvngEQ7kNvgGdnzJI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBnC0J5iaUCWtS7k5OPaP7vq9hNvVRxjmNDR5Mz-_ZvDQ&oe=664F1CC9 | person_profile | 0 | Crystal Harczak Parenti | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441492558_415688248052212_8377204589208693074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BLjc9SxzCfkQ7kNvgEdaqTJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAb46IOf6jYBMKyV25iNaldBCqK6LNmFQVf9YPvCibP9w&oe=664F0D2D | 0 | 3 | Crying baby? Anxious parents?? Stressed photographer??? I got your back! | Crystal Parenti Photography | 1631 | https://facebook.com/crystalparentiphotography | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828066 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 415765424585577 | 1 | 1.5931590714732E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 173727702968742 | 0 | Crystal Parenti Photography | 6588615493695 | www.crystalparentiphotography.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | FREE tips on de-stressing a stressful session! | The perfect tool for anyone looking to improve their newborn game! Follow along with an 18 page PDF and instructional videos that cover set-up, wrapping, bean placement, shooting angles, pose variations, editing and so much more! Decrease your session time and increase your 5 star ratings! | https://crystalparentiphotography.thrivecart.com/free/ | 1716067102 | 1.7372770296874E+14 | Crystal Parenti Photography | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440322582_981319943169983_8554513577490942997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BApPZQRvngEQ7kNvgGdnzJI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBnC0J5iaUCWtS7k5OPaP7vq9hNvVRxjmNDR5Mz-_ZvDQ&oe=664F1CC9 | person_profile | 0 | Crystal Harczak Parenti | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441492558_415688248052212_8377204589208693074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BLjc9SxzCfkQ7kNvgEdaqTJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAb46IOf6jYBMKyV25iNaldBCqK6LNmFQVf9YPvCibP9w&oe=664F0D2D | 0 | 3 | Crying baby? Anxious parents?? Stressed photographer??? I got your back! | Crystal Parenti Photography | 1631 | https://facebook.com/crystalparentiphotography | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828068 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 829968825679291 | 1 | 1.1245609521452E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101153455770238 | 0 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 120209769510330652 | eventbrite.com | Buy Tickets | NONE | dco | Nick Ellis + Friends at 14er Brewing | {{product.description}} | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nick-ellis-friends-comedy-show-in-rino-tickets-879162718357?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl | 1715634030 | 1.0115345577024E+14 | Nick Ellis Comedy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440603220_403411022665878_5106886567588179664_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1H6WFGR6cS8Q7kNvgHea62w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjxlwQuciSiPHcLNbO2WaA65rK4XzJs-59Yus41OydUA&oe=664F2FCC | person_profile | 0 | Nick Ellis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436597992_992891652410321_4233685626010449661_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y3m7joWv72cQ7kNvgGvC0FV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_k0xj-F5aYCJue_qPiZOcKqbCQ3elpNzA0m6eRy5JeQ&oe=664F0C04 | 0 | 3 | FREE comedy night at 14er Brewing! Saturday 5/18 | Nick Ellis Comedy | 49 | https://facebook.com/nickelliscomedy | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828071 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 435990005820353 | 1 | 1.3860182920739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110683535625438 | 0 | Bosley Medical | 6592490539393 | bosley.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | SoCal's #1 Choice for Hair Restoration | {{product.description}} | https://www.bosley.com/lp/gnbh24/ | 1713551104 | 1.1068353562544E+14 | Bosley Medical | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438108664_450974730784114_5097952368545468220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J-Z6iAb_hF0Q7kNvgFMfXff&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3C-PO7i0m7IDJVFRT64Juw4vxVbVmAZOkUzDgF8YZsw&oe=664F1B71 | person_profile | 0 | Bosley Medical | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438097698_964804732030461_2721143844133313250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jtaksYdxuKgQ7kNvgEDL9Mu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBCmYaTPYO5KPOfu8hgkqUudUCC1PFhtIa9v_hmGIwPNw&oe=664F28A9 | 0 | 3 | Get your FREE consultation and get your hair back with Bosley of Southern California. Discover our simple, 1-day procedure. | Bosley Medical | 36525 | https://facebook.com/BosleyMedical | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828073 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 478925304485415 | 1 | 1.1657852877801E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 160650150473087 | 0 | Yogurtland | 6562071946571 | NONE | image | 1716067051 | 1.6065015047309E+14 | Yogurtland | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489030_1660525704683299_2373707025086699044_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Xs9FoUAjESEQ7kNvgETjC1e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCq3UAd31KJ2EJ_uOJUbZzTFI_s725gYfWXXNsRCpygGQ&oe=664F339C | person_profile | 0 | Yogurtland | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318503_1501617444071772_1835246745692830151_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=n9FSf6w6GyAQ7kNvgGho70B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzMLJ5iZuhJB-_RR3MEc-7az0_94zupmZSgiMjS1DLsQ&oe=664F141E | 0 | 3 | ONE MORE DAY until our doors open at Yogurtland West Berlin! Get a FREE 8oz cup of frozen yogurt tomorrow 5/19 from 12-3 pm! Swirl with us at 200 Route 73 N in Berlin Circle Plaza near ShopRite. | Yogurtland | 12 | https://facebook.com/yogurtlandwestberlin | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828077 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 1176134000247725 | 1 | 9.7122157131722E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100319909615129 | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 120209790064600026 | canadianclassicfineart.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://canadianclassicfineart.com/collections/rebry-gaston | 1716067031 | 1.0031990961513E+14 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441523058_476520025038550_2852350277940656671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0E9qcdHqNe4Q7kNvgHUuToA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfOGpEQ-B1PAeMSfmzJa-tGtYLh3pHk2SzHah-0JOZ0A&oe=664F29D0 | person_profile | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479779_446630461317984_7452400458425141726_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SdLEYDWV7A8Q7kNvgEgkdBQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDP7IYw31VOXiv1DNoESVi7DSCnSh7PeNVIqzR-UnEG2w&oe=664F0913 | 0 | 3 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 2 | https://facebook.com/100088877200606 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827912 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 5:17 AM | 1716079226 | 1749032269 | 810 | 419685384289085 | 1 | 1.4153353724527E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103920792098770 | 0 | 2121 Candle Co. | 120210071971370355 | 2121candleco.com | Learn more | NONE | image | http://www.2121candleco.com/ | 1716068508 | 1.0392079209877E+14 | 2121 Candle Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442414372_1008653540976767_8185070978858764976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9HH28cH9gfsQ7kNvgFBGbwu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAzbU4AvTkdlo8chCi4bYoX6CuiF7FjSKQmp8PYJyqJSw&oe=664F1186 | person_profile | 0 | 2121 Candle Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441452850_1366216860708233_8752509577523961151_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gprnC7y5I-4Q7kNvgF1JOwv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDVBZ2JBzv_UJpgSm3DA7whFL9tytKtpJVIGHjRHCkrwg&oe=664F3672 | 0 | 3 | FEEE SHIPPING with $25 purchase! <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F2121candleco.com%2F&h=AT0Fkk3yrgLt6xUL_VjV94jwJcQIL4KKIS2cMW8IXVt6zj7qHl1gOP6nM34Pe8WDa1KmQCFnHirUV8SqDvL2zaeUPrMX60kn4RuLGq1UdA1oEpS5a1bpK0hThxe9HdrlzAydVISJPEgNvA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://2121candleco.com/</a> #freeshipping #candles #candlesale | 2121 Candle Co. | 72 | https://facebook.com/100074416871374 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828079 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 1176134000247725 | 1 | 9.7122157131722E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100319909615129 | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 120209790064600026 | canadianclassicfineart.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://canadianclassicfineart.com/collections/rebry-gaston | 1716067031 | 1.0031990961513E+14 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441523058_476520025038550_2852350277940656671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0E9qcdHqNe4Q7kNvgHUuToA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfOGpEQ-B1PAeMSfmzJa-tGtYLh3pHk2SzHah-0JOZ0A&oe=664F29D0 | person_profile | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479779_446630461317984_7452400458425141726_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SdLEYDWV7A8Q7kNvgEgkdBQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDP7IYw31VOXiv1DNoESVi7DSCnSh7PeNVIqzR-UnEG2w&oe=664F0913 | 0 | 3 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 2 | https://facebook.com/100088877200606 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828080 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 1176134000247725 | 1 | 9.7122157131722E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100319909615129 | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 120209790064600026 | canadianclassicfineart.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://canadianclassicfineart.com/collections/rebry-gaston | 1716067031 | 1.0031990961513E+14 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441523058_476520025038550_2852350277940656671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0E9qcdHqNe4Q7kNvgHUuToA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfOGpEQ-B1PAeMSfmzJa-tGtYLh3pHk2SzHah-0JOZ0A&oe=664F29D0 | person_profile | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479779_446630461317984_7452400458425141726_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SdLEYDWV7A8Q7kNvgEgkdBQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDP7IYw31VOXiv1DNoESVi7DSCnSh7PeNVIqzR-UnEG2w&oe=664F0913 | 0 | 3 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 2 | https://facebook.com/100088877200606 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828086 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774071 | 810 | 1217269066307726 | 1 | 1.0980012574469E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 104521152280511 | 0 | aspire_patches | 120210035873060577 | instagram.com | Send Message | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/aspire_patches | 1716066877 | 1.0452115228051E+14 | aspire_patches | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/332510192_740104064152699_2931112214997385941_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ivIDB3JZIn0Q7kNvgFLSzvg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAf1dTL8mREysae0f7evb32Lvk9DC5DM_GOpmGCRLM8mg&oe=664F18DE | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Aspire Patches | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441543749_514913357527971_3621340490909555492_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mOQsTeVxfxoQ7kNvgH1R1-L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDXM2gq_TpPHvNIpqN0MaLEynEN_OQSRwUoOdkGEvUy7w&oe=664F2996 | 0 | 3 | aspire_patches | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/aspire_patches | 0 | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828146 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774072 | 810 | 1597497444125243 | 1 | 9.6673388166905E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108205088696990 | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | 6610694306099 | Eventbrite.com | Order Now | NONE | carousel | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ooo-16-skysia-detre-geometrae-kaimera-tickets-884697282387?aff=Ads | 1716069789 | 1.0820508869699E+14 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487964_325944123858605_542597653029800018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bdvJ_JhErFMQ7kNvgE9b1EY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB72_bCMsEXjJccqSCF77-5MDbIaEpFNzbFLOPLvWceZg&oe=664F12F4 | person_profile | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441456434_1216431039342507_4647761401304224849_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ekGv_4kp43YQ7kNvgGYAPmW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeKRsB4GFTGR_QgsY_IVpuEyuEuWn4qamLdcguCYoxJg&oe=664F1BB0 | 0 | 3 | Thematic Entertainment | 397 | https://facebook.com/ThematicSounds | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828097 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 12:14 PM | 1716079229 | 1749057282 | 810 | 1454144962166443 | 1 | 7.2292008281937E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 689917081202112 | 0 | Custom Aluminum Creations, LLC | 6574614476750 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716066705 | 6.8991708120211E+14 | Custom Aluminum Creations, LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441193637_1473200596966635_7054877418854198355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ktJfwHYkqMoQ7kNvgH-GPod&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCP4x3bPf0nfXI-qLZkIjjamYWSdVV9EJLoywup7pQVCQ&oe=664F07A3 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | SCREEN ROOMS, AWNINGS, CARPORTS, SUNROOMS <br /> <br /> FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL TODAY!!!<br /> <br /> FINANCING AVAILABLE!!!!<br /> <br /> 229-255-1121<br /> <br /> Let us turn those holiday wishes into a reality for the new year. Custom built structures to fit all of your outdoor enjoyment wants and needs. We are a leading provider of aluminum structures in South Georgia. Locally owned and family run business. We are here to help with your outdoor enjoyment needs. Free estimates and financing available. Call today. | Custom Aluminum Creations, LLC | 1764 | https://facebook.com/customaluminumcreations.net | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828095 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774072 | 810 | 456083697104564 | 1 | 4.3103647630558E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 167739219750328 | 0 | Austin Texas Tattoos | 120210566758800462 | www.designerbrows.org | Learn more | NONE | video | https://www.designerbrows.org/about-4 | 1716066849 | 1.6773921975033E+14 | Austin Texas Tattoos | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441039756_839213581352995_7960642610893586751_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oYWxBEYmp6AQ7kNvgESGeVt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDu8XPygz8wnUdxTytjXqWkAXD3fRl4neTm7sO6JOZwFw&oe=664F3045 | person_profile | 0 | Austin TX Tattoos by Elizabeth | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444151133_1532159310674799_5878021445726115125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5TPxCOnAJiIQ7kNvgHI9H9L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5RPL0ZFl1h9rpS9yoINcvFdme0aUrCWIoqZ86QssfeQ&oe=664F281D | 0 | 3 | Are you ready to get a new and unique tattoo? Iโm here to help!<br /> โ<br /> Booking a consultation is free and easy! All you have to do is click the link in my bio and fill out the form. Iโll text you with any questions, a quote and my availability.<br /> โ<br /> Iโm passionate about creating custom tattoos that will suit you and your individual style. Iโm confident that I can help you find the perfect tattoo for you.<br /> โ<br /> We can talk about ideas, designs, colors, and placement. Iโm open to all your suggestions and Iโm more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Iโm also very friendly with first timers, I know it can be a very intimidating process but thatโs why Iโm here to help.<br /> โ<br /> Iโm looking forward to hearing from you soon and creating something special just for you!<br /> โ<br /> Take the first step towards getting your new tattoo and book a consultation today.<br /> โ<br /> #tattootime #tattooartist #tattooconsultation #tattooideas #tattoosession #tattoodesign #tattoostudio #newtattoo #tattoolove #tattoomaster #tattooappointment<br /> #texas #Austin #austintexastattoos #tattooapprenticeship #tattooapprentice #austintattooartist #austintattoo #texastattoo #austintexasthings | Austin Texas Tattoos | 257 | https://facebook.com/61553111218944 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828094 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 12:21 PM | 1716079229 | 1744219260 | 810 | 1600089337198425 | 1 | 1.0950264549251E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 337199903871381 | 0 | Tony Marks | 120209489378430193 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2016 Ford F250 Super Duty Crew Cab XL Pickup 4D 6 3/4 ft | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/989510336227576/ | 1716066769 | 3.3719990387138E+14 | Tony Marks | regular_page | 1 | Tony Marks | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790665_2641516496029264_3449562838450151750_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3tIwBiYnmBIQ7kNvgFkt8ie&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6jmMXg7mo2_KobVGU_atZCdLfbH1x0rg8to4T0nLv4A&oe=664F287A | 0 | 3 | 2016 Ford F250 Super Duty Crew Cab XL Pickup 4D 6 3/4 ft - $21,995.00<br /> <br /> GOOD CAR COMPANY<br /> <br /> 208-408-1514<br /> <br /> We're located at 4524 CLEVELAND BLVD, CALDWELL, ID<br /> <br /> ๐ WE WORK WITH ANY CREDIT TYPE!<br /> <br /> *BAD CREDIT IS OUR SPECIALTY!!<br /> <br /> ๐ฐLOW DOWNS, YOUR JOB IS CREDIT!!!<br /> <br /> ๐ป๐ฑJUST FILL OUT OUR ONLINE APPLICATION TO GET APPROVED TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT1bFiNhsMOWBzPdIuTDCXHIbHcPkWnxUMHkVRVtu_fveCttY5_qZ76LTBi5QJ6jJbnUJUe468N4e5w7ioweFoRGkY1bdDXRMQAXjZgqqpWOqMJaZDeE-xkAvc6VFh_U5_bFcbcASkJehA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> โ๏ธ EASY APPROVALS โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ GOT A TRADE?.... BRING IT IN, WE LOVE TRADES! ๐<br /> <br /> โ *NEW JOB, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *BAD CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *GOT REPOS, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *NO DRIVERS LICENSE, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *SECOND CAR, WE SAY YES<br /> <br /> โ *COLLECTION, BANKRUPTCY, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *FIRST TIME BUYER/ NO CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *ITIN BUYERS WELCOME!<br /> <br /> ๐ WHEN EVERYONE ELSE SAYS NO, WE SAY YES!!! ๐<br /> <br /> WE ARE HERE TO MAKE YOUR CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE EASY AND STRESS FREE WHILE GIVING YOU THE BEST DEALS AND SERVICE<br /> <br /> OPEN 10AM-6PM MONDAY-SATURDAY<br /> <br /> VISIT: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT3eUbXfZPNfp_Ot5DR4EXs3bhV6A0Q51X2QhwL-b3llVXHPBssYtZIcz635Mi_-kTpTt-n6QYun__QxL-T6X8gwXTn9kXJgQ3h9SFoyaycdsTOj6zLci0M5Tem6Z8gRC426t2Yub5SwCA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> Good Car Company<br /> <br /> 4524 Cleveland Blvd<br /> <br /> Caldwell, ID 83605<br /> <br /> Call or Text us at 208-408-1514<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Tony Marks | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1711467530 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828090 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/11/25, 3:15 PM | 1716079229 | 1749672906 | 810 | 260849407114937 | 1 | 1.5390811468193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 177388985631795 | 0 | Wilder Insurance Agency LLC | 120210010460380640 | luciouswilder.prospot.biz | Learn more | NONE | image | Ensure peace of mind on the road | Click learn more for more information... | http://luciouswilder.prospot.biz/questionnaire | 1716066795 | 1.773889856318E+14 | Wilder Insurance Agency LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441539234_966230388127554_4193773701049848720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6ndW8g-uLH4Q7kNvgHM6urJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6xKTisqACMvd4jIf5ri-YSgzSLwEHdSH9s2pilXewg&oe=664EFF6B | person_profile | 0 | Lucious Wilder | 0 | 3 | ๐ Keep Your Trucking Business Rolling with Reliable Insurance! ๐ก๏ธ<br /> <br /> โ Tailored Coverage for Your Fleet<br /> โ Protect Your Drivers and Cargo<br /> โ Competitive Rates to Fit Your Budget<br /> โ Hassle-Free Claims Process<br /> โ Keep Your Business Moving Forward<br /> <br /> Ensure peace of mind on the road. Get a quote now! <br /> <br /> #TruckingInsurance #ProtectYourBusiness ๐ | Wilder Insurance Agency LLC | 76 | https://facebook.com/insuranceoncrenshaw | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828100 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/21/25, 7:09 AM | 1716079229 | 1745237399 | 810 | 363466170040287 | 1 | 1.000565858331E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236068199740563 | 0 | The Training Center | 6567990684162 | Call now | NONE | image | The Training Center | Defensive and Tactical Marksmanship For All Levels | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Where are you located?","response":""},{"title":"What amenities do you offer?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066658 | 2.3606819974056E+14 | The Training Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441516432_1361221051118939_3567089897835608798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WB1Ump7ZTu8Q7kNvgEdYqW8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDXY7Mp6gf49y-qV8Mag2ltUBI2NvVDHj93JvqYdCDUwQ&oe=664F2B59 | person_profile | 0 | The Training Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440937232_850674140432513_7222467454929159571_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VJm72FSIBdwQ7kNvgHH-JWw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDD5PRn2jwgBO6aTEVHwtr18SfakFklQkt8Hb2JV7cJRQ&oe=664F222B | 0 | 3 | Coming up next week at our Palm Desert Locationโฆ Sign up for your Initial/Renewal CCW Courses TODAY! <br /> At our Palm Desert location:<br /> Initial Courses: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trainingrange.com%2Fproduct%2Finitial-8-hour-ccw-lecture-palm-desert-2%2F&h=AT0O373BZ8dNXyFTlxZanArGLsjDEkC_EnBYILq2_iUl6jPVjDLZfYam6TPjRlZNe1ZF5USKEgwum77IEhXCAALH72dKOLzAVPzG2E5nW448Lw9ryXUeaO16M8WYAIu46hfTErWq6F24_g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.trainingrange.com/product/initial-8-hour-ccw-lecture-palm-desert-2/</a><br /> <br /> Renewal Courses: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trainingrange.com%2Fproduct%2F4-hour-ccw-lecture-palm-desert%2F&h=AT166V49xpoVR127mEFXv-0fsm7WmHuVvNRPNHKBoFYrQ1Vs2XPCIAstbDhSroZlt1KkUTwlRh6OJuvzRQo95j_aHTpcApFbU-km745YCOn5WYIjxvJzWILhEcf32rHJrZHZ8RBVywz34Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.trainingrange.com/product/4-hour-ccw-lecture-palm-desert/</a><br /> <br /> At our Bakersfield (Mohawk) location:<br /> Initial Courses: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trainingrange.com%2Fproduct%2F8-hour-ccw-lecture-bakersfield%2F&h=AT2gbMewEkShwCrZvVp6lpOuVTRE4FvjoDPacZ51Ekg7d7Ct4ygIMl3Ro4GY00dnU2GR_eV4yp8hUgPFeLTiUEq7k1V8dYU-N0lbkF5ITLvqUZ8_twZFqTnnqLtipYdUMyF5pjbZM2zoxA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.trainingrange.com/product/8-hour-ccw-lecture-bakersfield/</a><br /> <br /> Renewal Courses: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trainingrange.com%2Fproduct%2F4-hour-ccw-lecture-bakersfield%2F&h=AT3Pk6yigUyPFxZYG1W_p_gjjYeLfGZ7x9uC21k9RRaOHQN8Tko_AI8TtnOyHRiF8oZdL7YarQyFdrRSnu2OVlwNxlvoiRU82nK7KkxeJ7Um-TKSo_f7yxyCjCluXZNs7oDjyZHcGYSbitiQWjjUji3ZXAg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://www.trainingrange.com/product/4-hour-ccw-lecture-bakersfield/</a><br /> <br /> Our courses are designed to give you the most amount of flexibility and training opportunities!! Choose your lecture course date/time and the choose one of our many comprehensive training modules that fits your interest and schedule. The combination of the two courses will fulfill your SB2 training requirements. | The Training Center | 3834 | https://facebook.com/tacticalshooters | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828114 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774073 | 810 | 1504995933788756 | 1 | 9.9085066574555E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105912578576154 | 0 | Junk Bee Gone CA | 120211107380860454 | Send message | NONE | video | Click here to schedule your FREE on-site estimate | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I would like to schedule a on-site estimate","response":"Sure, we'd be happy to help you with that. \n\nWe just need a little bit more information so we can get you on the schedule. \n\nCan you let us know the address you'd need services at and briefly describe the type of junk you need help removing?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"template_id":"967106488543337"} | 1716066615 | 1.0591257857615E+14 | Junk Bee Gone CA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436418926_3718673118402452_7439092609993041517_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DqIy3lmFWcUQ7kNvgHwY5XM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBlQwq_1SrySHuG2F-D19-GFKpW5hSHwqSuDRy4de8zXA&oe=664F0708 | person_profile | 0 | Ruben Saavedra - Owner | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441579381_818699722977731_4917995947346122436_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3w4YxsPGDuwQ7kNvgGlFZNL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBm5fMliN-zMn3DlMP2VYUeOwjsK-LF_L0_P3LOTLA8fQ&oe=664F29E3 | 0 | 3 | ๐Attention homeowners ๐<br /> <br /> Do you have a bunch of old items/junk laying around at home that you'd like to get rid of but you just don't have the time, the proper equipment or know how to get rid of it? <br /> <br /> Let Junk Bee Gone do all the dirty work for you and help you declutter your home from junk this spring!<br /> <br /> Junk Bee Gone is a full service junk removal company that helps homeowners get rid of unwanted items in a simple, fast, friendly manner. <br /> <br /> All you have to do is schedule a No-Obligation on-site estimate. <br /> <br /> The crew will take a look at your stuff, and provide you with an all inclusive up-front price!<br /> <br /> If you approve, the crew will make your junk fly away right then and there. <br /> <br /> Don't like what you hear? Simply tell the crew no and they'll be on their way to the next job. No charge to you. <br /> <br /> Celebrate the relief of junk and stress all in one with Junk Bee Gone.<br /> <br /> Why should you hire Junk Bee Gone? <br /> โ We grab items no matter where they're located on your property<br /> โ We have a huge truck so you can throw away more junk for less than our competitors<br /> โ Pricing is simple, only pay for the amount of space your items take up in the truck. No hidden fees!<br /> โ We disassemble items so we can stack it neatly in our truck, saving you space and money<br /> โ We sweep up the working areas after we are done<br /> <br /> Click below to SEND US A MESSAGE and book your No-Obligation on-site estimate. <br /> <br /> We only have a handful of spaces left this month, so the sooner you message us the sooner we can get you on schedule!<br /> <br /> Junk Removal starting @ $195 | Junk Bee Gone CA | 43 | https://facebook.com/JBGCA | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828124 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 4:01 PM | 1716079230 | 1749416471 | 810 | 3525222307769265 | 1 | 8.3577174172841E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 110223901668824 | 0 | Camil King | 6558966581446 | music.apple.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Lost my mom 9 years ago today ๐โค๏ธโ๐ฉน | https://music.apple.com/us/album/m-o-m/1194174245 | 1716066460 | 1.1022390166882E+14 | Camil King | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436225017_431135226366803_2198308074786884632_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jy844cokFO0Q7kNvgG_kV4K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDXmDCHPRIQ3rov_O4-2TeYaNSMdyht5c8oyyb1h2jtYg&oe=664F141A | person_profile | 0 | Camil King | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442392280_966153728148155_3682163789237815889_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UE0bbiZQ1PQQ7kNvgHiIXi8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBm05JXV-jwwyk7SEwjBijOv1ItpSpFiO_tKkcSbxrgeQ&oe=664F016A | 0 | 3 | Lost my mom 9 years ago today ๐โค๏ธโ๐ฉน | Camil King | 5375 | https://facebook.com/KINGCAMILOFSBMG | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828134 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 309062675583068 | 1 | 8.1561699381411E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 206114635923322 | 0 | Brand Jewelry | 120210588207080327 | brandjewelryco.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | https://www.brandjewelryco.com/products/bat-necklace | 1716066383 | 2.0611463592332E+14 | Brand Jewelry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316109_348383887890362_7580448173825477264_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cD5eZ1YjTDMQ7kNvgFFl4a9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDz532FStfOVx00wQgu69cVahdkTEdw3P1vuA-Iw74IIw&oe=664F2104 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410844_943094137296087_3250170420512874001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W43zDALp4GcQ7kNvgGDIG0V&_nc_oc=AdhZ2LoDws8oyPun37IJ7vfj-MrCv4TrlAetGjWvYpYdawltlmN1SjwCW_etM09RXLQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzso46iuIVhlZB0Ih9FghHwObRsqF56KomOVdH8jvJHA&oe=664F0CE5 | 0 | 3 | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | Brand Jewelry | 0 | https://facebook.com/61555878120683 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828140 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 978364090659928 | 1 | 3.6243178969614E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442109132656470 | 0 | Sing in the coconut | 6619578658604 | etsy.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Koala Has 2 Peaches Magnet | By Koala Castle | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1719069690/ | 1716066361 | 4.4210913265647E+14 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444783859_344039552117005_7219734946841018943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1HhcRfkBSgEQ7kNvgEp6V5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD_IkEYbeAieXVUGDugdrsCW7AHZxBprzMeU-K1J-80mg&oe=664F207C | person_profile | 0 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468020_1185514462477497_4960798894575047397_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cYjAfExg2mkQ7kNvgFHgzid&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWawkxyrun77Lvxl_pwxG6_pDq1r_lp6frUfM64K21Pw&oe=664F1AC5 | 0 | 3 | By Koala Castle | Sing in the coconut | 310 | https://facebook.com/coconutsing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828141 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 978364090659928 | 1 | 3.6243178969614E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442109132656470 | 0 | Sing in the coconut | 6619578658604 | etsy.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Koala Has 2 Peaches Magnet | By Koala Castle | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1719069690/ | 1716066361 | 4.4210913265647E+14 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444783859_344039552117005_7219734946841018943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1HhcRfkBSgEQ7kNvgEp6V5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD_IkEYbeAieXVUGDugdrsCW7AHZxBprzMeU-K1J-80mg&oe=664F207C | person_profile | 0 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468020_1185514462477497_4960798894575047397_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cYjAfExg2mkQ7kNvgFHgzid&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWawkxyrun77Lvxl_pwxG6_pDq1r_lp6frUfM64K21Pw&oe=664F1AC5 | 0 | 3 | By Koala Castle | Sing in the coconut | 310 | https://facebook.com/coconutsing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828142 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 978364090659928 | 1 | 3.6243178969614E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442109132656470 | 0 | Sing in the coconut | 6619578658604 | etsy.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Koala Has 2 Peaches Magnet | By Koala Castle | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1719069690/ | 1716066361 | 4.4210913265647E+14 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444783859_344039552117005_7219734946841018943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1HhcRfkBSgEQ7kNvgEp6V5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD_IkEYbeAieXVUGDugdrsCW7AHZxBprzMeU-K1J-80mg&oe=664F207C | person_profile | 0 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468020_1185514462477497_4960798894575047397_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cYjAfExg2mkQ7kNvgFHgzid&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWawkxyrun77Lvxl_pwxG6_pDq1r_lp6frUfM64K21Pw&oe=664F1AC5 | 0 | 3 | By Koala Castle | Sing in the coconut | 310 | https://facebook.com/coconutsing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828143 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 978364090659928 | 1 | 3.6243178969614E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442109132656470 | 0 | Sing in the coconut | 6619578658604 | etsy.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Koala Has 2 Peaches Magnet | By Koala Castle | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1719069690/ | 1716066361 | 4.4210913265647E+14 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444783859_344039552117005_7219734946841018943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1HhcRfkBSgEQ7kNvgEp6V5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD_IkEYbeAieXVUGDugdrsCW7AHZxBprzMeU-K1J-80mg&oe=664F207C | person_profile | 0 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468020_1185514462477497_4960798894575047397_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cYjAfExg2mkQ7kNvgFHgzid&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWawkxyrun77Lvxl_pwxG6_pDq1r_lp6frUfM64K21Pw&oe=664F1AC5 | 0 | 3 | By Koala Castle | Sing in the coconut | 310 | https://facebook.com/coconutsing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828138 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774074 | 810 | 3815833768740831 | 1 | 3.6437982995353E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1913165425634164 | 0 | Trust My Pet Sitter | 120207837012850187 | trustmypetsitter.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Trust My Pet Sitter โ Setting a New Standard in Pet Care | ๐ฑ Exclusive Pet Care Search and Selection ๐ถ | Trust My Pet Sitter | ๐ Matching Pets with the Perfect Pet Sitter ๐ค Location Match ๐ Pet Match ๐ฆ Breed Match๐ | http://www.trustmypetsitter.com/ | 1716066361 | 1.9131654256342E+15 | Trust My Pet Sitter | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443719262_436669582404720_5361347565748603739_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5o0cObsDi0YQ7kNvgGzm9YT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8rfsNwvSH5IHKI2fGs_yllcliPtgIiy3LCqR6IStvrA&oe=664F1B2B | person_profile | 0 | Trust My Pet Sitter | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441199350_3766075986995146_4205042299302879597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gk5lNevyuMsQ7kNvgGoDrsu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC8cun9H5c71ogF2GwxM_sLkBjTnmpmMLMLmHYaZrqLkQ&oe=664EFF74 | 0 | 3 | ๐พ Calling All Pet Parents! ๐พ <br /> Are you planning a trip away from home? Give your furry friends the love and care they deserve with a trusted pet sitter! ๐ถ๐ฑ<br /> <br /> ๐ Why Choose a Pet Sitter? ๐<br /> <br /> Personal Care: Your pets get one-on-one attention in the comfort of their own home. Stress-Free: No more stressful car rides or unfamiliar environments. Peace of Mind: Regular updates with photos and videos to keep you connected. Professional Service: Trained and experienced sitters who love pets as much as you do.<br /> ๐๐โค๏ธ <br /> <br /> How to Find out more: Visit our website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftrustmypetsitter.com%2F&h=AT2flg9z72Tx1kahmUVziH2jfCjDKrOGTCIk_aqwnof1Ni-FePvhC4HEK_SA0mnyVpwX7bUyqLEPtLwtHpIqVTFvpOOtR2AzIkD6F38nzEVwaCqSYIMRyUSqQVlYFhoJcM4n0xAIc9kc9w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://trustmypetsitter.com/</a><br /> <br /> Join our happy community of pet parents who trust us with their precious pets. | Trust My Pet Sitter | 4670 | https://facebook.com/trustmypetsitter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828156 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774075 | 810 | 434455925955852 | 1 | 1.4022413671239E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 1 | 147181291803724 | 0 | mr_naggers | 120208772011640718 | nag-naggers-nagnag.myshopify.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | http://nag-naggers-nagnag.myshopify.com/ | 1716066351 | 1.4718129180372E+14 | mr_naggers | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/404569263_1412749569668229_6070711623774596000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=YbWnSnLrVQAQ7kNvgF4fZgU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDoK4iO_csDEByVmg85bGrKUKMMM0m8cvfa0F58V9i8AA&oe=664F2C75 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | MR. NAGGERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711854_487414820276403_2983217424985407725_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jvsyiCcatvwQ7kNvgHqHY5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCizfFzrl38Y5kyvdgSQnfN0E07chjuQVXuoj4RxzDOhQ&oe=664F0D91 | 0 | 3 | mr_naggers | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/mr_naggers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828159 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774075 | 810 | 1429443281267182 | 1 | 1.386924178678E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 804983366207414 | 0 | Andรฟ Cardona | 6563115478428 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://bit.ly/Listen0521 | 1716066345 | 8.0498336620741E+14 | Andรฟ Cardona | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474342_405822262325997_5015158978835648329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VnXKkQ8JNTAQ7kNvgHuYg8W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDagbY8wvgCfFM_UQ3jws7BqU4nyZZ2WobIn3cTXil3zg&oe=664F341F | person_profile | 0 | ANDYฬ CARDONA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471376_1667247660683963_4064706422237670934_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bbZsVL1ZhgQQ7kNvgElYG4q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2U3N7j8JrNq9xdRR4ET2tvG2OHEpHVYM06Vegqh8c6w&oe=664F361D | 0 | 3 | Andรฟ Cardona | 963 | https://facebook.com/AndyCardonaDj | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828160 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774075 | 810 | 1429443281267182 | 1 | 1.386924178678E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 804983366207414 | 0 | Andรฟ Cardona | 6563115478428 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://bit.ly/Listen0521 | 1716066345 | 8.0498336620741E+14 | Andรฟ Cardona | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474342_405822262325997_5015158978835648329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VnXKkQ8JNTAQ7kNvgHuYg8W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDagbY8wvgCfFM_UQ3jws7BqU4nyZZ2WobIn3cTXil3zg&oe=664F341F | person_profile | 0 | ANDYฬ CARDONA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471376_1667247660683963_4064706422237670934_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bbZsVL1ZhgQQ7kNvgElYG4q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2U3N7j8JrNq9xdRR4ET2tvG2OHEpHVYM06Vegqh8c6w&oe=664F361D | 0 | 3 | Andรฟ Cardona | 963 | https://facebook.com/AndyCardonaDj | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828162 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774075 | 810 | 993990185501465 | 1 | 1.5498757359527E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 162372563629816 | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 120209210829600080 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radar.offlinemap.radarapp | 1715943379 | 1.6237256362982E+14 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439337527_1241302620187718_7569999540794759022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zb4BiC8BLxsQ7kNvgEwkW3t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeongjNZHhI2BrUpWT4SoK0hgduZkakVZY78Fm6k3dCg&oe=664F06DC | person_profile | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436379158_992898212226108_3195950885444083338_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Bd3MWmVDtS0Q7kNvgHAh5a3&_nc_oc=AdgVw2LafTS7v62Bf7Z_VtT1VMjA_jMdMUQpEpqISarvQChRb4Bws_XEnlGKSEwqESw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBSof6_oPgmRppCTDivr_4OJpFi6bCSzITglZTa5FABgg&oe=664F2CDE | 0 | 3 | Use FREE GPS even without Internet ๐๐ | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 18 | https://facebook.com/61553661027171 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828161 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774075 | 810 | 390013980165428 | 1 | 2.8739017777812E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 162372563629816 | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 120209210648080080 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radar.offlinemap.radarapp | 1715942891 | 1.6237256362982E+14 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139183_978901820409736_8130290286327151969_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ew5CMIhceL0Q7kNvgHxlj7S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDd2tDZ4yQFl84lVhXbUqNVg2L4v0RGkT3zbgTTgK7LAA&oe=664F3390 | person_profile | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442478487_819530876268963_1516398109226450003_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZdqzeNR3smQQ7kNvgFiBR-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzW5fb6b-rdL_rZdI4_BNUvC3VUcglTrMh89UzTAJ3_Q&oe=664F0370 | 0 | 3 | Use FREE GPS even without Internet ๐๐ | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 18 | https://facebook.com/61553661027171 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828171 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/20/25, 3:48 PM | 1716079231 | 1753044532 | 810 | 766514818900737 | 1 | 7.5819084984473E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105912578576154 | 0 | Junk Bee Gone CA | 120211107312800454 | Send message | NONE | video | Click here to schedule your FREE on-site estimate | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I would like to schedule a on-site estimate","response":"Sure, we'd be happy to help you with that. \n\nWe just need a little bit more information so we can get you on the schedule. \n\nCan you let us know the address you'd need services at and briefly describe the type of junk you need help removing?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please select a prompt below and we will be with you shortly.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"template_id":"967106488543337"} | 1716066304 | 1.0591257857615E+14 | Junk Bee Gone CA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441046212_422683533905290_7679458077318380485_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SDg1yXfKGYIQ7kNvgFEUsQ2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCS3oA_bZmleIcLYVlenJo5jOtTQCMg63qrh5apH1J4VQ&oe=664F101C | person_profile | 0 | Ruben Saavedra - Owner | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482876_797759209115586_4650550555425626723_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GTmvSOpUUU4Q7kNvgEzbngW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA9O4lAMCKNqrrawUo1hhK0zrU6ftK5ssli8HtzaOafZA&oe=664F1798 | 0 | 3 | ๐Attention homeowners ๐<br /> <br /> Do you have a bunch of old items/junk laying around at home that you'd like to get rid of but you just don't have the time, the proper equipment or know how to get rid of it? <br /> <br /> Let Junk Bee Gone do all the dirty work for you and help you declutter your home from junk this spring!<br /> <br /> Junk Bee Gone is a full service junk removal company that helps homeowners get rid of unwanted items in a simple, fast, friendly manner. <br /> <br /> All you have to do is schedule a No-Obligation on-site estimate. <br /> <br /> The crew will take a look at your stuff, and provide you with an all inclusive up-front price!<br /> <br /> If you approve, the crew will make your junk fly away right then and there. <br /> <br /> Don't like what you hear? Simply tell the crew no and they'll be on their way to the next job. No charge to you. <br /> <br /> Celebrate the relief of junk and stress all in one with Junk Bee Gone.<br /> <br /> Why should you hire Junk Bee Gone? <br /> โ We grab items no matter where they're located on your property<br /> โ We have a huge truck so you can throw away more junk for less than our competitors<br /> โ Pricing is simple, only pay for the amount of space your items take up in the truck. No hidden fees!<br /> โ We disassemble items so we can stack it neatly in our truck, saving you space and money<br /> โ We sweep up the working areas after we are done<br /> <br /> Click below to SEND US A MESSAGE and book your No-Obligation on-site estimate. <br /> <br /> We only have a handful of spaces left this month, so the sooner you message us the sooner we can get you on schedule! | Junk Bee Gone CA | 43 | https://facebook.com/JBGCA | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828168 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 6:34 AM | 1716079231 | 1749468845 | 810 | 1562153017684632 | 1 | 2.2131817823563E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 306100225921588 | 0 | GPT Grove | 6612763482012 | gptgrove.com | Shop now | NONE | image | GPTGrove โ Wealth of GPT Prompts | Our ChatGPT prompts are your entry point to a world of endless possibilities, seamlessly blending artificial intelligence with human curiosity to expand knowledge, spark creativity, and solve complex challenges. By engaging with ChatGPT, you can deepen your understanding of virtually any subject, fr... | http://www.gptgrove.com/ | 1716066285 | 3.0610022592159E+14 | GPT Grove | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435961923_340367965431334_3396124103204560113_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b9yStHde9OcQ7kNvgGzGXtz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAmI1cJIjEwnflb-KVAkBXuAk345TkjAuNOa_GnEHazeQ&oe=664F13EF | person_profile | 0 | GPT Grove | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443713766_1550361535621489_8470968860239304350_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=28h_hRnrcdcQ7kNvgEL-hdk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAt-cPh6fVOWYg4twX3FRJPovBSBhV98Qvz6wG9NqBPwQ&oe=664F2A46 | 0 | 3 | Over 50,000 ChatGPT prompts for only $10.00! Get 2,100 Bonus prompts FREE!<br /> <br /> Hey there! Supercharge your ChatGPT experience and tap into a world of creativity with our incredible collection of over 50,000 professionally curated prompts in 88 categories, all neatly organized in a user-friendly Excel and Apple Numbers file. Perfect for writers, educators, content creators, or anyone eager to chat with AI, this rich resource is like having a treasure chest of inspiration right at your fingertips.<br /> <br /> Explore Every Corner of Creativity: Our wide range of topics includes everything from whimsical storytelling to insightful business tips, making sure there's something exciting for everyone. No matter what sparks your interest, we've got prompts that will light up your imagination.<br /> <br /> Kick Creative Blocks to the Curb: Ready to say goodbye to writer's block and hello to fresh ideas? Our prompts are crafted to ignite your creativity and encourage you to think outside the box in all your conversations and projects.<br /> <br /> Save Time and Boost Your Creativity: Dive into engaging ChatGPT chats without delay! Our prompts are ready to go, helping you maximize your productivity and creativity without the fuss.<br /> <br /> Easy as Pie: Our Excel format makes navigating through the prompts a breeze. With simple sorting, filtering, and searching, youโll find the ideal prompt for any topic in just a few seconds.<br /> <br /> Perfect for Everyone: Whether youโre just getting started with ChatGPT or you're a seasoned pro, our prompts are designed to help everyone jump right in. Theyโre a fantastic springboard for beginners and a rich resource for those who are more experienced.<br /> <br /> Endless Possibilities: Whether you're creating content, sparking discussions in the classroom, or just enhancing your daily interactions with AI, our prompts offer limitless opportunities for exploration and fun.<br /> <br /> Elevate Your ChatGPT Adventures: Ready to take your AI interactions to the next level? Dive into our unmatched collection of prompts and start your journey of innovation and boundless creativity today! >50,000 curated ChatGPT prompts for only $10.00! | GPT Grove | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559700866176 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828172 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774076 | 810 | 978562796721808 | 1 | 1.2697178306581E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109204234188216 | 0 | Universo De Diamantes : Belleza y Nutricion | 6624664474388 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"\u00a1Hola, {{user_first_name}}! Soy Nora Marleni \u00bfC\u00f3mo puedo ayudarte?"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066237 | 1.0920423418822E+14 | Universo De Diamantes : Belleza y Nutricion | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407182_913080207256837_1833593433327300763_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rt5e82lsaAcQ7kNvgGTLMT7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCXqPhTSmPjavwFaZGGWF1ZRVb9ZPWF4sfFlph3lFbDWg&oe=664F061B | person_profile | 0 | Universo De Diamantes : Bellez | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442416539_757333196385485_581801141543546376_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jSaEBffJBmkQ7kNvgH-g5HF&_nc_oc=AdifpCvBVPEU-Lso2gvaNCiIsNvn1tY1Yia026uxffhp5zfNt_3vIX-0PPvQgVfRQ40&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoeMRckKyzdzi4WwuafKUyRdDASnAFjDdHnI9_-CPOPg&oe=664F0DBC | 0 | 3 | HOLA SOY NORA MARLENI DE OMNILIFE & SEYTร <br /> SOMOS GENTE QUE CUIDA A LA GENTE<br /> SE BELLA EN TU PROPIA PIEL<br /> ๐ชUNIVERSO DE DIAMANTES๐ <br /> UNETE A ESTA GRAN FAMILIA <br /> 2 Industrias de productos con una sola Afiliacion una de ellas Nutricosmetica ๐ Libre de quรญmicos ๐งช todo de una alta tegnologia y Nutriciรณn <br /> ๐ ๐๐ด๐ถ๐ธ๐๐๐๐ฐ๐๐ด <br /> ๐๐ผ ๐๐รญ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ๐จ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ฅ<br /> (๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ $43.29 +mas Taxas) <br /> Tu puedes elegir uno de los 2 regalos de BIENVENIDA de la Empresa ya sea el de Nutricion OMNILIFE o Belleza SEYTร. <br /> INCLUYE: <br /> ๐ปMembresรญa <br /> โ๏ธMochila๐ OMNILIFE o Bolsa๐ SEYTร <br /> ๐ป2 productos de regalo en OMNILIFE <br /> ๐ El MAGNUS Y BOTELLA DE AGUA BLU<br /> ๐2Producto de regalo en SEYTร <br /> ๐ESPUMA LIMPIADORA Y CREMA ACLARADORA <br /> ๐ปPin significativo <br /> ๐Catรกlogos virtuales <br /> ๐ปObtienes un cupรณn canjeable vรกlido en tu primera compra<br /> <br /> ๐ฉAcceso a 2 Industrias de productos โ๐ป<br /> (SEYTร Y OMNILIFE)<br /> โ Descuento del 20% al 40%<br /> <br /> ๐ฐEmpresa Cruelty free <br /> <br /> ๐ซSin compras forzosas, no hay mรญnimo de compra (solo compra cuando y lo que necesitas)<br /> ๐ UPS los Productos hasta la puerta de tu casa <br /> <br /> ยฟTe interesa? <br /> ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐รก๐๐๐๐๐<br /> 832 335 35 77 Nora Marleni <br /> ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ผ๐ฅ๐ฅ<br /> ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FContacta-NoraMarleni&h=AT2sVUy5klJzLreYbLI8EhIEKxE400Y09N8c4qgJTDoCymMHHmGPsDn89T68hrEphrsrzVT_b32xyEE7_nV4Nc2h9_SbKmGAhekFDrCTOkmtbHNDH3NeCanOofEmvZLDu2ruMF3sLf3GJg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">http://bit.ly/Contacta-NoraMarleni</a><br /> O mรกndame mensaje aquรญ en la pagina serรก un placer atenderte <br /> ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ฅ<br /> ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ AFILIACIรN <br /> ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.omnilife.com%2Fregister%3Fdistributor_code%3DDUS0012936RN%26country_code%3DUSA%26lang%3Des&h=AT3c1BxIw1Ae0u9CYevlA9TR2KiPlDyLJLklf3wzqu_MtpU2NCl-Hb9NM1ZdpCakDPBYBZMo7UmErvOkadZJlrC7wNChpliq6Tp-3jXuoDsvabz65flFa86VZUUDKbEIblWaYCs3xaZXNw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://portal.omnilife.com/register?distributor_code=DUS0012936RN&country_code=USA&lang=es</a><br /> <br /> COMPRA COMO CLIENTE ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.omnilife.com%2Fclient-register%3Fdistributor_code%3DDUS0012936RN%26country_code%3DUSA%26lang%3Des&h=AT1ty_FqYU1iTeGBFXYQhhOYmQEd21adltQ9NxTXRKmvHU-gCoeZy11GAkbCX8_ZODu5KCyQl6Irzru2ICld6HWgBBywvm2x0o74KBwZRoYPaI89sA0chunOJyldyzMBSNgFhuBAx-DYXQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://portal.omnilife.com/client-register?distributor_code=DUS0012936RN&country_code=USA&lang=es</a><br /> <br /> #OMNILIFE #SEYTU #universodediamantes #agradecida #KENYAVERGARA #estilodevidaomnilife #SeytuCosmรฉtica #emprendedoras #Nutricion #cosmeฬticanatural | Universo De Diamantes : Belleza y Nutricion | 3538 | https://facebook.com/100064062130967 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828176 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774076 | 810 | 442537661848328 | 1 | 1.0946744383107E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 159891650531887 | 0 | Zaytul Beauty | 120208930346110008 | https://zaytulbeauty.com/products/hair-oil | Shop now | NONE | video | 30% OFF & FREE U.S. SHIPPING LIMITED TIME ONLY! | https://zaytulbeauty.com/products/hair-oil | 1716066682 | 1.5989165053189E+14 | Zaytul Beauty | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441961512_462049862986675_3995453360669033106_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tT-kbrfqub4Q7kNvgERYtu1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDlvgk64BRsREJUri_MGu2JDpMJP7VTUk4iU8TsfyrJPA&oe=664F187F | person_profile | 0 | Zaytul Beauty โข | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445075062_883206150488505_2139256223028239204_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7R4SiTpu7EcQ7kNvgH1i0Bm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtXRP8ljHwyPXRAOrmDcfbLL4r9IC8M6_puD3SjJcI5A&oe=664F2927 | 0 | 3 | Feeling the frustration of postpartum hair loss? We've got your backโจ! Introducing our Hair Nourishing Oil, specially crafted to nurture your locks during this transformative journey. With every drop, feel the love and care your hair deserves. Say hello to stronger, fuller hair and goodbye to those postpartum worries. Ready to reclaim your confidence? Try it today! #MomHairCare #HairRevival #NaturalNurture" | Zaytul Beauty | 6 | https://facebook.com/61552168681225 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828192 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774076 | 810 | 1141627587081533 | 1 | 1.1938283519756E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209995820880603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066179 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443929437_781865357251676_4842972050881143109_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f0GdJ8mwmMYQ7kNvgEgctcG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAO2uHk7NsJmjbA1a3q6JGZKHXbgbVU3--ZOqWAwVQjCA&oe=664F2849 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443716710_1489633838291448_4438318096575601815_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f57lz5KVf0oQ7kNvgExJBqT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDXT8ZixxTTaXPEZ9jWNXIexciOpa7PyNRQcpCOMzfJ-A&oe=664F2CC9 | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828190 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 1144750040060465 | 1 | 1.6252082882764E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 231298110964268 | 0 | Reggaeton Bay Area | 6592636929678 | eventbrite.com | Learn more | NONE | image | http://perreooakland.eventbrite.com/ | 1716066127 | 2.3129811096427E+14 | Reggaeton Bay Area | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442442580_945136917312610_4366795903945991987_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9YpF8UG2ujcQ7kNvgG9y09f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBgvKGVVl3JbcoeJ76BFOmZ8zMa-Iy6RJMVr1boinO_7w&oe=664F3000 | person_profile | 0 | Reggaeton Bay Area | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442413724_1118546919410833_7979286959941473265_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bxP2FUDIjpgQ7kNvgGM4HNZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5eQz8F8icjbRVpgyTTn7Mrx4bGurVHlXj4VrkWMTCSQ&oe=664F2E1F | 0 | 3 | PERREO OAKLAND TONIGHT!! 18+ & 21+<br /> FREE BEFORE 10:30 GUESTLIST!! SIGN UP HERE<br /> REGGAETON - HIPHOP - LATIN EDM & HOUSE<br /> @thenewparish | Reggaeton Bay Area | 2207 | https://facebook.com/reggaetonbayarea | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828205 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828206 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828207 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828209 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 832005258985610 | 1 | 1.1050335272238E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 419836705138854 | 0 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 120208529605960227 | usestyle.ai | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://usestyle.ai/seona | 1716066088 | 4.1983670513885E+14 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224649_1845897552596922_5246816015696407025_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5me_i7lw_uMQ7kNvgFvRIEj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDi_KaXAmuZMGUjdgJFrOQ0YTsavgyoxMeFip_o2gIxEQ&oe=664F29AA | person_profile | 0 | Debbie Kritharis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436511558_3667077043554864_5652436344083597052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbtew4cwfrQQ7kNvgF4fTgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGdfDbQdYye9j_xeVLdnzS257_ds19oho3gJo_y3Hgog&oe=664F07DF | 0 | 3 | Debbie Kritharis - Realtor | 430 | https://facebook.com/realtordebs | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828215 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 359602850468111 | 1 | 3.6632341839289E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101805808659539 | 0 | Tom Payne Home Loans | 120207306698860590 | Learn more | NONE | image | FREE Home Buyer's Guide | 1716066068 | 1.0180580865954E+14 | Tom Payne Home Loans | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955054_961288665730894_2145366266778765920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sBAicuxuKnAQ7kNvgG6IA5o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC7wzgFJbos_r4T-w13BIFJSl4xEcoYMW2fgk1Hguoflg&oe=664F3251 | person_profile | 0 | Tom Payne Home Loans | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445077208_1103698180714650_7946306222409177793_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PoCLIZMTF3gQ7kNvgE4_RFG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAm7EJu9TIzJLNi-ycIrNk3Bcp2y97d4tIAo8bMmEhxUQ&oe=664F001B | 0 | 3 | โ Why Rent? When you can own. <br /> โ Special Programs For Qualified MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ๐ <br /> ๐ฒ Down Payment Assistance for Nurses <br /> <br /> Tom Payne<br /> SR. LOAN CONSULTANT <br /> NMLS: 1017004/174457<br /> Call me at (702) 303-0243<br /> ๐ Get my FREE Home Buyer's Guide Now ๐<br /> <br /> ๐ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FTPayneBuyersGuide&h=AT0o7h3mba1YhliuDM2GMgUw1rOXrWTHVQqR9IxKnTcEuaiWIW_weGMXgqso-QFNYiHBqdKqAIVoyiHjqZrihlYM_MN7ysA9PpXpmN9oAnNlr5byYfBYHMiGa5H_7-sK_bTva965c2GTEA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/TPayneBuyersGuide</a> ๐ <br /> #homeloans #nurses #zerodown | Tom Payne Home Loans | 75 | https://facebook.com/TomPayneHomeLoans | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828221 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774077 | 810 | 401988742819772 | 2 | 1.1413727871988E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 263321483541863 | 0 | Ilumonix | 120209869000300488 | ilumonix.com | Learn more | NONE | video | โญโญโญโญโญ 4.8/5 by 1000+ Happy Owners | Free Shipping Worldwide ๐ | https://ilumonix.com/products/photo-bracelet-commemorative-gifts | 1716057967 | 2.6332148354186E+14 | Ilumonix | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436482758_1012371986902359_2431358435446709926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tw5fzMK5ZNMQ7kNvgGjbZ4g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_55w3Ycqhtzc2-xKbDBF_X799QHlR4k3GJr1Oq7Gdcg&oe=664F135C | person_profile | 0 | Ilumonix | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444136428_1502493963676336_2391187760197122534_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P72T0ZOtPKcQ7kNvgEpcRuU&_nc_oc=AdjenZO6SXZ4vl7VeKzTg16mcJjfMJwQT13EdvCF8Tzi6XA622hRZmWCGx6ClNP9lEk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAan3XJS4321DyZ4TbZg6MqYkKIg1buKE2BEDQyk3B3vA&oe=664F2915 | 0 | 3 | Carry Your Loved Ones Close: Personalized Maia Bracelets ๐ | Ilumonix | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559561741909 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828220 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774078 | 810 | 269352466261984 | 38 | 3.9412579351664E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 109807642133361 | 0 | Ottocarplaylife | 120210481760560090 | ottocast.store | Shop now | NONE | video | https://ottocast.store/products/car-stereo-screen | 1714985583 | 1.0980764213336E+14 | CarplayLife Store US | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441229207_975548730424265_2721789684955488808_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hmovAIHUu54Q7kNvgE1rtis&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEYg6Av7anv_lNIGEAIxXJ11INNxHB7_kFIjSmG_GF1w&oe=664F15BD | person_profile | 0 | CarplayLife Store US | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440945337_967635611586013_5780721576605058585_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iHu4Rq8au3IQ7kNvgEuK4cn&_nc_oc=Adi3McKV5cW0EVqJLrb7uzMQR0r-W6LrLYyBEAi-jbT1rb96SmWi-dd5iWxPPK_y1K0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB00VVkHWkPTHYAwvQ-NsxWl0ZPSsCjW-BFQiFFVC1jhQ&oe=664F1431 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ๐ฝ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐น ๐น๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ $๐ฐ๐ฌ,๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ+ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ & ๐ฒ๐ป๐ท๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ด๐ผ!<br /> <br /> โ Easy & Fast Setup<br /> โ Designed To Stick To Any Surface & Never Fall<br /> โ Lag & Crash-Free Experience<br /> โ Keeps Crisp & Clear HQ Sound<br /> โ High-Resolution, Night & Day Mode<br /> ๐ฅ The Biggest Sale Of The Year Ends: *TODAY!๐<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fottocast.store%2Fproducts%2Fcar-stereo-screen&h=AT1j0UI6h976k2QiiLTS09q0A4xrdzGN-quuchB1S-EvTsu1Mrb0eywCEPv3Hg2-qkCqJk_LicqYbcl8VjpBmAiu19sEDdOz8p98toBvsDMOa42XDvAUMASWQggLJmx3dMoPtfe863x0KA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://ottocast.store/products/car-stereo-screen</a> | Ottocarplaylife | 1873 | https://facebook.com/100093196841048 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828266 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 2218055371864169 | 2 | 2.7714717872736E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255912070583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974225 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717580_5991730790950607_8174428996934611786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7tCxKgFu68Q7kNvgGZOnjB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCJpzuRATQ4mu7Q6PmsPtz3ymHEvY1ZQr7rwPHTYA4gNQ&oe=664F22C1 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828268 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 467485909173626 | 1 | 7.969561424118E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255996280583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974460 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436109759_7265445756918513_4356824421729051029_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9G7QupERwCwQ7kNvgEoJZDT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5fQtViB3JVZW7KwGHHcCgU4dxfRiXK9BFm1ybI5HM-w&oe=664F2D46 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828269 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 467485909173626 | 1 | 7.969561424118E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255996280583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974460 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436109759_7265445756918513_4356824421729051029_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9G7QupERwCwQ7kNvgEoJZDT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5fQtViB3JVZW7KwGHHcCgU4dxfRiXK9BFm1ybI5HM-w&oe=664F2D46 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828278 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 1750111908848911 | 3 | 2.3917088177053E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 606916809746125 | 0 | The Football Coach | 120207203719310741 | fb.me | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Free Football Coaching Material | http://fb.me/ | 1715458675 | 6.0691680974612E+14 | The Football Coach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172426_2225347187811434_1058564786032253976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zssSfYZoPrwQ7kNvgEeOQZ3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA32Eh-5s4HkrzjUxuu8-qc0oplf2pS2-WQW5ci5BEgJA&oe=664F30DA | person_profile | 0 | TheFootballCoach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165914_452268973876387_6256662534768666456_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=teYA6K6hxLkQ7kNvgFjPaVa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFkze4uuZ3j76lGBUVsy9KSlm7Q_fhAxEyvl-QZUetIA&oe=664F37E2 | 0 | 3 | Get Free Football Coaching Material | The Football Coach | 29564 | https://facebook.com/THEFOOTBALLCOACHX | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828279 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 1750111908848911 | 3 | 2.3917088177053E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 606916809746125 | 0 | The Football Coach | 120207203719310741 | fb.me | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Free Football Coaching Material | http://fb.me/ | 1715458675 | 6.0691680974612E+14 | The Football Coach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172426_2225347187811434_1058564786032253976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zssSfYZoPrwQ7kNvgEeOQZ3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA32Eh-5s4HkrzjUxuu8-qc0oplf2pS2-WQW5ci5BEgJA&oe=664F30DA | person_profile | 0 | TheFootballCoach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165914_452268973876387_6256662534768666456_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=teYA6K6hxLkQ7kNvgFjPaVa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFkze4uuZ3j76lGBUVsy9KSlm7Q_fhAxEyvl-QZUetIA&oe=664F37E2 | 0 | 3 | Get Free Football Coaching Material | The Football Coach | 29564 | https://facebook.com/THEFOOTBALLCOACHX | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828282 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828283 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774080 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828284 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828285 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828286 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828287 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828288 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828289 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774081 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828311 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828302 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 7583229801765288 | 1 | 1.8350206403006E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985723900623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065834 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442438943_2334332270105063_5457917254401853784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5dfytti8AjAQ7kNvgEuaRua&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDloJJ39D1XcY0xvhae2I3EurirCmlVEXYLrtyQwXjiuw&oe=664F0E54 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407667_1084778712590014_463876120300395142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JSgxGxwbuFYQ7kNvgGmtpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCq5N1T_Cb2E4WYhZyvnhmjfNSzSUPPfnQdHBgRo5nr1g&oe=664F2B64 | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828303 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 7583229801765288 | 1 | 1.8350206403006E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985723900623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065834 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442438943_2334332270105063_5457917254401853784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5dfytti8AjAQ7kNvgEuaRua&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDloJJ39D1XcY0xvhae2I3EurirCmlVEXYLrtyQwXjiuw&oe=664F0E54 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407667_1084778712590014_463876120300395142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JSgxGxwbuFYQ7kNvgGmtpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCq5N1T_Cb2E4WYhZyvnhmjfNSzSUPPfnQdHBgRo5nr1g&oe=664F2B64 | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828314 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828315 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828318 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774082 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828319 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828320 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828321 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828323 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828327 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 815343467183846 | 2 | 8.9685836220953E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613183389032 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/collections/cristina-pre-order | 1716025389 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441971372_946223550567615_5718234090203230867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h68DoLNTr2gQ7kNvgF599p3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnbc8ZLwpbxnaz1BwygiIIqPdH1d9Mz0G2ydgwD1yeAQ&oe=664F2D80 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436356252_832318755432899_1682849988596311429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XGsOASyYlW4Q7kNvgHToM4F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiEdfKlcb7AMyUKxvGNPEp9DZxC-eQZdMVgaJx4vdCeQ&oe=664F0B15 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828328 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 815343467183846 | 2 | 8.9685836220953E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613183389032 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/collections/cristina-pre-order | 1716025389 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441971372_946223550567615_5718234090203230867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h68DoLNTr2gQ7kNvgF599p3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnbc8ZLwpbxnaz1BwygiIIqPdH1d9Mz0G2ydgwD1yeAQ&oe=664F2D80 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436356252_832318755432899_1682849988596311429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XGsOASyYlW4Q7kNvgHToM4F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiEdfKlcb7AMyUKxvGNPEp9DZxC-eQZdMVgaJx4vdCeQ&oe=664F0B15 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828329 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 815343467183846 | 2 | 8.9685836220953E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613183389032 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/collections/cristina-pre-order | 1716025389 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441971372_946223550567615_5718234090203230867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h68DoLNTr2gQ7kNvgF599p3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnbc8ZLwpbxnaz1BwygiIIqPdH1d9Mz0G2ydgwD1yeAQ&oe=664F2D80 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436356252_832318755432899_1682849988596311429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XGsOASyYlW4Q7kNvgHToM4F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiEdfKlcb7AMyUKxvGNPEp9DZxC-eQZdMVgaJx4vdCeQ&oe=664F0B15 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828331 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1839811299791938 | 2 | 1.6013164507043E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613184352632 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/products/cristina-tangle-free-gold | 1716025472 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407191_429560876496005_8749491007509117794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mpnc0FhN80kQ7kNvgHZq3g3&_nc_oc=AdibZtEq-1qgVo6Ry2dZSE4U5xaqfa8_6ASdwMGss_S0WgKSJ54ttSVpm7qbyLduPXw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiaj0tIsP6EVdlRjwXNp4nH-BR6pBb8k1NSm71h_SLGQ&oe=664F3057 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583053_447905941162144_3243895917684888804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcam4USHyCAQ7kNvgG0sB6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy-KOI_IFRPmV_qWfXjgGQcUYNTB9sAX6LwUT54J-Q4g&oe=664F2B04 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828332 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1839811299791938 | 2 | 1.6013164507043E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613184352632 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/products/cristina-tangle-free-gold | 1716025472 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407191_429560876496005_8749491007509117794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mpnc0FhN80kQ7kNvgHZq3g3&_nc_oc=AdibZtEq-1qgVo6Ry2dZSE4U5xaqfa8_6ASdwMGss_S0WgKSJ54ttSVpm7qbyLduPXw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiaj0tIsP6EVdlRjwXNp4nH-BR6pBb8k1NSm71h_SLGQ&oe=664F3057 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583053_447905941162144_3243895917684888804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcam4USHyCAQ7kNvgG0sB6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy-KOI_IFRPmV_qWfXjgGQcUYNTB9sAX6LwUT54J-Q4g&oe=664F2B04 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828333 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774083 | 810 | 1839811299791938 | 2 | 1.6013164507043E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613184352632 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/products/cristina-tangle-free-gold | 1716025472 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407191_429560876496005_8749491007509117794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mpnc0FhN80kQ7kNvgHZq3g3&_nc_oc=AdibZtEq-1qgVo6Ry2dZSE4U5xaqfa8_6ASdwMGss_S0WgKSJ54ttSVpm7qbyLduPXw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiaj0tIsP6EVdlRjwXNp4nH-BR6pBb8k1NSm71h_SLGQ&oe=664F3057 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583053_447905941162144_3243895917684888804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcam4USHyCAQ7kNvgG0sB6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy-KOI_IFRPmV_qWfXjgGQcUYNTB9sAX6LwUT54J-Q4g&oe=664F2B04 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828339 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/9/25, 6:22 AM | 1716079233 | 1752060144 | 810 | 412774518248731 | 1 | 7.9618913247782E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 320084447848014 | 0 | Squeegee Bros | 120210270521420344 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | video | โ Get Your FREE Quote ๐ฒ (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ!) | Hurry up, prices will go upโฆ | http://fb.me/ | 1716065407 | 3.2008444784801E+14 | Squeegee Bros | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436292945_1602557500587348_7354082146955923896_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=20BvPHgH5FIQ7kNvgGRg8RS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYASGZSOBdRg6ueTBHJ1dzJMTn13s8CekfLIqJH1uN5fzw&oe=664F2234 | person_profile | 0 | Squeegee Bros Window Cleaning | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443714917_1142105167117610_5746582589478514628_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o0aKJQ-lni8Q7kNvgGoCZI7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCZAXjB77GdFZQuJonWKv72KDvK5QNuDVHgeMUDiTOCEA&oe=664F2557 | 0 | 3 | San Diego homeowners, tired of streaky windows? Let us do the hard work for you! Enjoy $100 off our professional window cleaningโonly for the next 10 customers!<br /> <br /> โจSparkling windows guaranteed!<br /> <br /> โ Local company<br /> โ Window & solar cleaning<br /> โ 500+ satisfied customers<br /> <br /> Click 'Get Quote' for a quick quiz to unlock our special offer!<br /> <br /> Book now for your free quote! | Squeegee Bros | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559085362845 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828340 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774084 | 810 | 2376871272506548 | 1 | 4.0558839912324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102581672780175 | 0 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 6572967586292 | work.kellymosser.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | [FREE TRIAL] Hell Yes Guest 2.0 | Book more podcasts. | https://work.kellymosser.com/free-trial-hyg | 1715984805 | 1.0258167278018E+14 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436000886_1793876981088778_4825626003891949230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5qzZKKg0yfgQ7kNvgFrI6rN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWadjsUfIjfkSFlVp06VCtMjA_aVIWRA55kMq78AZpTQ&oe=664F17F2 | person_profile | 0 | Kelly Mosser | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443695698_3860810060874899_4276347680169411527_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1dArx35h27cQ7kNvgGH9Z5J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5wk7vnQkEIuqDpmt0oP-G5-1CRFrUc-F0gMtGOsoaSw&oe=664F06AA | 0 | 3 | It's time to launch your Profitable Podcast Tour to explode your audience OFF of social media! **Get 7 days totally FREE to test drive our top-rated podcast guesting course!** I know it's on your vision board to do more podcast interviews this year... But you can't be wasting time sending so-so pitches that don't get accepted, scouring Spotify for podcasts you'd be right for, and doing interviews that DON'T convert to leads and authority. I'm so excited for you to try our Hell Yes Guest 2.0 course, updated to include 300+ students' results and time-saving tech to get you the best results in as little time as possible. You'll get: 1. 8-module course with step by step instructions for your podcast guest tour 2. AI-powered feedback tool to make sure your strategy is optimized 3. AI-powered podcast list builder to find you the PERFECT podcasts and verified contacts 4. Supportive community hub for networking, accountability, and interview practice 5. Simple, customizable strategies for every niche and business size There's zero risk to starting your free trial, but this offer will expire on 5/23... And it's not available on my website, so don't scroll past this! My challenge to you: complete Modules 1-3 during your free trial and build the foundation for your podcast tour, before ever paying me ANYTHING. If you don't love the course, just cancel anytime during your trial and you won't be charged! Ready? Start your free 7 day trial now - there's no catch. I just believe in this course enough to let you try it for $0! | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 140 | https://facebook.com/100091003410760 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828341 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774084 | 810 | 2376871272506548 | 1 | 4.0558839912324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102581672780175 | 0 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 6572967586292 | work.kellymosser.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | [FREE TRIAL] Hell Yes Guest 2.0 | Book more podcasts. | https://work.kellymosser.com/free-trial-hyg | 1715984805 | 1.0258167278018E+14 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436000886_1793876981088778_4825626003891949230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5qzZKKg0yfgQ7kNvgFrI6rN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWadjsUfIjfkSFlVp06VCtMjA_aVIWRA55kMq78AZpTQ&oe=664F17F2 | person_profile | 0 | Kelly Mosser | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443695698_3860810060874899_4276347680169411527_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1dArx35h27cQ7kNvgGH9Z5J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5wk7vnQkEIuqDpmt0oP-G5-1CRFrUc-F0gMtGOsoaSw&oe=664F06AA | 0 | 3 | It's time to launch your Profitable Podcast Tour to explode your audience OFF of social media! **Get 7 days totally FREE to test drive our top-rated podcast guesting course!** I know it's on your vision board to do more podcast interviews this year... But you can't be wasting time sending so-so pitches that don't get accepted, scouring Spotify for podcasts you'd be right for, and doing interviews that DON'T convert to leads and authority. I'm so excited for you to try our Hell Yes Guest 2.0 course, updated to include 300+ students' results and time-saving tech to get you the best results in as little time as possible. You'll get: 1. 8-module course with step by step instructions for your podcast guest tour 2. AI-powered feedback tool to make sure your strategy is optimized 3. AI-powered podcast list builder to find you the PERFECT podcasts and verified contacts 4. Supportive community hub for networking, accountability, and interview practice 5. Simple, customizable strategies for every niche and business size There's zero risk to starting your free trial, but this offer will expire on 5/23... And it's not available on my website, so don't scroll past this! My challenge to you: complete Modules 1-3 during your free trial and build the foundation for your podcast tour, before ever paying me ANYTHING. If you don't love the course, just cancel anytime during your trial and you won't be charged! Ready? Start your free 7 day trial now - there's no catch. I just believe in this course enough to let you try it for $0! | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 140 | https://facebook.com/100091003410760 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828342 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774084 | 810 | 1046581937015595 | 1 | 1.0135897704844E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102581672780175 | 0 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 6572856362892 | work.kellymosser.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | [FREE TRIAL] Hell Yes Guest 2.0 | Book more podcasts. | https://work.kellymosser.com/free-trial-hyg | 1715974522 | 1.0258167278018E+14 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441176383_1101245234476666_4676583838838391869_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MVT1P0Hm0zgQ7kNvgFVRLj4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcjnLVv0E9aYpbHXlBY4T_DfrEZZ1kAeon3ZwRb-OK6A&oe=664F194B | person_profile | 0 | Kelly Mosser | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424620352_1342234553111284_8368840068233952313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QfQOLSp0RUMQ7kNvgG9Mnqq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnSXWVlCNZGHDR6zGeuGOElD_JBfpFERY1PUvOKKfpmg&oe=664F289D | 0 | 3 | It's time to launch your Profitable Podcast Tour to explode your audience OFF of social media! **Get 7 days totally FREE to test drive our top-rated podcast guesting course!** I know it's on your vision board to do more podcast interviews this year... But you can't be wasting time sending so-so pitches that don't get accepted, scouring Spotify for podcasts you'd be right for, and doing interviews that DON'T convert to leads and authority. I'm so excited for you to try our Hell Yes Guest 2.0 course, updated to include 300+ students' results and time-saving tech to get you the best results in as little time as possible. You'll get: 1. 8-module course with step by step instructions for your podcast guest tour 2. AI-powered feedback tool to make sure your strategy is optimized 3. AI-powered podcast list builder to find you the PERFECT podcasts and verified contacts 4. Supportive community hub for networking, accountability, and interview practice 5. Simple, customizable strategies for every niche and business size There's zero risk to starting your free trial, but this offer will expire on 5/23... And it's not available on my website, so don't scroll past this! My challenge to you: complete Modules 1-3 during your free trial and build the foundation for your podcast tour, before ever paying me ANYTHING. If you don't love the course, just cancel anytime during your trial and you won't be charged! Ready? Start your free 7 day trial now - there's no catch. I just believe in this course enough to let you try it for $0! | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 140 | https://facebook.com/100091003410760 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828343 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774084 | 810 | 1046581937015595 | 1 | 1.0135897704844E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102581672780175 | 0 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 6572856362892 | work.kellymosser.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | [FREE TRIAL] Hell Yes Guest 2.0 | Book more podcasts. | https://work.kellymosser.com/free-trial-hyg | 1715974522 | 1.0258167278018E+14 | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441176383_1101245234476666_4676583838838391869_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MVT1P0Hm0zgQ7kNvgFVRLj4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcjnLVv0E9aYpbHXlBY4T_DfrEZZ1kAeon3ZwRb-OK6A&oe=664F194B | person_profile | 0 | Kelly Mosser | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424620352_1342234553111284_8368840068233952313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QfQOLSp0RUMQ7kNvgG9Mnqq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnSXWVlCNZGHDR6zGeuGOElD_JBfpFERY1PUvOKKfpmg&oe=664F289D | 0 | 3 | It's time to launch your Profitable Podcast Tour to explode your audience OFF of social media! **Get 7 days totally FREE to test drive our top-rated podcast guesting course!** I know it's on your vision board to do more podcast interviews this year... But you can't be wasting time sending so-so pitches that don't get accepted, scouring Spotify for podcasts you'd be right for, and doing interviews that DON'T convert to leads and authority. I'm so excited for you to try our Hell Yes Guest 2.0 course, updated to include 300+ students' results and time-saving tech to get you the best results in as little time as possible. You'll get: 1. 8-module course with step by step instructions for your podcast guest tour 2. AI-powered feedback tool to make sure your strategy is optimized 3. AI-powered podcast list builder to find you the PERFECT podcasts and verified contacts 4. Supportive community hub for networking, accountability, and interview practice 5. Simple, customizable strategies for every niche and business size There's zero risk to starting your free trial, but this offer will expire on 5/23... And it's not available on my website, so don't scroll past this! My challenge to you: complete Modules 1-3 during your free trial and build the foundation for your podcast tour, before ever paying me ANYTHING. If you don't love the course, just cancel anytime during your trial and you won't be charged! Ready? Start your free 7 day trial now - there's no catch. I just believe in this course enough to let you try it for $0! | Kelly Mosser - Podcast Host and Guesting Strategist | 140 | https://facebook.com/100091003410760 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828346 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774085 | 810 | 971449211145875 | 1 | 7.4789574755638E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250760518130813 | 0 | Aspen Ridge | 120207723414300068 | Send message | NONE | video | AspenRidge | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?"},{"title":"Can I speak to an agent?"},{"title":"Are there any new properties available?"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716065374 | 2.5076051813081E+14 | Aspen Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441412669_968213001547220_852087140357444970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MYgtHrflrwQ7kNvgHOGILr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAhAQw-qxU2HBpjIA_6v82sRl86Oi0tLftk6dXC55WCxw&oe=664F314B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Don't miss out on the chance to win a free golf cart at Aspen Ridge in Brandon, SD! Purchase one of the first 10 available lots and you could be cruising around the nearby Brandon Golf Course in no time. With amenities like pickleball, a splash park, and walking trails, Aspen Ridge has something for everyone. Come check us out and see why this could be your dream community! #GolfCartGiveaway #AspenRidge #DreamCommunity #Pickleball #SplashPark #BrandonGolfCourse #LotsforSale <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harmsteam">The Harms Team - Hegg Realtors</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeggRealtors">Hegg, REALTORSยฎ Inc.</a> | Aspen Ridge | 17 | https://facebook.com/61559028373624 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828348 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774085 | 810 | 1549926992254356 | 1 | 7.7556581435896E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985641530623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065484 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954744_1362150551092504_3703495546336301760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glbGWWIZBZMQ7kNvgEIXwuF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA24Vbz8ArgqCWYqYRsTDPzo_tN5vN9T8WZSGaDESsH-A&oe=664F0F60 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445089069_427201770016235_3554206624327174289_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DhTK-i6a2TMQ7kNvgEIaCCO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7JBMtt5pf5YEtehdYyR2c3snJYn_hEuBemvxmSFiJhg&oe=664F2D7B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828349 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774085 | 810 | 1549926992254356 | 1 | 7.7556581435896E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985641530623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065484 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954744_1362150551092504_3703495546336301760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glbGWWIZBZMQ7kNvgEIXwuF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA24Vbz8ArgqCWYqYRsTDPzo_tN5vN9T8WZSGaDESsH-A&oe=664F0F60 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445089069_427201770016235_3554206624327174289_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DhTK-i6a2TMQ7kNvgEIaCCO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7JBMtt5pf5YEtehdYyR2c3snJYn_hEuBemvxmSFiJhg&oe=664F2D7B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828385 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/12/25, 3:25 AM | 1716079234 | 1747038358 | 810 | 3816900375225402 | 1 | 2.4451333423643E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 230241140180540 | 0 | Tastelabel | 120210689055230683 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Tastelabel | https://www.facebook.com/230241140180540 | 1716065123 | 2.3024114018054E+14 | Tastelabel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445369576_361461386482425_7828117106600952750_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fhHLb5_m3CUQ7kNvgFMgbNG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDjIrU1bkM9fNe8KjEy-ug6t3im0Hbx6uFb4LRvy3du1g&oe=664F2E47 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | 70 FREE YummY recipes today! Remember to hit that thumbs up! ๐ | Tastelabel | 11281 | https://facebook.com/61557490460147 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828350 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 1:12 PM | 1716079234 | 1744222374 | 810 | 747690440884697 | 1 | 4.4105325854041E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 967171203453200 | 0 | Joshua Anderson | 6584743979985 | Contact us | NONE | image | Brown Reclining Sectional (Delivery Available) | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1139011774048384/ | 1716065313 | 9.671712034532E+14 | Joshua Anderson | regular_page | 1 | Joshua Anderson | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442408688_7793582104054281_6588818858685215334_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QAkMqGCrESUQ7kNvgE8eL2Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBfi4mUHxUfVNjFwrWsOa5wmldemClOgUm6awEScohecQ&oe=664F1D5B | 1 | 3 | Brown Reclining Sectional<br /> (Delivery Available) - $875.00<br /> <br /> Brown reclining sectional in good condition. This is used but still has plenty of life left, will serve someone well for many years. It is about 3 years old. each end reclines(needs 4-5 inches from the wall to fully recline). <br /> <br /> Smoke free home<br /> <br /> Dimensions: 124" (side with cup holders) x 112"<br /> <br /> Free curbside delivery if within 15 minutes of 1185 Fremont Ct, Elkhart, IN 46516 , willing to deliver if further away for a fee. Can help load/unload if needed<br /> <br /> FCFS but I'm willing to hold it with a deposit. Need $20 for each day you need me to hold it<br /> <br /> No Zelle<br /> <br /> Items are used and sold as is and refunds/returns are not accepted unless agreed to by me. Due to this please make sure that you do a good job reviewing the post, asking questions, measuring your space and coming to look at the couch if needed before purchasing. Once item has been paid for sale is final. <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Joshua Anderson | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1443729610 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828355 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 9/11/24, 9:16 PM | 1716079234 | 1726107411 | 810 | 397648766597190 | 1 | 9.9151586930919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101153979052048 | 0 | Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City | 120208374375510620 | kansascity.hawaiifluidart.com | Book now | NONE | video | https://kansascity.hawaiifluidart.com/ | 1716065281 | 1.0115397905205E+14 | Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954724_748471734152615_7876302174635791264_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fy2Dy2ryBpkQ7kNvgFAe86s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA0aLv4nxzXMAoa9RNxJ8DGqHKHQ1ehAewZwZE7eoLv7w&oe=664F0515 | person_profile | 0 | Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436482725_851405426825285_1943922596288234803_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Umn5oGD1FAUQ7kNvgGfezjM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYByfk9Zf5yJNxRbi4K8P3NGKuk3cLZlWqi2EXkZXi0RqQ&oe=664F0FDC | 0 | 3 | Buy 4 mesmerizing Hawaii Fluid Art experiences and get the 5th one FREE! ๐ฅณ Dive into a world of color and imagination with the color of Hawaii. ๐บ<br /> <br /> Available May 12th-18th!<br /> *Choose between fluid art, resin tumblers, or glass painting! Free experience must be used during original booking. Restrictions apply.<br /> <br /> This deal is great for...<br /> ๐ A Gift<br /> ๐ Team Building<br /> ๐ Girls Night Out<br /> ๐ฅณ Birthday Parties<br /> Or just something FUN to do!<br /> <br /> Walk-ins welcome OR book online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkansascity.hawaiifluidart.com%2F&h=AT1GBk-hW2dJaE1eNt1AINjGXFkzqfEYu3VV4qGfGaHut1pBXH9L_L0VIlkJOo4ZCISgQDtJ9Xdwj0pdwyhuSEglKW-ho40XT2z0cZYPj72eC72vYkeRFZxRZabBlvkEK0fpwWkbXALVVA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://kansascity.hawaiifluidart.com/</a><br /> โ๏ธ (913) 295-1809<br /> <br /> #hawaiifluidartkansascity #hawaiifluidart #kansascity #kansascitychiefs #kcinfluencer #resinart #kctoday #kclocal #imanartist #KC #KCMO #kansascitylove #kansascitylife #kansascityart #kcweekend #artisticadventure #artentertainment #fluidartist #fluidart #arttherapy #getcreative #thingstodo #weekendfun #fluidartistry #shareyourart | Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City | 5585 | https://facebook.com/hawaiifluidartkansascity | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828360 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774086 | 810 | 493560433370737 | 1 | 4.6546006933763E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 185689791286359 | 0 | The Epic Savings | 6597202624348 | theepicsavings.com | Get Offer | NONE | dco | YOU SAVE $780 + 2 FREE E-BOOKS | Rate: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5) | https://theepicsavings.com/sugar-defender/ | 1716065237 | 1.8568979128636E+14 | The Epic Savings | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441495372_737406655134565_7034016457219225924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6V1ulSm8spkQ7kNvgHX6PAa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB3mSEzYSD6Va16ajN5K8bzT2oK80VwAt1lfiD5xwsJoQ&oe=664F24A2 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441514211_479062361156774_7207037079483940291_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hwNZtrpsG7cQ7kNvgHonl_7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCJddW8jmMOp9nNd6lFoLuRa7dlVxA82TCydxRwArGK5w&oe=664F36B8 | 0 | 3 | Do you want to finally gain control over your blood sugar and weight? Sugar Defender offers amazing support for those in their 30s to 70s. Using pure plant ingredients and natural minerals, our formula is gentle yet powerful. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, thousands enjoy Sugar Defender daily with no complaints. Experience less hunger, more energy, and better blood sugar readings. Try Sugar Defender today! | The Epic Savings | 3 | https://facebook.com/theepicsavings | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828444 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774086 | 810 | 413759511476980 | 1 | 1.5824934325285E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694671130509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Lintel Replacement | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064868 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436306434_317213551475483_100880329267361304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uZCFLJTu9AcQ7kNvgGy-Lz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDItbOyG5P5xOUwNiuOGGEGIJj6BvOgnCw5aOvqYg2GEg&oe=664F08AF | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946466_428203013300284_695021569468539678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maHYk6syKR0Q7kNvgHrqBXO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJJ0myr8ZS1pNvUnScIXJcyckVDlI5dMJxp4IromO9oA&oe=664F00B2 | 0 | 3 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828368 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774086 | 810 | 4343362962556121 | 1 | 7.6583531232537E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985583430623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065358 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441899451_1178707263147110_3891887003736979475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3bN6CaVMLoQQ7kNvgHR1_Yx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCmufpKVYejtywMVkGBKnDqKYQXyg8RQ6hh9oblmrXBxA&oe=664F346A | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428370366_1440484333340342_8963181477133225672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IpDe9HIkmCUQ7kNvgEaYCWj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC_9bk0wk2T4rPmIRSZJ_JQFLNuutCs2kq7gSnhOjbVQw&oe=664F104B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828369 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774086 | 810 | 4343362962556121 | 1 | 7.6583531232537E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985583430623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065358 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441899451_1178707263147110_3891887003736979475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3bN6CaVMLoQQ7kNvgHR1_Yx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCmufpKVYejtywMVkGBKnDqKYQXyg8RQ6hh9oblmrXBxA&oe=664F346A | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428370366_1440484333340342_8963181477133225672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IpDe9HIkmCUQ7kNvgEaYCWj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC_9bk0wk2T4rPmIRSZJ_JQFLNuutCs2kq7gSnhOjbVQw&oe=664F104B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828373 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774086 | 810 | 782821260599318 | 1 | 1.0759265835057E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 117204024658491 | 0 | voznovusmilenio | 120211694726400002 | etix.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31551701/xxxtentacion-memorial-concert-los-angeles-1720 | 1716065166 | 1.1720402465849E+14 | voznovusmilenio | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/361886152_241944908660112_5806571870122202479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ogqL4dAHFMQQ7kNvgESQM4m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCmbROEZGxlsjWau8gVLbZlnTjYawLsS3NhV5R6CHPhIA&oe=664F2CC3 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Diego Guerra | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209447_995866015253923_2021772472824911209_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mBHVLPtVPpcQ7kNvgH-cwzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf5z0ETMSjOhUCtmJ1_OipxcB6iyAURJ0zwcJu3VhH8g&oe=664F10A3 | 0 | 3 | voznovusmilenio | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/voznovusmilenio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828374 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774087 | 810 | 782821260599318 | 1 | 1.0759265835057E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 117204024658491 | 0 | voznovusmilenio | 120211694726400002 | etix.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31551701/xxxtentacion-memorial-concert-los-angeles-1720 | 1716065166 | 1.1720402465849E+14 | voznovusmilenio | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/361886152_241944908660112_5806571870122202479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ogqL4dAHFMQQ7kNvgESQM4m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCmbROEZGxlsjWau8gVLbZlnTjYawLsS3NhV5R6CHPhIA&oe=664F2CC3 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Diego Guerra | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209447_995866015253923_2021772472824911209_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mBHVLPtVPpcQ7kNvgH-cwzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf5z0ETMSjOhUCtmJ1_OipxcB6iyAURJ0zwcJu3VhH8g&oe=664F10A3 | 0 | 3 | voznovusmilenio | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/voznovusmilenio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828379 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774087 | 810 | 1394771827891153 | 1 | 1.1944830482191E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 574862786529116 | 0 | Nice and Neat | 6564051896987 | beautifullifela.mykajabi.com | Learn more | NONE | image | https://beautifullifela.mykajabi.com/course | 1716065133 | 5.7486278652912E+14 | Nice and Neat | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442442580_765307892386878_7370986437161622539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JgmRfFY6e_oQ7kNvgFUmbis&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBythZn7WT3Bg6GitCQmpdDFa19nSAVQjhiM39Wk6nzow&oe=664F2DAD | person_profile | 0 | Sarah | Professional Home Organizer | Los Angeles | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415885_427255016717382_6020826672507908708_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7MMvp2seU0Q7kNvgHjXYra&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDa0IdXungNujw0mGVcmxRU2OF64dCww4sL9Z0ZJqrS8w&oe=664F372A | 0 | 3 | Want to finally get your home decluttered and organized, so you can get back time, space, and energy for what matters most to you? <br /> <br /> ๐๐ป This is your answer, my friend!<br /> <br /> Hereโs what youโll get:<br /> <br /> โ 6 easy-to-follow modules that break down the entire process.<br /> <br /> โ 35+ practical lessons covering every corner of your home.<br /> <br /> โ Handy checklists & guides to keep you on track.<br /> <br /> โ Exclusive access to our supportive community where you can share progress and get tips.<br /> <br /> โ Lifetime access so you can revisit and refresh anytime.<br /> <br /> This course is perfect for:<br /> <br /> Busy parents ๐ผ trying to juggle work, kids, and home life.<br /> <br /> Professionals needing a calm, organized space to unwind and focus ๐ฅ๏ธ.<br /> <br /> Anyone dreaming of a clutter-free, beautiful home ๐.<br /> <br /> ๐ญ Imagine:<br /> <br /> Cooking in a spotless kitchen where you can find everything with ease ๐ณ.<br /> <br /> Relaxing in a living room that feels like a sanctuary ๐๏ธ.<br /> <br /> Having a bedroom thatโs a peaceful retreat every night ๐.<br /> <br /> Knowing your kidsโ rooms are tidy and their things are easy to find ๐งธ.<br /> <br /> By following the program, you can have your entire home decluttered and organized by the end of summer! โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ If youโre ready to make this dream a reality, DM me the word COURSE, and letโs get started! ๐ | Nice and Neat | 0 | https://facebook.com/100069817537188 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828388 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774088 | 810 | 769736018342743 | 1 | 1.0907710786535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272523201 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065097 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418932_1915812565540246_2767714356072137321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9oMZseoT8IoQ7kNvgGmVYUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeOKZONzaftoLeadwe1T3i3tgXul6S3ONhg3ctHR7Z6A&oe=664F20EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415511_2311396912534209_6849146402328222224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Us-RNh0YEXgQ7kNvgFyA9z2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBw5SphP3l1I-xEFvmjWPKdsHe7sioJn-wE3bNXWSEhFA&oe=664F1A76 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Bella Brides. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828389 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774088 | 810 | 769736018342743 | 1 | 1.0907710786535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272523201 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065097 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418932_1915812565540246_2767714356072137321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9oMZseoT8IoQ7kNvgGmVYUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeOKZONzaftoLeadwe1T3i3tgXul6S3ONhg3ctHR7Z6A&oe=664F20EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415511_2311396912534209_6849146402328222224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Us-RNh0YEXgQ7kNvgFyA9z2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBw5SphP3l1I-xEFvmjWPKdsHe7sioJn-wE3bNXWSEhFA&oe=664F1A76 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Bella Brides. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828390 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774088 | 810 | 769736018342743 | 1 | 1.0907710786535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272523201 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065097 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418932_1915812565540246_2767714356072137321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9oMZseoT8IoQ7kNvgGmVYUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeOKZONzaftoLeadwe1T3i3tgXul6S3ONhg3ctHR7Z6A&oe=664F20EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415511_2311396912534209_6849146402328222224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Us-RNh0YEXgQ7kNvgFyA9z2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBw5SphP3l1I-xEFvmjWPKdsHe7sioJn-wE3bNXWSEhFA&oe=664F1A76 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Bella Brides. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828391 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774088 | 810 | 769736018342743 | 1 | 1.0907710786535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272523201 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065097 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418932_1915812565540246_2767714356072137321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9oMZseoT8IoQ7kNvgGmVYUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeOKZONzaftoLeadwe1T3i3tgXul6S3ONhg3ctHR7Z6A&oe=664F20EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415511_2311396912534209_6849146402328222224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Us-RNh0YEXgQ7kNvgFyA9z2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBw5SphP3l1I-xEFvmjWPKdsHe7sioJn-wE3bNXWSEhFA&oe=664F1A76 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Bella Brides. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828417 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774088 | 810 | 352490174114469 | 1 | 1.1231448988047E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 300526767435018 | 0 | Mary | 6549029204277 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/maryandcrew | 1716064826 | 3.0052676743502E+14 | Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822648_329462583299269_2513338271494227970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fGihFYkSYH4Q7kNvgEPKHUI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZYhAjyIlIFHu6APV_jH5qLpKJH-zqR01L4zKB9zz02A&oe=664F1F1E | person_profile | 0 | Mary Everard | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_1188330792606301_5225998755174308972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lnCIlDbiNt0Q7kNvgHcPVtn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOC7DX1a3H7OBKO6bhBJbPPOFHiMlp9fgZKlXTNjofhA&oe=664F17BF | 0 | 3 | Mary | 180 | https://facebook.com/maryandcrew | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828402 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1146738263138564 | 2 | 4.1711572797186E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 181111885088609 | 0 | Indemnigaming | 120210129758140522 | indemni.io | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Gaming Giveaway ๐ฎ: PS5, Logitech, Merch, and More | Join now for a chance to win a PS5, connect with like-minded gamers, and show off your gaming profile. Limited spots โ act fast! | https://indemni.io/waitlist | 1715975006 | 1.8111188508861E+14 | Indemnigaming | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428172383_1009809650732236_790292844150125104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8zyS3OKFkz0Q7kNvgE7MdeD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKUzb1hyOMwhdhctB-aUsYat4WfXn72smMY1sKufVhGg&oe=664F01E6 | person_profile | 0 | Indemni | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440954573_419728787605962_4728057505188897423_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zj3VoIVJTUsQ7kNvgGQNnSc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxUONWrigmspf1fkLTFqkvTBxSMY2nRc_gFzicQOoTrw&oe=664F1F32 | 0 | 3 | Unite with other passionate players and join us as one of the first 10,000 gamers to find perfect teammates faster and show off your gaming profile. Our Gamer Matchmaker Demo is officially live for you to experience how our matchmaking works! Join the waitlist to earn a chance at a PS5, Logitech Gear, Merch, and More! Don't miss out. | Indemnigaming | 14 | https://facebook.com/indemni.io | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828403 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1146738263138564 | 2 | 4.1711572797186E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 181111885088609 | 0 | Indemnigaming | 120210129758140522 | indemni.io | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Gaming Giveaway ๐ฎ: PS5, Logitech, Merch, and More | Join now for a chance to win a PS5, connect with like-minded gamers, and show off your gaming profile. Limited spots โ act fast! | https://indemni.io/waitlist | 1715975006 | 1.8111188508861E+14 | Indemnigaming | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428172383_1009809650732236_790292844150125104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8zyS3OKFkz0Q7kNvgE7MdeD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKUzb1hyOMwhdhctB-aUsYat4WfXn72smMY1sKufVhGg&oe=664F01E6 | person_profile | 0 | Indemni | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440954573_419728787605962_4728057505188897423_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zj3VoIVJTUsQ7kNvgGQNnSc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxUONWrigmspf1fkLTFqkvTBxSMY2nRc_gFzicQOoTrw&oe=664F1F32 | 0 | 3 | Unite with other passionate players and join us as one of the first 10,000 gamers to find perfect teammates faster and show off your gaming profile. Our Gamer Matchmaker Demo is officially live for you to experience how our matchmaking works! Join the waitlist to earn a chance at a PS5, Logitech Gear, Merch, and More! Don't miss out. | Indemnigaming | 14 | https://facebook.com/indemni.io | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828404 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1146738263138564 | 2 | 4.1711572797186E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 181111885088609 | 0 | Indemnigaming | 120210129758140522 | indemni.io | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Gaming Giveaway ๐ฎ: PS5, Logitech, Merch, and More | Join now for a chance to win a PS5, connect with like-minded gamers, and show off your gaming profile. Limited spots โ act fast! | https://indemni.io/waitlist | 1715975006 | 1.8111188508861E+14 | Indemnigaming | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428172383_1009809650732236_790292844150125104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8zyS3OKFkz0Q7kNvgE7MdeD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKUzb1hyOMwhdhctB-aUsYat4WfXn72smMY1sKufVhGg&oe=664F01E6 | person_profile | 0 | Indemni | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440954573_419728787605962_4728057505188897423_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zj3VoIVJTUsQ7kNvgGQNnSc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxUONWrigmspf1fkLTFqkvTBxSMY2nRc_gFzicQOoTrw&oe=664F1F32 | 0 | 3 | Unite with other passionate players and join us as one of the first 10,000 gamers to find perfect teammates faster and show off your gaming profile. Our Gamer Matchmaker Demo is officially live for you to experience how our matchmaking works! Join the waitlist to earn a chance at a PS5, Logitech Gear, Merch, and More! Don't miss out. | Indemnigaming | 14 | https://facebook.com/indemni.io | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828405 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1146738263138564 | 2 | 4.1711572797186E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 181111885088609 | 0 | Indemnigaming | 120210129758140522 | indemni.io | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Gaming Giveaway ๐ฎ: PS5, Logitech, Merch, and More | Join now for a chance to win a PS5, connect with like-minded gamers, and show off your gaming profile. Limited spots โ act fast! | https://indemni.io/waitlist | 1715975006 | 1.8111188508861E+14 | Indemnigaming | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428172383_1009809650732236_790292844150125104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8zyS3OKFkz0Q7kNvgE7MdeD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKUzb1hyOMwhdhctB-aUsYat4WfXn72smMY1sKufVhGg&oe=664F01E6 | person_profile | 0 | Indemni | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440954573_419728787605962_4728057505188897423_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zj3VoIVJTUsQ7kNvgGQNnSc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxUONWrigmspf1fkLTFqkvTBxSMY2nRc_gFzicQOoTrw&oe=664F1F32 | 0 | 3 | Unite with other passionate players and join us as one of the first 10,000 gamers to find perfect teammates faster and show off your gaming profile. Our Gamer Matchmaker Demo is officially live for you to experience how our matchmaking works! Join the waitlist to earn a chance at a PS5, Logitech Gear, Merch, and More! Don't miss out. | Indemnigaming | 14 | https://facebook.com/indemni.io | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828409 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1019095833165603 | 1 | 8.2542885278423E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 304507749417726 | 0 | _fancyfortune_ | 120209897029420150 | instagram.com | Send message | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/_fancyfortune_ | 1716065034 | 3.0450774941773E+14 | _fancyfortune_ | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/444586006_1018311006343938_5330271338032109235_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=XN0RZP766UMQ7kNvgHGHZjU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYB_j4u9jKUN2g1KIrYyukfYI_zSAovQd4wixo-dWAmWrQ&oe=664F2D61 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Runza || Faceless Digital Marketing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698365_484555824003756_2921712074815529006_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O5M34Kp-8cMQ7kNvgG4NvV0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBa6MGxBhTh6ANihuFreXrJnTC18TKKVAfYYqEF2pj8SQ&oe=664F1A73 | 0 | 3 | Doing this changed EVERYTHING! ๐๐ผ<br /> <br /> I shut down my old Instagram account and started from scratch. ๐ฆ <br /> <br /> Hereโs why: ๐๐ผ<br /> <br /> 1. I made so many mistakes because no one told me what to do or avoid. These mistakes killed my reach, and I had to figure things out the hard way. ๐ข<br /> <br /> ๐ Now, Iโve created a kickstart guide from my experience as a COMPLETE BEGINNER who just started digital marketing with ZERO EXPERIENCE from 30 DAYS AGO. It comes with the course bundle. Itโll show you what to do and what to avoid, so you donโt have to go through what I did. ๐ค<br /> <br /> 3. Iโm starting from zero again to show everyone whoโs scared or nervous to start that itโs possible and it happens, because everyone started from ZERO. <br /> <br /> ๐ Itโs about following a solid strategy to reach your audience whom are exactly like you. I want to help every person out there who dreams to be FINANCIAL, TIME, and LOCATION FREE but feels stuck.๐ฅบ<br /> <br /> ๐๐ผ Iโm here for YOU, and Iโm just ONE MESSAGE away! <br /> <br /> ๐ DM Me โ๐ฅโ now! And letโs connect. <br /> <br /> 3. I ended up in โInsta jailโ and felt like Instagram was against me. This was all due to my lack of knowledge. <br /> <br /> ๐ I reinvested in a new course to fill in my knowledge gaps, that means I took 3 courses in digital marketing, and now Iโm ready to help EVERYONE make real money online and maximize their profits. <br /> <br /> ๐๐ผ All you need : <br /> โข A Phone ๐ฑ or Laptop ๐ป <br /> โข WiFi connection ๐ถ<br /> โข 2 to 3 hours a day ๐<br /> <br /> Comment โ๐ฅโ or DM me โ๐ฅโ and Iโll spill the tea ๐ซ<br /> <br /> Please follow and support my new Instagram journey. Every follow truly matters. ๐ค<br /> <br /> โข @_fancyfortune_ ๐ค<br /> โข @_fancyfortune_ ๐ค<br /> โข @_fancyfortune_ ๐ค<br /> <br /> #freedom #quitmyjob #9to5 <br /> #onlinebusiness #startabusiness #passiveincome<br /> #digitalmarketingforbeginners2024 #workfromhomejobs | _fancyfortune_ | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/_fancyfortune_ | 0 | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828406 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 1014839823400573 | 1 | 3.6135686028449E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 217749944756602 | 0 | Marisol Alarcon | 120210120048690369 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/704329455065030/ | 1716065038 | 2.177499447566E+14 | Marisol Alarcon | regular_page | 1 | Marisol Alarcon | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435967758_1485848315650948_7487305403960140457_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uiq02WDxUbAQ7kNvgEooJYT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBOoamxx4zwM5fpRY-7MgubjotN0KpB1b40tmEvlg-q1Q&oe=664F296D | 0 | 3 | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic - $5.300,00<br /> <br /> ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐Chevrolet Sonic 2016, Clean Title. Gas saver, 4 Cylinder,runs exellent, no issues, 81k miles, Automatic, AC, Bluetooth system, Feel free to bring mechanic to see the quality of the vehicle.<br /> <br /> Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Titulo Limpio, ahorrador de gas,4 cilindros, trabaja exelente, 81mil millas, Automรกtico, AC y calentรณn Bluetooth sistema y camara de reversa, siรฉntete libre de traer a tu mecรกnico para ver la calidad del vehรญculo. ๐ $$ 5,300<br /> ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Marisol Alarcon | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100009379687591 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828410 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774089 | 810 | 821315889886856 | 1 | 9.7677639028988E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 340884109101043 | 0 | Peace Of Mind Insurance | 6584657715065 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Retirement with Tax-Free Gains: The Power of an IUL | Are you worried about outliving your retirement savings? ๐ค It's a common concern, but there's a solution that can provide peace of mind and financial security. Introducing Index Universal Life (IUL) insurance โ your key to retiring without paying taxes on your gains! ๐ฐ With an IUL policy, you can enjoy the benefits of life insurance protection while also building cash value that grows over time. But here's the real game-changer: the cash value in your IUL policy can be accessed tax-free during your retirement years! That means more money in your pocket when you need it most. ๐ผ Don't let the fear of running out of money in retirement hold you back. Take control of your financial future with IUL and retire with confidence. Learn more today! | http://fb.me/ | 1716065004 | 3.4088410910104E+14 | Peace Of Mind Insurance | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438305825_1957373344680856_6645344094512407055_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rc2fx5okkM8Q7kNvgGv8Ry9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDyEbeDlMj9cJrOlEvqSB8R1vi0DVLBAahUwb0AnK8Q4g&oe=664F3802 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Are you worried about outliving your retirement savings? ๐ค It's a common concern, but there's a solution that can provide peace of mind and financial security. Introducing Index Universal Life (IUL) insurance โ your key to retiring without paying taxes on your gains! ๐ฐ<br /> <br /> With an IUL policy, you can enjoy the benefits of life insurance protection while also building cash value that grows over time. But here's the real game-changer: the cash value in your IUL policy can be accessed tax-free during your retirement years! That means more money in your pocket when you need it most. ๐ผ<br /> <br /> Don't let the fear of running out of money in retirement hold you back. Take control of your financial future with IUL and retire with confidence. Learn more today! | Peace Of Mind Insurance | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559645252020 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828427 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 8:02 AM | 1716079235 | 1749042145 | 810 | 1159916691955431 | 1 | 3.8260234677197E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 130124646850739 | 0 | Hailey Barr | 120209248310070340 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Read Free with Kindle Unlimited | The Nanny's Second Chance: A Sunshine Virgin Romance | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2Y7CC1F | 1716064951 | 1.3012464685074E+14 | Hailey Barr | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441550200_462769672800853_8121512550343384607_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MH0GdaowFpoQ7kNvgEj8D82&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB7cVGCtZjlEYI08QPc1D_0SFcsN_Lkez_pj7Q49x4ePw&oe=664F2B8A | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | A heartfelt story of one woman's cancer survivor journey as she learns to fight with the cancer, and her whirlwind of emotions she has never really experienced before in her life...<br /> <br /> What readers are saying: <br /> โI haven't felt so emotional in a book for a long time, a lot of reading feels like work, which I don't mind. But this, this was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed to read.โ <br /> <br /> โThis is a heart-warming story, full of compassion and hard feelings. Heart-breaking. I was rooting for them since the beginning! It was fantastic! highly recommended!โ <br /> <br /> "A sweet story that keeps you wanting more. It was easy to connect with the characters and love them. A story that constantly pulls at your heartstrings." <br /> <br /> Immerse yourself in The Nanny's Second Chance today and experience an emotional, heartwarming journey that will captivate you from beginning to end. | Hailey Barr | 48 | https://facebook.com/61551506138752 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828443 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774090 | 810 | 7762865887109738 | 1 | 2.5785213408007E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 292143937897864 | 0 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 120208851426030499 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | AfroVibesCLT SAT, 3/2 | https://bit.ly/3V39fCk | 1715979267 | 2.9214393789786E+14 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159750_1176457073544832_3496984326676614408_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5PMSsZN7uGYQ7kNvgFOCdg8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhnskCmAPMCZgGhyzOjm0p7CweSqt5EjB53i3GfMD0-A&oe=664F04C0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 676 | https://facebook.com/djkatobeats | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828445 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 413759511476980 | 1 | 1.5824934325285E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694671130509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Lintel Replacement | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064868 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436306434_317213551475483_100880329267361304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uZCFLJTu9AcQ7kNvgGy-Lz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDItbOyG5P5xOUwNiuOGGEGIJj6BvOgnCw5aOvqYg2GEg&oe=664F08AF | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946466_428203013300284_695021569468539678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maHYk6syKR0Q7kNvgHrqBXO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJJ0myr8ZS1pNvUnScIXJcyckVDlI5dMJxp4IromO9oA&oe=664F00B2 | 0 | 3 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828446 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 413759511476980 | 1 | 1.5824934325285E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694671130509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Lintel Replacement | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064868 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436306434_317213551475483_100880329267361304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uZCFLJTu9AcQ7kNvgGy-Lz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDItbOyG5P5xOUwNiuOGGEGIJj6BvOgnCw5aOvqYg2GEg&oe=664F08AF | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946466_428203013300284_695021569468539678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maHYk6syKR0Q7kNvgHrqBXO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJJ0myr8ZS1pNvUnScIXJcyckVDlI5dMJxp4IromO9oA&oe=664F00B2 | 0 | 3 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828448 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 413759511476980 | 1 | 1.5824934325285E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694671130509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Lintel Replacement | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064868 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436306434_317213551475483_100880329267361304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uZCFLJTu9AcQ7kNvgGy-Lz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDItbOyG5P5xOUwNiuOGGEGIJj6BvOgnCw5aOvqYg2GEg&oe=664F08AF | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946466_428203013300284_695021569468539678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maHYk6syKR0Q7kNvgHrqBXO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJJ0myr8ZS1pNvUnScIXJcyckVDlI5dMJxp4IromO9oA&oe=664F00B2 | 0 | 3 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828449 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 413759511476980 | 1 | 1.5824934325285E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694671130509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Lintel Replacement | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064868 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436306434_317213551475483_100880329267361304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uZCFLJTu9AcQ7kNvgGy-Lz-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDItbOyG5P5xOUwNiuOGGEGIJj6BvOgnCw5aOvqYg2GEg&oe=664F08AF | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946466_428203013300284_695021569468539678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maHYk6syKR0Q7kNvgHrqBXO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJJ0myr8ZS1pNvUnScIXJcyckVDlI5dMJxp4IromO9oA&oe=664F00B2 | 0 | 3 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828456 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 964778462016217 | 1 | 4.6182141965719E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694667750509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Before Tuck Pointing | ๐๏ธSchedule Free Inspection | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064854 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443718014_1122588028856044_3584570347208529367_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T5xkKvABl7YQ7kNvgF6d8Cp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA469Ae2u0_5TCRxlvK7qPDO53pg7HAw82pEM3k0Ok0_g&oe=664F3175 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443820754_467671772289939_7857677328140416818_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Umkawyb6foIQ7kNvgGnntU4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBTwIZlIt4qvunOazUtv1QJ9PiVlSzOWd7lRv-x4S3MOg&oe=664F1CFD | 0 | 3 | ๐๏ธSchedule Free Inspection | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828459 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 990578132454972 | 1 | 7.5851157279484E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694667910509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064851 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442512165_387110980988476_6192227454404132887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DeZLWvzSRbsQ7kNvgFxAZVG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBI8l761GQaItG7tgFQ7ezOwOcgzRAnao0k1s0cTNELg&oe=664F0550 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436358399_1805551759925330_3737943900957862686_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l5EBJ_4My5oQ7kNvgFHvbB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6wP5L5vbDliE1PMQia9Zpvb71WBGixIJO2aU86VcbwA&oe=664F147A | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828460 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 990578132454972 | 1 | 7.5851157279484E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694667910509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064851 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442512165_387110980988476_6192227454404132887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DeZLWvzSRbsQ7kNvgFxAZVG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBI8l761GQaItG7tgFQ7ezOwOcgzRAnao0k1s0cTNELg&oe=664F0550 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436358399_1805551759925330_3737943900957862686_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l5EBJ_4My5oQ7kNvgFHvbB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6wP5L5vbDliE1PMQia9Zpvb71WBGixIJO2aU86VcbwA&oe=664F147A | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828462 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 470647785529535 | 1 | 1.2200624360384E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694662290509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064837 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441527202_8219400254756034_3933245038143745260_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7jc4WJV0t64Q7kNvgE_Is7H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCyGWYNWGQGm6XeFHYPjIqTNdSSpiE38JO2g9rglJcDfw&oe=664F0499 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441408875_7730983700301909_1837515325295941674_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d9gMGGXBk1cQ7kNvgEsOR6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrpVZijpTE5yKxM_PoNHJzOpdTtc4UVpxwpCnX6CrE-A&oe=664F1E23 | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828463 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 470647785529535 | 1 | 1.2200624360384E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694662290509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064837 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441527202_8219400254756034_3933245038143745260_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7jc4WJV0t64Q7kNvgE_Is7H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCyGWYNWGQGm6XeFHYPjIqTNdSSpiE38JO2g9rglJcDfw&oe=664F0499 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441408875_7730983700301909_1837515325295941674_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d9gMGGXBk1cQ7kNvgEsOR6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrpVZijpTE5yKxM_PoNHJzOpdTtc4UVpxwpCnX6CrE-A&oe=664F1E23 | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828465 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 464077739506482 | 1 | 1.5107918428404E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108011319235141 | 0 | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | 6609802263851 | facebook.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | New specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | Saturday nights new specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | https://www.facebook.com/DubhLinnIrishPub | 1716064838 | 1.0801131923514E+14 | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444846043_856378269655411_5770723777284005748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E1TG5Xvi2_kQ7kNvgF8ykYH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCopBsAMXSFG8g20ItE0LpMXkv84yg2TZLiI9XjCFoJzg&oe=664F11EB | person_profile | 0 | Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444821357_7362874103810576_1404994095336829843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_tdK3qSXVvIQ7kNvgEPtgJk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIIhQDQLv09gNeYu26a8eyuyAbLTppLnRTkdOTCFikLw&oe=664F2E88 | 0 | 3 | Saturday nights new specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | 9774 | https://facebook.com/DubhLinnIrishPub | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828469 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/24/25, 9:59 PM | 1716079235 | 1745549965 | 810 | 954961732788400 | 1 | 1.4816410957651E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 251889844663661 | 0 | Bear TEE | 120210692400130683 | venturausa.shop | Shop now | NONE | image | http://venturausa.shop/ | 1716067635 | 2.5188984466366E+14 | Bear TEE | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711198_1570407893533830_1219959178858136650_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2z3ePHgifswQ7kNvgERvjxT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAoeBvPbEojxuhztn3lbPyn2xyVpKvr4T1zSJ7umSbdhA&oe=664F0960 | person_profile | 0 | ventura | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436456980_1500660740555310_1468482661740780417_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XRxbkeFNF9gQ7kNvgHlCz8i&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquu-LMM7LYK0KWD18pkaqsSyepcx_VIBMook9Qg_dFg&oe=664F1B46 | 0 | 3 | "TEDDY TEE" OUT NOW! LIMITED TIME<br /> ONLY $45 + FREE Shipping! Pre-Made ๐งธ | Bear TEE | 2 | https://facebook.com/61556244657565 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828481 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774092 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828479 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774092 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828480 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774092 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828482 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828483 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828484 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828486 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828488 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828489 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828490 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828491 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828492 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828493 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828494 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828502 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828495 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828496 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828498 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828499 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828500 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828501 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828503 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774093 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828504 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828505 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828506 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828509 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828510 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828511 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828512 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828513 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828514 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828515 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828516 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828517 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828519 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828520 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828521 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828522 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828523 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828524 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828525 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828526 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828527 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828529 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828530 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774094 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828531 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828532 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828533 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828534 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828535 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828536 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828537 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828539 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 963078765596204 | 1 | 1.1231012423423E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 208014889231130 | 0 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 120210057101990635 | aquaguardwaterproofing.net | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://www.aquaguardwaterproofing.net/contact | 1716064817 | 2.0801488923113E+14 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485084_968973661479259_4532970565039124798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1PaWUQZqZisQ7kNvgEJ6co_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlcrQm6xjUQXm8W_peJR9rU2towoCeXOMnji0XXNRFkg&oe=664F0A09 | person_profile | 0 | AquaGuard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483036_3692218831020980_7872267473023371878_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Epu3r0qtwHEQ7kNvgFpwP29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDDLttdIhtTDISVYbIsKq5u8AfClK0BYnHWxD5SzXSYug&oe=664F1327 | 0 | 3 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 505 | https://facebook.com/aquaguardwaterproof | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828540 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 963078765596204 | 1 | 1.1231012423423E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 208014889231130 | 0 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 120210057101990635 | aquaguardwaterproofing.net | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://www.aquaguardwaterproofing.net/contact | 1716064817 | 2.0801488923113E+14 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485084_968973661479259_4532970565039124798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1PaWUQZqZisQ7kNvgEJ6co_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlcrQm6xjUQXm8W_peJR9rU2towoCeXOMnji0XXNRFkg&oe=664F0A09 | person_profile | 0 | AquaGuard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483036_3692218831020980_7872267473023371878_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Epu3r0qtwHEQ7kNvgFpwP29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDDLttdIhtTDISVYbIsKq5u8AfClK0BYnHWxD5SzXSYug&oe=664F1327 | 0 | 3 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 505 | https://facebook.com/aquaguardwaterproof | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828541 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 963078765596204 | 1 | 1.1231012423423E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 208014889231130 | 0 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 120210057101990635 | aquaguardwaterproofing.net | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://www.aquaguardwaterproofing.net/contact | 1716064817 | 2.0801488923113E+14 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485084_968973661479259_4532970565039124798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1PaWUQZqZisQ7kNvgEJ6co_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlcrQm6xjUQXm8W_peJR9rU2towoCeXOMnji0XXNRFkg&oe=664F0A09 | person_profile | 0 | AquaGuard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483036_3692218831020980_7872267473023371878_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Epu3r0qtwHEQ7kNvgFpwP29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDDLttdIhtTDISVYbIsKq5u8AfClK0BYnHWxD5SzXSYug&oe=664F1327 | 0 | 3 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 505 | https://facebook.com/aquaguardwaterproof | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828542 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774095 | 810 | 963078765596204 | 1 | 1.1231012423423E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 208014889231130 | 0 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 120210057101990635 | aquaguardwaterproofing.net | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://www.aquaguardwaterproofing.net/contact | 1716064817 | 2.0801488923113E+14 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485084_968973661479259_4532970565039124798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1PaWUQZqZisQ7kNvgEJ6co_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlcrQm6xjUQXm8W_peJR9rU2towoCeXOMnji0XXNRFkg&oe=664F0A09 | person_profile | 0 | AquaGuard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483036_3692218831020980_7872267473023371878_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Epu3r0qtwHEQ7kNvgFpwP29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDDLttdIhtTDISVYbIsKq5u8AfClK0BYnHWxD5SzXSYug&oe=664F1327 | 0 | 3 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 505 | https://facebook.com/aquaguardwaterproof | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828545 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079237 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1103240734114047 | 1 | 4.1779200454401E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108802160851979 | 0 | munchhiees | 120210325246440154 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-sat... | Shop Now | NONE | dco | SAVE $15 + BUY 2 GET 1 FREE | SHIPPING = $0 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-satin-lined | 1716065229 | 1.0880216085198E+14 | munchhiees | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479310_1008896704284530_5479473237939481940_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jc-khmgunu0Q7kNvgEpFGtO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCILe078auHXfti7jN88v1GwV6fv6rAtQmQ5lo4Msx8BA&oe=664F2710 | person_profile | 0 | Munchies | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501061_981056466427813_953330266300496630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KMqRbj_uYCYQ7kNvgECOVB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkNRZCMAuyWMeYMxCOOgQaJ8GPmmhnLkSmctOpYh_THg&oe=664F2242 | 0 | 3 | We gotta come together and STOP RUINING OUR HAIR, our satin beanies got your back! ๐ฟ๐ | munchhiees | 974 | https://facebook.com/100039604761906 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828546 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079237 | 1723774095 | 810 | 1103240734114047 | 1 | 4.1779200454401E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108802160851979 | 0 | munchhiees | 120210325246440154 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-sat... | Shop Now | NONE | dco | SAVE $15 + BUY 2 GET 1 FREE | SHIPPING = $0 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-satin-lined | 1716065229 | 1.0880216085198E+14 | munchhiees | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479310_1008896704284530_5479473237939481940_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jc-khmgunu0Q7kNvgEpFGtO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCILe078auHXfti7jN88v1GwV6fv6rAtQmQ5lo4Msx8BA&oe=664F2710 | person_profile | 0 | Munchies | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501061_981056466427813_953330266300496630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KMqRbj_uYCYQ7kNvgECOVB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkNRZCMAuyWMeYMxCOOgQaJ8GPmmhnLkSmctOpYh_THg&oe=664F2242 | 0 | 3 | We gotta come together and STOP RUINING OUR HAIR, our satin beanies got your back! ๐ฟ๐ | munchhiees | 974 | https://facebook.com/100039604761906 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827782 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774096 | 810 | 2629218693926083 | 1 | 1.1228794789711E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117814807873056 | 0 | CT Swap And Thrift | 6575056940986 | NONE | multi_images | 1716071243 | 1.1781480787306E+14 | CT Swap And Thrift | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443821789_770183265252937_2832621010924737414_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7dgse-Xa_Y0Q7kNvgFC9j4E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEXa1S0aurBV-Lroe3mBrlgqBog9Q4rci9UXvkxXlFOw&oe=664F196B | person_profile | 0 | CT Swap & Thrift๐East Lyme | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428373634_815375133359433_2342799223517917008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zVwr5tVg0gAQ7kNvgE-GhwC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPZQwrIl3-cJNFZKULXz0cFlvipAZE4MPY-s39bo-XSQ&oe=664F2EF8 | 0 | 3 | THIS SUNDAY 5/19 9am-2pm rain or shine<br /> 30+ YARD SALES & SPECIALS ALL OVER EAST LYME <br /> Don't forget to stop and get lemonade from the kiddos! <br /> <br /> Post a selfie and you could win a $20 gift card to any participating business. #EASTLYMESALETRAIL<br /> <br /> Printed maps are starting to get distributed! So far you can pick them up at:<br /> <br /> Paw Print Pantry <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoastalGiftsOnMain">Coastal Gifts On Main</a> <br /> Tina Burton's Salon in midway plaza <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmithsAcres">Smith's Acres LLC</a> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mermaidliquors">Mermaid Liquors</a> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparcelcentre">The Parcel Centre LLC a PackageHub Business Center</a> <br /> East Lyme Pizza<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Giulianos-bakery/100054136915447/">Giuliano's bakery</a> <br /> Niantic Bay Coffee House<br /> Meraki Salon<br /> Past to Present Collectibles<br /> <br /> ctswapthrift@gmail.com<br /> <br /> BUSINESS SPECIALS<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlandersFish">Flanders Fish Market</a> FREE kids meal with an adult entree (one per table)<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CherylsBaysideStudio">Cheryl's Bayside Studio</a> FREE magnet of your choice with any purchase!<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tumbleweedsct">Tumbleweeds Music Shop and Boutique</a> 40-60%off sale racks and up to 20% off certain regular apparel <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/threebelles">Three Belles Marina</a> FREE soft serve vouchers (vouchers are also a chance to win a free glow paddle!) and 10% off anything in the Galley<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Niantic-Bay-Coffee-House/100078812361009/">Niantic Bay Coffee House</a> $2.50 Large coffees and Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Off Acai bowls<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themelangesalon">Melange Salon</a> Miscellaneous Sale Items <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Stels-Beauty-Wellness-and-Med-Spa/61550492514187/">Stels Beauty Wellness and Med Spa</a> Almost half off luxury Himalayan Salt Facials (ONLY $105)<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merakisalonct">Meraki Salon</a> Sale table outside & Specials <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CTswapandthrift">CT Swap And Thrift</a> $5 OFF ANY ORDER use code DXP2G2V (free delivery anywhere in East Lyme)<br /> <br /> All tag sales are independently run and managed<br /> These participating addresses are to be visited ONLY during the designated event hours.<br /> <br /> *There is no localized event, this is just a collection of independently run tag sales | CT Swap And Thrift | 285 | https://facebook.com/CTswapandthrift | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828167 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774096 | 810 | 1362684157733795 | 1 | 1.1599349451411E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106825725321035 | 0 | DogBase | 120210289700180583 | dogbase.co | Sign up | NONE | image | Train Smarter, Not Harder, with DogBase | https://www.dogbase.co/?utm_source=meta_ads&utm_medium=paid_impressions&utm_campaign=version_6 | 1716066297 | 1.0682572532104E+14 | DogBase | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443819550_1684532665286640_5880226638668229932_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VjJyGTuTkiYQ7kNvgEH6t6z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCFu98kqGn-RA_iyf6LIAo59TO4QGSckURNiPxfRQ9ZqQ&oe=664F0D02 | person_profile | 0 | DogBase | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440967240_1147619546379629_1166648081265837464_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AFQoB7RSoyQQ7kNvgEjMBwe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAYUjr6SheNCL3sVio8qA_HFYxgATPQXfl1cV6lth3iVA&oe=664F0F2B | 0 | 3 | Donโt miss out on the easiest way to transform your K9 search and rescue working dogโs training routine. Start your FREE 14-day trial today. | DogBase | 69 | https://facebook.com/mydogbase | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827748 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774096 | 810 | 2152587241789096 | 1 | 1.6196297188157E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419207590718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=196940 | 1715311189 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441038673_325489877022252_517995836459105787_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xQCNgXatWT8Q7kNvgFWTV5C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6n9fby5XUydY0_UAp1IaTX6b9PdIThE9kyeKNTmtoLw&oe=664F0444 | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442372216_1832706953875305_2015737091478467360_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iXOLG2P9togQ7kNvgEXpI5j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCw24bmzeRYrwIKCeqkrZo6fZlje9md-rRqugt1MSA4uQ&oe=664F0F3F | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827829 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774097 | 810 | 2872538192883878 | 1 | 8.0158681806751E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777557250068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713826939 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438706795_447091764389908_5468186902944229159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3sBF-S0SAdYQ7kNvgHLGqTQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBr56uVsK3QHK7xVh2A1_vNPiJbGf4tz1lzXutnemfBFA&oe=664F1737 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438754677_1113329829922711_8771927396179837446_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Db6B8zknVoQQ7kNvgGwQxgF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA1_dpQUlD80u2JaOYnE8dp-zMjxxmb1urhpsv1nVIy1g&oe=664F1B43 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828434 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774097 | 810 | 753374493325986 | 1 | 1.5730315665747E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 211080939782625 | 0 | John Tolo | 6579060470239 | Contact us | NONE | image | Modern Shoe Cabinet, White Narrow, 4 Flip Drawers Free Standing Tipping Bucket Shoe Rack Organizer | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/2170618396671299/ | 1716064910 | 2.1108093978262E+14 | John Tolo | regular_page | 1 | John Tolo | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441227288_951497056510923_4638995069021427874_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvGUaywCrL4Q7kNvgGiU1u9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA3jBVE6tk-GeLU2P8RIqeEMlg7jR3Ojlz7g2l1U5BFsQ&oe=664F0B45 | 1 | 3 | Modern Shoe Cabinet, White Narrow, 4 Flip Drawers Free Standing Tipping Bucket Shoe Rack Organizer - $110.00<br /> <br /> Details:<br /> <br /> This shoe cabinet for entryway offers ample space to keep your shoe collection organized and easily accessible. With 4 shelves or compartments specifically designed for shoes, you can neatly store and protect your footwear<br /> <br /> Features:<br /> <br /> Four-position Adjusted and Removable Shelf<br /> The top fence board avoids things drop<br /> Ventilation design promotes air circulation and odor prevention<br /> Stable and durable to prevent accidents<br /> Storage quantity is up to the style of your shoes and size<br /> Facebook Marketplace | John Tolo | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1096532145 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828173 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774097 | 810 | 1009363304159446 | 1 | 8.2749098926022E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1187170177959891 | 0 | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | 120210744608540315 | fb.me | Get offer | NONE | video | Want To Sell Your House "AS-IS" At A Top CASH Price?๐ฐ | Get Your Cash Offer within 24hr ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1716066207 | 1.1871701779599E+15 | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442508217_956818075920081_3664439078127307200_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IeR5nNarux0Q7kNvgEA_3Qt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBcSFmP9TNmJleaL6WnoDHo8bPWGlNJvYxXbnrA_7azuQ&oe=664F3605 | person_profile | 0 | Eagle's Vision Property Soluti | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442507606_443173651638669_931512437801706336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ICrr16si9rEQ7kNvgFtoNIc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAhsp2Kq9bxwQHb2rDwWaHfxsA1SOfaCkk45Z4b6G8Lgw&oe=664F04EF | 0 | 3 | ๐ Need to sell your house FAST? If we offered to BUY your house Quickly on your timeline, at a Top CASH Price, with our competitive Cash Offer and without the need for repairs, fees, or commissions:<br /> <br /> โ So you can sell your property FAST on your timeline<br /> <br /> โ So you can receive a Top Cash Price Offer on your property<br /> <br /> โ Without the need for repairs, we'll take your property as-is<br /> <br /> โ Without commissions or fees, and no need for a realtor<br /> <br /> โ So you can get a FAST sale at a FAIR Cash Price<br /> <br /> โ While treating you like family in the closing process<br /> <br /> ...Would you be interested in a no-obligation Cash Offer from us?<br /> <br /> ๐ One Simple Step: Click below. Fill out the form. Get your cash offer.<br /> <br /> Ready to find out how much cash we can give for your home? <br /> <br /> Request an offer by clicking below, and we'll send a fast, free, no-obligation offer. | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | 47 | https://facebook.com/sellmymiamihouse | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828060 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774097 | 810 | 792550729500131 | 1 | 9.8808292556941E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 122315731293895 | 0 | Golden Rosycross | 120212805527730405 | goldenrosycross.org | Listen Now | NONE | carousel | Free books, videos, events, podcasts...and more! | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | https://www.goldenrosycross.org/spiritualacademyprogramdetails/sta_mysteriessoulen | 1716057267 | 1.223157312939E+14 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128614_1132045984780793_8149950878961606482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NIJI3E1e9qgQ7kNvgGtprGV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEiu_ag42et3jnTb8zAm8uSGluB5F_8mIiipmhCi5r5Q&oe=664F1A91 | person_profile | 0 | Golden Rosycross | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436317526_434714625869436_4307594224188999712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iou-Xm8po7QQ7kNvgFVZe1h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDbJijRvFLkI1qom_ZwXhL_zqcP5_HG-mTH_3VybhYAqQ&oe=664F1F52 | 0 | 3 | A world-wide community of seeking human beings | Golden Rosycross | 683201 | https://facebook.com/goldenrosycross | 0 | LISTEN_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828386 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774097 | 810 | 978109676862044 | 4 | 1.4381460734915E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146618148540231 | 0 | Seed Oil Scout | 6581150513707 | itunes.apple.com | Download | NONE | video | 87% of users "found their new favorite restaurant" on Seed Oil Scout | http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1627514527 | 1716065299 | 1.4661814854023E+14 | Seed Oil Scout | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441466324_758452292943700_3933332068729831395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3ddSR8dZ_CYQ7kNvgFnZ0Vh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDochRfOIfWfe_M1lqsEaxvdpugt89YT4R6b2BFlchggQ&oe=664F05AD | person_profile | 0 | Seed Oil Scout ๐ซก | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442409738_830655702211404_5357765381258326910_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aP1UsQi_rJcQ7kNvgFU_xn3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDsg2Fx3dK9IkhGS6Rc_sx2n3sXWVeUdtxHyX6XuULIoA&oe=664F112B | 0 | 3 | How to find seed oil free restaurants in your city on Seed Oil Scout ๐ฒ<br /> <br /> 1: Download Seed Oil Scout <br /> 2: Open the map in your city, we have options in every major city GLOBALLY ๐<br /> 3: Use the โTagโ filter on the filter bar to select your favorite fats and ingredients<br /> 4: Tap around the map, or open the list view to see the nearest spots<br /> <br /> Seed Oil Scout has safe restaurants in every major global metro, download and dine fearlessly with over 500K scouts around the world ๐ซก<br /> <br /> #EatClean #NoSeedOils #CleanEating #fyp | Seed Oil Scout | 483 | https://facebook.com/61553182340096 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828296 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774097 | 810 | 459975829868321 | 1 | 1.6306692243713E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 102755025107876 | 0 | ongles1990 | 120209580985880417 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/tony_english__ | 1716065644 | 1.0275502510788E+14 | ongles1990 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445355443_1951095618641432_4241274638607476229_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3GigJefeftYQ7kNvgGAM9BQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC2zhQXWwSmft06FipExo80HV4O3-J9JG7TGi27P_J8zQ&oe=664F262A | person_profile | 0 | Antonio Giovanni Romano | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441515636_1180604296283179_1637761744435738561_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AkBRgGZ1Ei4Q7kNvgEBAWAd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKL5urSBduVTOdx1nb_OKDL7K92q7FGqSQciX1dzCmKQ&oe=664F0212 | 0 | 3 | The world is a mystery,<br /> Ups and downs,<br /> Neverless ending, <br /> within its sound.<br /> Left and right,<br /> More people,<br /> Looking around.<br /> You and only <br /> Dreaming<br /> Of what's all the fuss about?<br /> Patience with a deep breath,<br /> So many bad things<br /> Will fall away as you are in peace.<br /> The world is so a mystery<br /> Live to live or live to be free?<br /> You know the answer<br /> But are you able to believe?<br /> <br /> #mystery #wordsofwisdom #world #live #beyourself #befree #bewhoyouare #freedom #free #believe #colori #italia #tony_english__ | ongles1990 | 0 | https://facebook.com/100069910092308 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827924 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774097 | 810 | 2118941011824577 | 2 | 9.9335393905939E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952405750737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067673 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442509411_2678232279017688_7384758632619565273_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5TRTNwMt9SoQ7kNvgE6Zb2Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbGdbPwcnz-qDvAjX-VfOkKzsL-83JEjei4RmS7gA3wQ&oe=664F22F5 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826902 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774097 | 810 | 383975437968947 | 3 | 3.5587849577152E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106738764956803 | 0 | The Best Shopping | 120208716160300019 | weed-puller.bestsell2day.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ๐Big Deals Summer 49% OFF๐ฅ New Detachable Weed Puller | https://weed-puller.bestsell2day.com/ | 1715973747 | 1.067387649568E+14 | ๆ ชๅผไผ็คพ ใณใใฏใ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444136403_417768104363299_9200874928714831840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8uQxIVaFZQQQ7kNvgEzJh7n&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDMZDtDiGfpErLcx-SthbsYSdLqhQp0QG5MBOVYtLn6Rw&oe=664F146B | person_profile | 0 | ้ซๅๅบทๅนณ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442436845_986834999764750_7840909638189348563_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B5Mek09LkD0Q7kNvgGcwwVO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAkuFmNDHKkswWHSV3zAhdfd2FLdZRQckWRAsn8914d3w&oe=664F2333 | 0 | 3 | Effortlessly remove weeds without bending over! ๐ช Make yard work a breeze with its detachable, bend-free design. Perfect for young and old alike. Get yours now and enjoy a weed-free lawn with ease! ๐ฟ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fweed-puller.bestsell2day.com%2F&h=AT2CrLJbtRsMo9z0odrBzCGe27yo4dFZcF4dHTfnlve67U8gpVLtDhx-UKlgsqnoetA7gO7SB3WEFRuHzvil6uBZjBStjB4x2CSQl_GQH8Bqsj4CAiidcV3Lg0rwBex4vZtbOsw9H8daRw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://weed-puller.bestsell2day.com/</a> | The Best Shopping | 0 | https://facebook.com/100069249691822 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828055 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774098 | 810 | 464920389247817 | 1 | 1.978296605919E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 253637064495518 | 0 | Local Growth AI | 120210487751750127 | localgrowthai.co | Learn More | NONE | dco | Elevate Your Customer Experience with AI Assist โ No Credit Card Required! | AI-Powered ChatBot designed to elevate your customer experience. Engage with your customers 24/7 on your website and GBP, collect customer information effortlessly, Communicate with your customers from one centralized Inbox. | https://localgrowthai.co/generate-lead-for-your-agency | 1715807223 | 2.5363706449552E+14 | Local Growth AI | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477114_1488421842554884_1778710129329638008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VpuJPQLdsk0Q7kNvgG_GR_E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5Hc-kJ8iRCfmSKPv2QV7HrNaP5RwfpIhYiHfyhXSRrg&oe=664F34F0 | person_profile | 0 | Steve Torchyan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496140_472848821752171_442303558741711031_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oR4hpmuSLtsQ7kNvgHELHnC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDrURi2zmbcvT6Fd7qbdm2KYy9pmRbjk8tNMfsHbupQpw&oe=664F2560 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Transform Your Insurance Agency with AI Assist! ๐ Introducing AI Assist, the revolutionary chatbot designed specifically for insurance agencies. Our AI-powered technology engages with your customers seamlessly, collecting essential information and generating valuable leadsโall without a single keystroke from your team. Why AI Assist? โ Automated Customer Interaction: Engage and capture customer data 24/7. โ Lead Generation Made Easy: Every conversation is an opportunity turned into a lead. โ Hassle-Free Setup: Easy to integrate with your website and GBP. โ Customer Experience Elevated: Provide answers and collect information effortlessly. ๐ Special Launch Offer! Enjoy a FREE 30-day trial of AI Assist, no credit card required. Experience how AI can boost your agency's efficiency and customer satisfaction. Don't miss out on the future of insurance customer interactions. Empower your agency with AI Assist today! | Local Growth AI | 9 | https://facebook.com/localgrowthai | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827398 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774098 | 810 | 416174407898462 | 1 | 9.9875283848398E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 317122008148506 | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 120210175532040219 | medicalspapromos.com | Learn more | NONE | image | ๐ช๐ปFree Emsculpt Consultation + $500 Gift Voucher | Free Medical Aesthetics Consultation | https://www.medicalspapromos.com/mbeauty-studio-and-spa-03-optin | 1715875936 | 3.1712200814851E+14 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441543455_1487521988466705_8701557768428653450_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yDk76HjhK_4Q7kNvgGhO5Ga&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDZLtjesbZ_s9e8Q9EbX1aRrTD59SEZ9BJAbd8ZyyA_Og&oe=664F2E82 | person_profile | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New Yor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436419114_996381381904410_5267565159124844786_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=afWngTNV9B8Q7kNvgEMKS-F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCSytjZVRpIabSRDAIcd7LzAmcEgrrVlNHJlFXFuGoYIA&oe=664F0BD0 | 0 | 3 | ๐โโ๏ธ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ!<br /> <br /> One 30-minute ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป treatment is the equivalent of doing 20,000 SQUATS or CRUNCHES, all without breaking a sweat! ๐๐ป<br /> <br /> ๐Grab this amazing ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป gift voucher to get our best offer ever, ๐ธ and come learn why ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that can simultaneously BURN ๐ฅ FAT and BUILD MUSCLE on the ABS and GLUTES! ๐ช<br /> <br /> Click [Learn More] to claim this AWESOME offer, then book a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ good towards our most popular ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ treatment packages ๐ฅณ and come visit us at our convenient location!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธOnly 20 spots are available this month so click below to schedule a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ!<br /> <br /> We canโt wait to meet YOU! ๐ | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559355193746 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827906 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/5/25, 9:49 AM | 1716079225 | 1746456541 | 810 | 406843395597343 | 1 | 8.7369189146569E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 275291285676711 | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 6583664234755 | Call Now | NONE | carousel | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 1716068590 | 2.7529128567671E+14 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441084102_2006846916441244_6529881894769986694_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7lgpCXCdiyoQ7kNvgHLc4B4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgqtfR82dxv1EBEQGdY8nRli4nmfXmVDrNVSTYZQJe8w&oe=664F13C3 | person_profile | 0 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174455_1151877976057100_8802348960638195814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DErovmbuqb8Q7kNvgFTDSjj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDUPRRU8jVrtlX2caMaITE2FHPTW8sKCNJPRTpZGujMEg&oe=664F1D1D | 0 | 3 | All We Do Is Flooring Iowa | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559986974566 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828325 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774099 | 810 | 767591502195905 | 1 | 9.8075915355411E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 196932386840440 | 0 | gowatchbot | 120207836659500187 | t.me | Learn more | NONE | video | https://t.me/gowatchb0t | 1716065855 | 1.9693238684044E+14 | gowatchbot | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/436340337_465322825866772_4257337069582229457_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=zoBQlt-mVbsQ7kNvgGwOXph&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAA8dtxcOAiStzN0WLgR9Az0VV7RhhCco4v5SJsdzR62g&oe=664F3423 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | GoWatch๐ฌ๐ฟ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469058_1155268532271219_2450566918848481545_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fAyEKDa62wUQ7kNvgGLiqSa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUjwwJdbH349KoitBEjWVyn9lY_rqVdyV9P5ATo4QVwQ&oe=664F1C0F | 0 | 3 | The GoWatch๐ฌ๐ฟ<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธGoWatch๐ฌ๐ฟoffers streamlined access to top streaming services like APPLE TV+, Amazon Prime, Infinity, and Disney Plus. Now available for individual account purchases at a base price of:<br /> <br /> ๐นAmazon Prime: 1 Monthโก๏ธ4.99USDT<br /> ๐นApple TV+: 3 Monthโก๏ธ12.99USDT<br /> ๐นInfinity: 1 Monthโก๏ธ6.99USDT<br /> ๐นDisney Plus: 1 Monthโก๏ธ7.99USDT<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธEnjoy discounts when you buy more: purchasing multiple accounts will activate a sliding scale of discounts, increasing your savings with each additional account. ๐<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธThese accounts are ready-to-go, fully operational, and all yours after one simple purchase.๐ฒโ <br /> <br /> ๐๏ธConsider this:<br /> For less than the cost of a standard subscription, you can fully access your favorite platform, enjoying a vast library of movies, shows, and sports. Optimize your entertainment spending without compromising on choice or quality.๐ฟ๐ง <br /> <br /> ๐๏ธDonโt be left behindโjoin the savvy streamers whoโve already made the smart switch to GoWatch๐ฌ๐ฟ! | gowatchbot | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/gowatchbot | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828098 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774099 | 810 | 1361723194508610 | 1 | 1.0018662786083E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209996050680603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066727 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445399480_744681817824864_144159890220331284_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RR85K5ib-LcQ7kNvgEw_UUh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDIcNaKmYg9m1IJxsf2pPLfO0deoSGV3jB1doG1enk7Lg&oe=664F3779 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445359739_830697008909882_8135099888789851576_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qTEcfODgJA8Q7kNvgHp4kxo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDRiRPZJ-ZIM17i9yyX5QU1E6K6HxNIyRZSsGTS-xhxaA&oe=664F1C57 | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828393 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774099 | 810 | 380790494331124 | 1 | 1.1444030399309E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105321561863492 | 0 | Vagrant Trader Collective | 120210940898930221 | mailchi.mp | Sign up | NONE | image | Learn a Skill that Pays | https://mailchi.mp/vagranttrader/5-steps-to-forex-trading | 1715780268 | 1.0532156186349E+14 | Vagrant Trader Collective | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441197799_838384471656619_8294168376172419394_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pL9hDLMJDVEQ7kNvgHJIGc3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBcAh_7l33nzCdChm8x1-UclIMwDv5_wZ-M-_g8BevsQA&oe=664F2C09 | person_profile | 0 | Vagrant Trading Academy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441167406_969657441050662_7265550674814415042_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UPNNeMeJRcMQ7kNvgH_WECU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMcF2vm5JT7nxil6BXeyUef-aTaNzVplB4rjWPnvfjLA&oe=664F09D1 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Gain Access to Forex Success! Join our FREE Trading Masterclass and learn the powerful strategy that helped me earn over $30,000 in just one month! ๐<br /> <br /> Whether youโre just starting out or youโre a seasoned trader, this masterclass is your gateway to:<br /> <br /> โ Proven Strategies: Dive deep into the techniques that can drastically increase your trading potential.<br /> โ Expert Guidance: Get direct insights from traders who walk the talk and know what it takes to succeed.<br /> โ Interactive Learning: Engage in live demos and real-time Q&A to fully grasp how successful trades are made.<br /> โ Community Support: Connect with like-minded traders who are eager to grow and learn together.<br /> โ No Initial Investment: Get Access to this class absolutely Free<br /> <br /> ๐ Donโt miss out on the chance to elevate your trading game. Spaces are limitedโclick to learn more to register and transform your trading today! | Vagrant Trader Collective | 7 | https://facebook.com/vagranttradercollective | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827965 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774099 | 810 | 467778742295883 | 1 | 4.3737440890921E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 137836616911033 | 0 | Quintina Rhea Worships | 6576525826560 | Send message | NONE | video | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I learn more about your business?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716068260 | 1.3783661691103E+14 | Quintina Rhea Worships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436176429_1587511088647785_7960015747309796810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OFSyztTAv3AQ7kNvgEp3Hq8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCS1wXChNMYD3dRDJzXaANmWIefmM2kh2jMVn_MSQAbng&oe=664F025B | person_profile | 0 | Quintina Rhea Worships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442438114_1678636936238478_3273439740859527216_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=orZCe6G58nYQ7kNvgGijAfY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDI-pcsrzQHPBB3ICuKU9Dcn6z5Mnk6Lrt9IeI9XB3W8w&oe=664F1587 | 0 | 3 | IF YOU ARE A WORSHIPPER, THIS INVITATION IS FOR YOU! <br /> <br /> Join us for the June cohort of our DPIC Prophetic Worship Intensive.<br /> <br /> June 29, 2024 @ 10 AM <br /> (In-person only)<br /> <br /> Dwelling Place International Church<br /> 114 East US-HWY 72<br /> Collierville, TN<br /> <br /> FREE REGISTRATION<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpropheticworship2024.eventbrite.com%2F&h=AT3Dvn5YgaOwlxiy8lZM6-ds5CxRHqOfyVljr_10wQHl4obxsjoFpegGb1o4cCVFc0iBkLRY6fKpKaUTaRm3i1z5Bk55Lnd3TlDlRxKM-zVtRvhEdlA-tgiHQR7BKlpWe24YtXHxLOuJYg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://propheticworship2024.eventbrite.com/</a> | Quintina Rhea Worships | 316 | https://facebook.com/quintinarheaworships | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828497 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079236 | 1723774100 | 810 | 823855312937283 | 2 | 1.0403478077782E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143880351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432617419_943491860603690_3613023437255707640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sQPndsQt1-EQ7kNvgE8R9I3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJVmednHyp1iBUeDaTVeYZUVylSCIOWmPLyKiffZekQg&oe=664F2757 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432560440_1808410233005902_377981354553510974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hrOgiRnWOgEQ7kNvgFGEL3e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUXANCfwbdx1UW_Ucq0oCspdnXFbxhFnBCLcclZjOegQ&oe=664F0F68 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827614 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774100 | 810 | 782727977305578 | 9 | 4.4601021150073E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 280299128496593 | 0 | Proutsrootsshop | 120211042133530742 | proutsroots.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ฅONLY $39๐ฅโจFaux Leather Power Recliner with Massage | ๐Free return and exchange within 60 days!๐3 years warranty. | https://proutsroots.com/products/981240747528298496?utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D | 1715914435 | 2.8029912849659E+14 | Proutsrootsshop | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442492616_770082231567523_6800420200606262992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4JV_P0y5e2AQ7kNvgFP_x1R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAy4wOuqWolndjLy3emdXnHa58ej5ggSKo_ZXc-f9fRYA&oe=664F06BB | person_profile | 0 | Proutsrootsshop | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441263826_353429381073760_5895499475373602179_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5KUzTgTFz4sQ7kNvgFbPrTw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUXziIzvXGMcdj2QTQwNv8QcOtUbHUQaSp-R9QFAz1vw&oe=664F1004 | 0 | 3 | ๐ซ Prices dropped just for you!<br /> โ Hand-woven, made of weather-resistant material<br /> ๐Multi-seat mode to meet your needs<br /> ๐ฅHeated vibration massage to relax your body<br /> ๐Genuine leather heated electric lift massage chair<br /> ๐Easy to assemble! Very sturdy!<br /> ๐Don't miss these amazing deals! ๐ธ | Proutsrootsshop | 2 | https://facebook.com/61558206110292 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828076 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774100 | 810 | 1176134000247725 | 1 | 9.7122157131722E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100319909615129 | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 120209790064600026 | canadianclassicfineart.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://canadianclassicfineart.com/collections/rebry-gaston | 1716067031 | 1.0031990961513E+14 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441523058_476520025038550_2852350277940656671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0E9qcdHqNe4Q7kNvgHUuToA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfOGpEQ-B1PAeMSfmzJa-tGtYLh3pHk2SzHah-0JOZ0A&oe=664F29D0 | person_profile | 0 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479779_446630461317984_7452400458425141726_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SdLEYDWV7A8Q7kNvgEgkdBQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDP7IYw31VOXiv1DNoESVi7DSCnSh7PeNVIqzR-UnEG2w&oe=664F0913 | 0 | 3 | Canadian Classic Fine Art | 2 | https://facebook.com/100088877200606 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827870 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774100 | 810 | 1360101551296038 | 2 | 7.6475182910484E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 290907791756 | 0 | Matt Mc Cann - Long-Term Care Specialist | 6584751146185 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | A Gift From My Father: A Tribute To The Greatest Generation | A Gift From My Father: A Tribute To The Greatest Generation | https://www.amazon.com/Gift-My-Father-Greatest-Generation/dp/B0CQMWYMZ8/ref=monarch_sidesheet | 1716069400 | 290907791756 | Matt Mc Cann - Long-Term Care Specialist | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441951733_751428860517506_5663861684050379531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RO0zU_oVLBAQ7kNvgH1nMKS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEymEXFdUG7uqKXS8H1mNNbQ3bhDatBMhLa68G2z-90w&oe=664F0DF2 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Michael Banner knew his first book had to be about the "Greatest Generation" because his father, Staff Sergeant Alexander Banner, had a profound influence on his life.<br /> <br /> In his father's final years, Michael became his caregiver. This book is an excellent Father's Day gift for your father or grandfather - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGift-My-Father-Greatest-Generation%2Fdp%2FB0CQMWYMZ8%2Fref%3Dmonarch_sidesheet&h=AT31f92WRVt1Gs-v1na2dG69HFTWTEEppRU3G0_MuftOZ1jC4ndh79f4mK-K5almNXYFTVaSUNDzhrCHxbh9-Re0_YRC3EKgHXPeuR5DDTiJGBCuf3F4vEx27G5ipbnyfx9Jdn5omPJOBw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.amazon.com/Gift-My-Father-Greatest-Generation/dp/B0CQMWYMZ8/ref=monarch_sidesheet</a> <br /> <br /> Being a caregiver for a loved one is physically and emotionally demanding, and it can be embarrassing for the person receiving care. Professional care is costly and those costs increase every year. <br /> <br /> A retirement plan that includes Long-Term Care Insurance will ensure access to quality care, protect your income and assets, and allow your loved ones to focus on being family instead of caregivers.<br /> <br /> The ideal time to obtain coverage is in your 40s or 50s, but affordable options can be found in your 60s and beyond depending on your health.<br /> <br /> Get free and accurate quotes from all the top companies from one trusted source โ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mccannltc.net%2F&h=AT3IqCqwqT7_l_fy8cYJP1ZlpYVR0X7DqcTpJuPSiuFhNAWhiKaPf2b6cSo7QxTbq5b2ZT3daZnye_nIXk5lrUlV8S3WdGCIDXw7NlIGaX-E9neL3zL6mMUCD05UJHr6h8Zh02fpZMi4cw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.mccannltc.net</a> | Matt Mc Cann - Long-Term Care Specialist | 3625 | https://facebook.com/matt.mccann.longtermcare | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826872 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774100 | 810 | 982989376770818 | 2 | 9.7914027369823E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059990390618 | NONE | video | 1716056915 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435993766_999181704888818_3990552786356515103_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H0nIQlK_ilMQ7kNvgGLr_zg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvGUHENnv9v6Hso9BDPJZEkJoCXMKqXDetMQKblm7SsQ&oe=664F3011 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428349723_415143491478507_6780063524359694172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=73F_TVzDtuYQ7kNvgEh_ZG9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB739FNjAyQNKSVu2TZ-6VqnrZzyAXhRY5PrWRUkUD9lw&oe=664F0D67 | 0 | 3 | Read this:โ <br /> โ <br /> Alcohol is the only drug you have to justify not consuming it, isn't that crazy when you think about it?โ <br /> โ <br /> Youโve been drinking from such a young age, that youโve forgotten what itโs like to socialize alcohol-free. โ <br /> โ <br /> Drinking may have become an integral part of your social life, and the idea of attending a gathering or event without a drink in hand may seem impossible. โ <br /> โ <br /> However, it's important to remember that alcohol is not necessary for genuine human connection. โ <br /> โ <br /> There are plenty of ways to enjoy socializing without relying on alcohol, such as trying new activities, and hobbies, or attending events centered around other interests. โ <br /> โ <br /> By exploring new ways of socializing, you may discover a new and fulfilling side of life that is not reliant on alcohol.โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #jamesswanwickโ <br /> #sobergramโ <br /> #noalcoholโ <br /> #quitdrinkingโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828219 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/5/25, 6:06 AM | 1716079232 | 1749121611 | 810 | 434304579242946 | 1 | 2.9580664358354E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 344688986770027 | 0 | Overheard on Wall Street | 120210037160860282 | https://www.shortsqueez.co/subscribe | Subscribe | NONE | video | Subscribe Today | https://www.shortsqueez.co/subscribe | 1716063238 | 3.4468898677003E+14 | Overheard on Wall Street | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441657267_1123291705456613_6780190960897597770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o_XkJwPPJbEQ7kNvgGDfi2I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeZ5gGxlmALMwHCWhNrSa2_pooLMqDJ0o6Y-ckRRn_FQ&oe=664F038A | person_profile | 0 | Overheard on Wall Street | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399365_469759902379743_6367784024254292759_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tAwOj6uWvQQQ7kNvgGJq2qC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYARhYD_5t-sEw5ZsEUP9PjwNCaptmpa62sVqSDjr106oA&oe=664F1387 | 0 | 3 | Trying to get ahead in finance? Every day, we bring you a punchy, entertaining summary of must-know news in finance, business, and markets, giving you the tools to succeed. Join 200k+ readers and subscribe for free | Overheard on Wall Street | 704 | https://facebook.com/100063755483987 | 0 | SUBSCRIBE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827495 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774101 | 810 | 7993155597383867 | 2 | 4.2450744717674E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570893570341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009275 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436240435_1635136920615408_433539039878633480_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b4zlr9Icxg8Q7kNvgEfW04r&_nc_oc=AdghoouC-c2ZBRUqzTVuydcFVn4Uh2QVNwC3PkPeUSnfFpLeFHXx-9r9gVFyL9Dis-4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCWNLXSA7Cq0DPb_UjbUubiX3d7OjVVHivjUB5gsV5cdA&oe=664F35FA | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481386_357716513550305_1550018722330411827_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b3KzIvDVfRkQ7kNvgEHcd3s&_nc_oc=Adi5x1jP0z5DVfqK-ByAnHRvAy3Clxtt0_nlSOKvlfkPcEAYP90qJpWKgjW96cCFShg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB5vm8ysoBcBJd_Dcb4TUroQOsK6f-dVMoeZ_pvXCxLVw&oe=664F1D35 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827413 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774101 | 810 | 1202709004434443 | 2 | 8.2166033596071E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704479090151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085783 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302425_2513363635513757_2914212819678274121_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-sDaDQ73nWkQ7kNvgFfVSYB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD-FkGjhJDkZNosks5CRwaafIWEx347QlwU8DXfyhszqg&oe=664F2028 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438305195_793614082715172_3799824555321829912_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rCwguoobrs4Q7kNvgFtbLiu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYTwZXX6HOSQOFy3G-IbfJ8h9Q1iZtV5vViOsjh3xTHQ&oe=664F33ED | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT3CMegMuoKGXYKCoPNfLI4hMcj8iiOgSdv7KBi6kFXnVys5YLYnELDexjriM83g3ZtoS-cf1s6PQh0QweyInTzlTi11wU-NXZZW3orFACLDfgenrdQuAl8xDNBJLvdXkxmIikJDCMjktw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827478 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774101 | 810 | 734345331962206 | 1 | 1.2914987151401E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570876660341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009257 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443836491_467293125700527_4070212420369394326_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qp7JaC0rtZIQ7kNvgHosDoH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5zUAqiMjWOnKFez6UANQHwSlIre7scPdz9EqPecbaHw&oe=664F29AC | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790667_1912127415883536_3317665714413496148_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hYki9RHvlYkQ7kNvgERQmeR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBFUMajAUaZH-Sc1FhEhcYtJDtwm9AM3es3tD2Ls5NqVQ&oe=664F2212 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827471 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774101 | 810 | 379814071098010 | 3 | 4.9233367656977E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570877730341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009218 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441570453_774859128122170_6517144181325202724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BEaAtoOKrzkQ7kNvgGj6SeL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBnA9qsX-y7TtVgLjhpu1V0bXRw44rlEMDJqRGRvfyBmA&oe=664F057C | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494043_1923314408092566_8702808091468890996_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8P9tDJd_cPYQ7kNvgGu-QD0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBLG1jShz9p6x0Mranw7T7Jd8qjtEIWtUJvWfSMSJNrQw&oe=664F3049 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828211 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774102 | 810 | 782581307308704 | 2 | 3.8979809739481E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 159891650531887 | 0 | Zaytul Beauty | 120208930323060008 | https://zaytulbeauty.com/products/hair-oil | Shop now | NONE | video | 30% OFF SPRING SALE & FREE GIFT INCLUDED WITH OIL PURCHASE, LIMITED TIME ONLY! | Free Scalp Massager Included With A Hair Oil Purchase! โ | https://zaytulbeauty.com/products/hair-oil | 1716066417 | 1.5989165053189E+14 | Zaytul Beauty | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442506323_740153588027466_2575583682112860073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zxN1JhcjPDkQ7kNvgGxDWiB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtJVNKS6isRB_9eXAdkeT1OISIzy5CX992iBD3JGDqWw&oe=664F07FB | person_profile | 0 | Zaytul Beauty โข | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442464256_958022736107393_3484270742897579843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zjye1W-ZaLUQ7kNvgF7CGxx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDx0M2u03jXaTsPsctNLhdAh8SbIssspcYbNCu5uVR3Kg&oe=664F09D2 | 0 | 3 | Feeling the frustration of hair loss? We've got your backโจ! Introducing our Hair Nourishing Oil, specially crafted to nurture your locks during this transformative journey. With every drop, feel the love and care your hair deserves. Say hello to stronger, fuller hair and goodbye to those postpartum worries. Ready to reclaim your confidence? Try it today! #MomHairCare #HairRevival #NaturalNurture" | Zaytul Beauty | 6 | https://facebook.com/61552168681225 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828091 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774102 | 810 | 419777220940458 | 1 | 1.8747458396109E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 213515868509721 | 0 | Mr. and Mrs. Fix It NC | 6599320726911 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"What are your hours?","response":""},{"title":"Where are you located?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066782 | 2.1351586850972E+14 | Mr. and Mrs. Fix It NC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822529_976141774229276_6496069326687303901_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ojpY0PNrVAoQ7kNvgGloe1N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDgFf7CJZ3DdrJ2ia4fYS0c94wSSAsWu8EctF_QOOaRjw&oe=664F27D3 | person_profile | 0 | Mr. and Mrs. Fix It NC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443733687_1154661852499231_8617912695282737571_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wEJiBMTulTkQ7kNvgGD-DxG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9pK0BJ62ufNMStP7kSY1SsTxd39TgoP12BRF-hB7guw&oe=664F0153 | 0 | 3 | Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas<br /> For all of your handyman needs, from mounting tv's to assembling furniture and any other of ypur handyman needs! Message or call now for a free quote!<br /> Charlotte, Belmont, Matthews, Mooresville, Concord, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Davidson. | Mr. and Mrs. Fix It NC | 36 | https://facebook.com/61555667308066 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828037 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774102 | 810 | 815499193773894 | 1 | 3.9509189675507E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1458615894201389 | 0 | Advent Christian Life Center - CLC | 6616854581041 | adventpres.com | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Advent's 2024 Summer Camps | http://www.adventpres.com/clc | http://www.adventpres.com/clc | 1716067294 | 1.4586158942014E+15 | Advent Christian Life Center - CLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441521855_437538032336614_6895052335967089468_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ktzWROgXn08Q7kNvgFkCDeG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDL8ByNmkpdbUErn6hCylYXwNaaQ-UOwI57LaGcleFo5w&oe=664F193E | person_profile | 0 | Advent Christian Life Center - | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444444539_822498143101503_2482789894410323128_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rjIuynRzsGkQ7kNvgG_tuez&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBftrThD_uJko88qoqq2pB1-ixdzkUWb75GOWdp5sqVLQ&oe=664F1002 | 0 | 3 | Summer is always a busy and exciting time to be a kid at Advent. This summer we are hosting an array of camps for those who are 4 years old through 6th grade (5th grade completed). All of our camps are God-centered and aimed at creating an environment of fun and education for the campers. Spots fill up fast, so get registered today! Camp registration opens online April 15th at: <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adventpres.com%2Fclc&h=AT3mXDjC154LS3sY0V5_DGHWSDbl65VSvciP743MlNzJWXC_9YPMA6TiP3Ac_tJjWV-j2IdjzHBCe3Hm2_xpU42v5XNk9f-SyT1S-qzvWjGAJVo3uP9H-l1itWQ0hNtqUYtK4Q7ouDv0uQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.adventpres.com/clc</a> <br /> <br /> For more information, feel free to call the <br /> Advent Christian Life Center at (901) 755-5019. A copy of the camp brochure along with specific camps and descriptions are in the "Discussion" section of this event.<br /> <br /> You can register your child for our Vacation Bible School along with the Pre/After Summer Camp (8:30am-5:30pm) at the following link:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fadventchurch.churchcenter.com%2Fregistrations%2Fevents%2F2017102&h=AT0jGTjKT8ybWoZH7wf-xOnwDp6gnC5XbaXhqId9VgCYqOae7u6Otvsxp22qgxj9Rzi-9qI-cBTu_Pbp-ulWfYha3Frv8gQjdmcKNQ6EMQ2gQiaudIb4SiwqDefhuTLQVn49787_84scrg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://adventchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2017102</a> | Advent Christian Life Center - CLC | 423 | https://facebook.com/AdventChristianLifeCenter | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828216 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/22/25, 12:57 AM | 1716079231 | 1750571847 | 810 | 804345497959184 | 1 | 7.8139355706702E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 295716436954514 | 0 | BoozeVilla | 120208397440540539 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I make a purchase?"},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?"},{"title":"Can I learn more about your business?"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066044 | 2.9571643695451E+14 | BoozeVilla | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445026636_480282937677179_4733157848021375107_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z8mdR9DT2HgQ7kNvgGyoQqo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDdX5jbY-XvY8XnTx1pBz-lS8_5cGRWwLiQe_C1PwLduA&oe=664F3385 | person_profile | 0 | Online Liquor Store | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520970_999471705092003_1031775534417805077_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qFJxOc-q4O8Q7kNvgFMKeOj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiBFZBv60zFDEt1bJkEQoXJQc02PJsU0le56Cn2U38HA&oe=664F1D2F | 0 | 3 | Wines delivered direct to your doorstep - order today with free delivery. | BoozeVilla | 394 | https://facebook.com/61558770201193 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828549 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079237 | 1723774103 | 810 | 782234314007008 | 1 | 1.5035577272214E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 263774810148871 | 0 | Future Royal Homes LLC | 120208312068190225 | Like Page | NONE | video | 1716064837 | 2.6377481014887E+14 | Future Royal Homes LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441494307_472504031926317_4907762037205304294_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QDVrImrvzSAQ7kNvgGUZrQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAWnEvR-jI3eK-3uXoK7_tW02fjn2i3Em0E0xROndpYJQ&oe=664F0363 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ (๐๐๐)-๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐<br /> To receive a FREE ESTIMATE โผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฌ ? <br /> * FREE ESTIMATES !!<br /> * Licensed Professionals<br /> * We give you warranty of our work<br /> * City permits <br /> * Commercial & Residential<br /> * We offer options for your budget<br /> <br /> ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ:<br /> * NEW Slab foundation<br /> * Pier & Beam Foundation <br /> * House leveling<br /> * Tunneling<br /> * Excavation<br /> * House additions<br /> * Driveways<br /> * Sidewalks<br /> * Concrete<br /> * Framing <br /> * Dumpster rental<br /> & ๐๐๐๐ โผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐งฬ๐จ๐ฅ | Future Royal Homes LLC | 10 | https://facebook.com/61557539841273 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828001 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774103 | 810 | 462084786295510 | 3 | 7.598753163431E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113376598040702 | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing | 120208974297390111 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | image | Get A New Roof For $8,499 | Mighty Dog Roofing Morris and Union | http://fb.me/ | 1716067526 | 1.133765980407E+14 | Mighty Dog Roofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441217644_742438551391017_2043448526210281135_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y31jgGBkW9EQ7kNvgEpxzud&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCYCjdk2BAjlFXQjPvPW5Mq3SdgMMCen5kyFsL9iDCXRg&oe=664F17DF | person_profile | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing of Morris and Union NJ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442465314_7296253240497593_3776982321535633874_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gUbg94739rQQ7kNvgHIjXxb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAfxLDn0LzPY1WNa6q-ZDBQfmTcDzsH6DPAgIc2JhmBxw&oe=664F1C25 | 0 | 3 | $8,499 for a new roof?<br /> <br /> Sure, it has to do with it's size.<br /> <br /> Some roofs are 10k, 20k or even 30k.<br /> <br /> But our roofs are more affordable than most our competitors.<br /> <br /> Here's why:<br /> <br /> We are not a BIG company. We don't have 20 offices, 50 trucks and 100 billboards.<br /> <br /> We run our business like a lean mean machine.<br /> <br /> We have a small team, run our own crews, use smart marketing and we manage our finances properly.<br /> <br /> Less overhead for us.<br /> <br /> Better prices to you.<br /> <br /> All of this while still using the same high quality materials these other contractors use but charge 3x more.<br /> <br /> Want a fair price for your roof?<br /> <br /> Click the "GET QUOTE" button below to get a FREE Quote! | Mighty Dog Roofing | 177 | https://facebook.com/mightydogroofing.morrisunion | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826861 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774103 | 810 | 1603917413516302 | 3 | 4.5623410374279E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060022450618 | NONE | video | 1716063106 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443719741_1160201598739506_6367198883094341631_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=obOOE2jCBjsQ7kNvgFPVJkA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAkE3mvrooDUQJm9llsb7xDk4gpWmVGmY511dsfN1Pr6Q&oe=664F2231 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441158617_996259912116608_4799279854162298923_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e6_ytgT-cs0Q7kNvgHuKtzf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3HXB9OWyQD8EJCJ9dGNVFGO6ykVNzOzU19_PCQglGjg&oe=664F111F | 0 | 3 | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Coach, @sarah_c0nnelly explains how alcohol affects the brain and decision-making.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyleโ <br /> #sober #sobriety #alcohol #wine #brain #sobertok #sobercoach | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828039 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774103 | 810 | 1097181474914862 | 1 | 9.763145575351E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101863025760066 | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | 120207866139960674 | https://bestgardenlandscapeservices.com/ | Get Quote | NONE | dco | Request a Free Quote | https://thesocialbeemarketing.simplero.com/page/511471-best-garden-landscape-services | 1716067291 | 1.0186302576007E+14 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445383037_757696669740509_7253799186618174519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R5IxmV6vAlcQ7kNvgFqDo6p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDYXHEO6yJfPPS8fbvBo31egyI3-oTckiqbncfFmp8Nfw&oe=664F15C6 | person_profile | 0 | Best Garden Landscape Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445361544_365132583205466_7388516938882033814_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=caJ48bD70jcQ7kNvgGRoOC4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVpBOfN8Jm0odEwudXqakMXBzkoVTRAagD6EM--NOkRA&oe=664F0BF0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ Attention Florida Homeowners! ๐จ Tired of a dull backyard? Let Best Garden Landscape Services transform it into a breathtaking outdoor oasis with custom pool landscapes and hardscaping features. From lush greenery to intricate paver patios and fire pits, we elevate curb appeal and create the perfect space for relaxation. For a limited time, get a FREE estimate and $500 off select services! | Best Garden Landscape Services | 638 | https://facebook.com/BestGardenLandscapeServices | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827939 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774103 | 810 | 442487681707293 | 1 | 1.6344148073706E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 139678106095367 | 0 | Hitchcock Free Academy | 6592641663678 | flipcause.com | Buy tickets | NONE | event | New! Yoga for Teens: Start of 4 Week Session | https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step2/MTk2MzE0/261086 | https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step2/MTk2MzE0/261086 | 1716068209 | 1.3967810609537E+14 | Hitchcock Free Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440961038_507805091761760_4033781172649849940_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_dp1W6T6JGUQ7kNvgGU6mTe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAvxGb6QM7150ypTKIDwe6XY2C_s_P_ZPNQ3SN-kqh_Gw&oe=664F2417 | person_profile | 0 | Hitchcock Free Academy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436417653_820051966210934_6321773361702411839_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rjM_BT44iRwQ7kNvgFdNHYi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCgYF0zQ7Yah7CSheoJ-jyLg9XFM39wMHqZXNljM_Oedg&oe=664F167F | 0 | 3 | Help your teens reduce anxiety and build discipline, confidence, and inner peace! This class for ages 11-16 will interactively mix movement with mindfulness and explore the mental and physical benefits of yoga, increasing flexibility through moving, stretching, posing and breathing. | Hitchcock Free Academy | 2893 | https://facebook.com/HitchcockFreeAcademy | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828235 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774103 | 810 | 765005312444716 | 1 | 4.73661658418E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555163220051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040276 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442436010_310082435471533_6424239260340751620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W33ZShqh_D4Q7kNvgHCzNoe&_nc_oc=AdgKL5PmftOESAC9Cozt_pGS1PavRNuR58FDqR22PMyaHIpiJ2CKxojcQ7VfyK0GBT8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBbynmQMWCScYGIHgxcS_Y63B7T0tZ193ngV2ATl_uXDw&oe=664F3736 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442439865_1001163260866094_4450941701428352168_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qPX5fr-fxC4Q7kNvgG8lrfx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRrD1o5OtPLJnApO30VKft3-pJvagPgIwOuM4ed4bgLA&oe=664EFFD9 | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828335 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/18/25, 5:07 PM | 1716079233 | 1747606065 | 810 | 1146794959895919 | 26 | 4.4092679532164E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 244510702078253 | 0 | Bizgent | 120210593991060300 | aescman.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ESSENTIAL DROP-CUT T-SHIRT | Buy 3 Get 1 Free | https://www.aescman.com/products/essential-drop-cut-t-shirt-01 | 1715872957 | 2.4451070207825E+14 | Bizgent | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428062164_1096024431489057_3252645375690525531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vOFq80sgIGUQ7kNvgEeMZst&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBHyYj7besyOyqDD5AfpVKln-LtF2dnZPRZ9WNdhoDiKg&oe=664F1956 | person_profile | 0 | Bizgent | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441510129_469290465634022_6186743250487049602_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N-prXWasC8YQ7kNvgGJqj6E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDMB-C6voqwernNOjZj33_qIJc-v8aFs-9FW2iM7XzORQ&oe=664F10DA | 0 | 3 | Sport fit for style and comfort๐ฅฐ<br /> Get 50% OFF and Buy 3 Get 1 Free! | Bizgent | 153 | https://facebook.com/61556769085461 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827921 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774104 | 810 | 955064189594784 | 1 | 6.4124021154236E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952404980737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067674 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436267803_761060982680119_8577013469399570611_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8IBTf7aeb74Q7kNvgGzpAkC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB-2amRbRCS7l_D2igUDdURLjg9piDsU8OAy7PVaEfMnQ&oe=664F3557 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828562 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/1/25, 10:40 AM | 1716079237 | 1748792421 | 810 | 494084972954897 | 1 | 2.0999265203818E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555170140051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040283 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441585582_378248381490785_1901043610736962952_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9DA6C9oR3fUQ7kNvgHvloQZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC1FtwvyzSwyScLy2Q_ZiEFINZPYJ3ZP11u2SITNFj_Ew&oe=664F25A5 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444487949_3929355294007444_5948042519641101405_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GOogGLw7qPwQ7kNvgGjrAVH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYArgQI-5DbJFPqOPk1YicjvVw3yctwZ3t1Qr3-B9_3rYw&oe=664F2FED | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827988 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 7:29 AM | 1716079227 | 1749385761 | 810 | 7962179890461659 | 1 | 1.1834064730204E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109569957340565 | 0 | Zain Jan | 120208812991570406 | growth.solarceos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get 25 Solar Deals GUARANTEED | https://growth.solarceos.com/biz-owners?utm_source=FB&utm_medium={{adset.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}} | 1716067663 | 1.0956995734056E+14 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489001_1474298723162693_2190911918581059759_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VBGns7BcfVsQ7kNvgFuE5t1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBO83qg5QRYkIXwuOA4yXEpFztixWSSrIrEm-aCV_XI6Q&oe=664F03AA | person_profile | 0 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490494_975541737310331_8202965491376456204_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OR-g09kkxJ4Q7kNvgFGozJC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA8LjM6rrbRYMZu_jF0mPxQxP9nPaPxwfga-Qa8u7lr5w&oe=664F1843 | 0 | 3 | Solar Business Owners, let's cut to the chase. I will GUARANTEE you close an 25 extra solar deals minimum with this offer or we'll work for free until you do.<br /> <br /> My name is Zain Jan and I have scaled my own solar installer to tens of thousands of deals by implementing the strategies I'm going to teach you.<br /> <br /> (It's called Better Earth Solar, feel free to google it)<br /> <br /> And in the past few years I started helping solar business owners grow and scale too with these exact strategies - and the results have been mind blowing.<br /> <br /> And listen, this is not a gimmick or a trick.<br /> <br /> Anyone else would be crazy out of their mind for offering this.<br /> <br /> But we are so confident we can help your solar business grow that we guarantee you 25 deals or we'll work totally for free until you hit it...<br /> <br /> We help you with every part of the business (not just marketing)<br /> <br /> And we can do that because we actually own a 9 figure solar business and have done it before...<br /> <br /> THIS IS NOT A COURSE OR AN AGENCY<br /> <br /> This is actual 1on1 help from my business to yours.<br /> <br /> We will teach you all the proven processes and strategies of my 9 figure solar business so you can scale your operations to 7, 8 or even 9 figures.<br /> <br /> If this is not enough to catch your attention I don't know what else will.<br /> <br /> Schedule your call on the next page and see if this makes sense for you <br /> <br /> (the only reason it wouldn't would be because you don't want to grow your business bad enough, or because you're straight up crazy to pass on this offer ๐)<br /> <br /> Talk soon,<br /> <br /> -Zain Jan<br /> CEO of Better Earth Solar | Zain Jan | 3353 | https://facebook.com/zainjanofficial | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828461 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774104 | 810 | 470647785529535 | 1 | 1.2200624360384E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694662290509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064837 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441527202_8219400254756034_3933245038143745260_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7jc4WJV0t64Q7kNvgE_Is7H&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCyGWYNWGQGm6XeFHYPjIqTNdSSpiE38JO2g9rglJcDfw&oe=664F0499 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441408875_7730983700301909_1837515325295941674_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d9gMGGXBk1cQ7kNvgEsOR6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrpVZijpTE5yKxM_PoNHJzOpdTtc4UVpxwpCnX6CrE-A&oe=664F1E23 | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826875 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774104 | 810 | 472586281898291 | 1 | 4.2091040743274E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060048980618 | NONE | video | 1716057060 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428354215_412518514993798_3941393092849184909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EuaehF6Lv5YQ7kNvgHlOpJ_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeBTCriGBSRShmntQbf3Baji31CbKWtW4am9u1V0IH6A&oe=664F2B3E | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473536_966001541724466_7616199139286721634_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cQ1oUnjkMbIQ7kNvgHiH5Ks&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYALR2IqRd-70QIYTjGkIPDjtm3G4hO8iqpcOTbLwjLI8Q&oe=664F1D3C | 0 | 3 | Your beliefs about drinking is whatโs causing you to feel stuck. โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you need a drink (or several) to relax. โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you wonโt fit in if you donโt drink anymore. โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you have to drink to have fun and enjoy yourself. โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe people will judge you if you stop drinking or you reach out for help. โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you must drink to numb yourself to the pain, stress, and worry of life. โ <br /> โ <br /> Youโre not addicted to alcohol. Youโre addicted to your (limiting) beliefs.โ <br /> โ <br /> Comment 'beliefs' for my free training video where I'll show you how you can quit alcohol for good. (It's not AA, rehab, or any other dull or depressing method)โ <br /> โ <br /> Comment 'beliefs' below โ <br /> โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828387 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774105 | 810 | 769736018342743 | 1 | 1.0907710786535E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272523201 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065097 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418932_1915812565540246_2767714356072137321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9oMZseoT8IoQ7kNvgGmVYUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAeOKZONzaftoLeadwe1T3i3tgXul6S3ONhg3ctHR7Z6A&oe=664F20EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415511_2311396912534209_6849146402328222224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Us-RNh0YEXgQ7kNvgFyA9z2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBw5SphP3l1I-xEFvmjWPKdsHe7sioJn-wE3bNXWSEhFA&oe=664F1A76 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Bella Brides. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828468 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774105 | 810 | 773377181569099 | 1 | 6.7815464777036E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 268556546337224 | 0 | Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show | 120210989440880013 | sneakypeteswildwestdinnershow.com | Book now | NONE | image | Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show | SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR COMBO DEAL! THE (MOSTLY!) TRUE LEGEND OF HOW THE DELLS BECAME THE DELLS! The (Mostly!) True Legend of How the Dells Became the Dells! Come in JUNE AND Get 20% OFF EACH ADULT USE PROMO CODE โJUNE20โ Buy Now ACTION-PACKED FAMILY FUN! Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and pr... | http://sneakypeteswildwestdinnershow.com/ | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Is anyone available to chat?","response":""},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Can I learn more about your business?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716068215 | 2.6855654633722E+14 | Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422062286_1648149992598351_643210143240555455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KAz-365t7b4Q7kNvgG1ZAv-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBCl5bcWic1ErTOGCm31i_Ai2jjon5u75PMN3u2U4QvKw&oe=664F2DFA | person_profile | 0 | Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435896502_1494295901291790_4507628950229815995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CMXCzPTOGj0Q7kNvgGUQPNX&_nc_oc=Adihnu6YigGkt_DCiosJsePp_MeFaSmt9xD-kQL5lSkTeClAHBWT1LtzJZ7694LA_ds&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYApgCQJ1Ns0K9B6C9Z2ig9wH1XKfJc4Gb0SvpeRc3l-qw&oe=664F0BE7 | 0 | 3 | In celebration ๐พ of our grand opening on May 31st - ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ 5 ๐๐๐ข๐๐ก๐ฎ 4 ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐๐ฎ 31๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ 7๐ฅ๐ข)<br /> We will choose winners on Monday, May 20th by ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ our winners names ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ & ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ by 11a.m (We will then send you a private message asking for an email where we can send the tickets.)<br /> <br /> ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! <br /> ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง.<br /> ๐๐จ, ๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. <br /> ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ค๐๐ญ๐ฌ <br /> (๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ซ๐.) | Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show | 2906 | https://facebook.com/61557501816495 | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826857 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774105 | 810 | 1363763454319048 | 2 | 1.8749796862762E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060039540618 | NONE | video | 1716056738 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436266336_1715245099285595_8593898081810267448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8W5c9a1bZ7IQ7kNvgEKkdy2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDjXt-UL02SI9KocWCXcewGiAVJl5DnaKWaQdBZU7hWvA&oe=664F07EF | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428346007_1382602192368404_8677551339471414583_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pY63KL33z_AQ7kNvgEpFg0p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAfqh5u42WCFWC0zInBRUw7xhEq3B65Mzn2dmxPEJu1-w&oe=664F1CDE | 0 | 3 | Every time you say no to alcohol, you say yes to a better version of yourself.โ <br /> โ <br /> Letโs inspire people to stop drinking ๐โ <br /> โ <br /> Sober people, share the biggest difference youโve seen in your life since quitting alcoholโ <br /> โ <br /> Let people know in the comments.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholfree #sober #soberlife #sobriety #noalcohol #sobergram | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828419 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774105 | 810 | 324514074003888 | 1 | 1.715511298986E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116920771284975 | 0 | Sell Beef Direct | 120209834388130263 | sellbeefdirect.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Turn LIKES into SALES! | Download My Free E-Book: The Farmerโs Guide to Selling Direct Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth With Amy Hay! | https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing | 1716064972 | 1.1692077128498E+14 | Sell Beef Direct | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436241662_974257977766422_7336094067132723399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1ZdYweY7A5MQ7kNvgFs7ADX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDZY7cdRb82vxwCflwh2sGaQGSpQAmr35n_pbyZAzS6OA&oe=664F0DC3 | person_profile | 0 | Amy Hay- BUSINESS + MARKETING FOR FARMERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436363562_2132096613816032_9166035687103863573_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ymr0sccBtSUQ7kNvgE0_2rP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEMyxW_A4m9PmWVOcYgGJlxmw5a5KRHE-J3yX8NOVU_w&oe=664F0A57 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Unlock the Power of Social Media! ๐<br /> <br /> FREE EBOOK INSIDE! <br /> <br /> Hey Farmers! Are you ready to revolutionize the way you sell beef online? Dive into our FREE eBook: โMastering Social Media: Your Free Sales Machine!โ No ads? No problem!<br /> <br /> Discover how to:<br /> <br /> ๐ Leverage social platforms to maximize exposure<br /> ๐ Engage directly with your buyers<br /> ๐ Boost your sales with ZERO ad spend<br /> <br /> ๐ฑ Transform your farmโs presence online with tools you already have at your fingertips. Become a pro at using social media not just for likes, but for turning posts into profits!<br /> <br /> "This has been great, thank you Amy! This has doubled my email list already this week. Looking forward to getting more leads and from there sales. Thank you!"<br /> <br /> "I have learned more from you in this free book than I have from a lot of courses I have paid for. Top Job"<br /> <br /> ๐ Grab your copy NOW and start your journey to becoming a social media sales expert! Click here to download <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sellbeefdirect.com%2Ffree-ebook-advancing&h=AT2-FshhOKVd5orgx8CZxDUKEYUQc5DTYv6xByFE9dZ97xkzUKqoPil-te5a5NhtPdvJHEpSsTEMWaQVsqnvtgR4P90uQwStMjb7kxXMTjztnoWsKh_Td7ccI6mC_afvo35wTG4CxqGRGg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing</a><br /> <br /> โจ Donโt just sell beef, sell it smarter with social media! โจ | Sell Beef Direct | 726 | https://facebook.com/sellbeefdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828247 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774105 | 810 | 476667194699163 | 1 | 1.1463446098528E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117814267954183 | 0 | SiC Tx | 120209302688810780 | Slipknot & Primus Tributes Feat: SiC TxโขPrimish @Hollywoodโs PourShack *21+ FREE SHOW! | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Slipknot & Primus Tributes Feat: SiC TxโขPrimish @Hollywoodโs PourShack *21+ FREE SHOW! | Hollywoodโs PourShack in Keller, Tx Presents: FREE SHOW! Friday, June 7th โขSiC Tx - Slipknot Tribute @10:30 โขPrimish - Primus Tribute @9 Come get your funky groove on with this KILLER lineup! First weโve the very talented supporting act, Primish to get you warmed up THEN Headliner, SiC Tx! Donโt miss out this first time exclusive performance here at HOLLYWOODS POURSHACK! FREE SHOW 21* Doors@7 Show@9 | https://www.facebook.com/events/1456677904980562/ | 1716065894 | 1.1781426795418E+14 | SiC Tx | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411487_4578667102357727_6224374605712114492_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IklakfIqMBgQ7kNvgGOr4e6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDY07L-WVX9gkbLGRXgYxYg4o0Og99-DZc4wwNTE5nQzg&oe=664F3250 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Hollywoodโs PourShack in Keller, Tx Presents:<br /> <br /> FREE SHOW!<br /> <br /> Friday, June 7th <br /> <br /> โขSiC Tx - Slipknot Tribute @10:30<br /> <br /> โขPrimish - Primus Tribute @9<br /> <br /> Come get your funky groove on with this KILLER lineup! First weโve the very talented supporting act, Primish to get you warmed up THEN Headliner, SiC Tx! <br /> <br /> Donโt miss out this first time exclusive performance here at HOLLYWOODS POURSHACK!<br /> <br /> FREE SHOW<br /> <br /> 21*<br /> <br /> Doors@7<br /> <br /> Show@9 | SiC Tx | 2710 | https://facebook.com/SiCTx | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827997 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774105 | 810 | 371358212584083 | 1 | 3.7250816511456E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 174036892462718 | 0 | San Lorenzo Bikinis Irvine | 6624360469045 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/sanlorenzo_irvine | 1716067585 | 1.7403689246272E+14 | San Lorenzo Bikinis Irvine | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436206089_727098579393610_6806871337342725945_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PNx1QvPSprIQ7kNvgEpKJl1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAYCNJyqpy01-JwpqumArUlV2xp_Y75FVls9RYWFTnTCA&oe=664F292F | person_profile | 0 | San Lorenzo Bikinis Irvine Spectrum | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444151730_767739978505855_8097625040259822046_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GKoaiO4RzIsQ7kNvgGbCRuO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPWDQ3NXCPdJHUV3QY4yeicIA_HSWs9n6J5ksj5-3clg&oe=664F1851 | 0 | 3 | SNEAK PEEK & from our IRVINE BLOWOUT SALE - biggest sale of the year - everything up to 80% OFF<br /> Plus giveaways and free bikini bags to our first 10 shoppers<br /> Visit us this Saturday 18th from 10am to 10pm & Sunday 19th from 10am to 9pm โฃ๏ธ<br /> โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> #sale #bikinisale #discounts #getthedeal #california #irvine | San Lorenzo Bikinis Irvine | 2 | https://facebook.com/61554201508187 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826862 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/21/25, 6:52 AM | 1716079143 | 1747828367 | 810 | 974863064105833 | 1 | 1.8894893281962E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059987790618 | NONE | video | 1716056900 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436368206_347334265120428_5589191435342481592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TPMwAA3_OXkQ7kNvgHJ4eGF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD7sgv0csPgXZYlePmUdXW4L5xIKWRJz9cZGuO_ivqy6A&oe=664F0814 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441471046_817001433152421_6869658194229894584_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=43BxJ6JWgokQ7kNvgGqa8PG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCQ9DTEPPTEbywgRizFmwI3oGw8AgFMezaqAiWnwjBugA&oe=664F0469 | 0 | 3 | Drinking alcohol not only alters your brain cells but also affects your mental health.โ <br /> โ <br /> It's time to wake up and start valuing our health and happiness over a toxic and addictive substance.โ <br /> โ <br /> Video credit @dansfitspo (TT)โ <br /> โ <br /> #mentalhealthโ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #drinkingโ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #gymโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #alcoholfree | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827732 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774106 | 810 | 813458600665657 | 1 | 3.7354727238257E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 127404590454849 | 0 | Lazy Days Brewing Co. | 6614632886261 | www.lazydaysbrewing.com | No button | NONE | image | Follow us if you love great beer | Lazy Days Brewing is your friendly neighborhood brewpub, serving approachable beers, Detroit style pizza, and hearty pub fare from our Portland brewhouse and Beaverton pub. | http://www.lazydaysbrewing.com/ | 1716003190 | 1.2740459045485E+14 | Lazy Days Brewing Co. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436264412_990700502003569_2161516092326310636_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GPwxXF-cTOwQ7kNvgGadh5C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCR6Pvz8Pueooy6xS7i5QUoqzL4WNFvVM_n5D-RSuKkiA&oe=664F2DEA | person_profile | 0 | Lazy Days Brewing Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436261473_803418215050474_4776987885616762904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wxHjHk0YxAoQ7kNvgEO9tJE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBITVk3Ug-NwsMcMDRQ6YjV1175bSxNpV6ULR-1VBrKNw&oe=664F24EA | 0 | 3 | Join us in Portland or Beaverton for tasty, approachable beers, Detroit style pizzas, and hearty pub fare, with gluten free and vegan options. | Lazy Days Brewing Co. | 317 | https://facebook.com/LazyDaysBrewingCo | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827401 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079211 | 1723774106 | 810 | 1646317712866139 | 1 | 9.8716390312702E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 317122008148506 | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 120210175533700219 | www.medicalspapromos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | ๐ช๐ปFree Emsculpt Consultation + $500 Gift Voucher | https://www.medicalspapromos.com/mbeauty-studio-and-spa-03-optin | 1715875951 | 3.1712200814851E+14 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441578122_707549818064547_6834711115992516228_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K6FzyRKE4oQQ7kNvgFkLI7B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBPWU39zkqTvVvGvagNyhMRo9r76F9pJNpR7wCIeWjpPw&oe=664F0A06 | person_profile | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New Yor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441345226_1662445884498522_8806309482867117707_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XFtT2PC3t5cQ7kNvgFkWalL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkfR8XLykNnlE673lPf851hzpcVA4mFKm1SAhNLyjphQ&oe=664F2024 | 0 | 3 | ๐โโ๏ธ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ!<br /> <br /> One 30-minute ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป treatment is the equivalent of doing 20,000 SQUATS or CRUNCHES, all without breaking a sweat! ๐๐ป<br /> <br /> ๐Grab this amazing ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป gift voucher to get our best offer ever, ๐ธ and come learn why ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that can simultaneously BURN ๐ฅ FAT and BUILD MUSCLE on the ABS and GLUTES! ๐ช<br /> <br /> Click [Learn More] to claim this AWESOME offer, then book a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ good towards our most popular ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ treatment packages ๐ฅณ and come visit us at our convenient location!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธOnly 20 spots are available this month so click below to schedule a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ!<br /> <br /> We canโt wait to meet YOU! ๐ | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559355193746 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827928 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774106 | 810 | 291012910749383 | 4 | 9.3840067461194E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101019649450516 | 0 | Dark Romance Reads | 120208781833800673 | amazon.com | Download | NONE | image | Revenge against the brother who stole everything. | The Taste of Revenge (War of Sins Book 1) | https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Revenge-War-Sins-Book-ebook/dp/B0BZLXDM11/ | 1711673572 | 1.0101964945052E+14 | Dark Romance Reads | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434277454_385053464337839_28269679109984366_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=obfQM-NnO_YQ7kNvgF2pfDV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBCTm6bm7tf5tssSdobOL2o7qzEkEXNmp_IeXx2L1Acww&oe=664F08F8 | person_profile | 0 | Dark Romance Reads | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433136564_7350145808354711_3010144898240610191_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JssO3gOc4j0Q7kNvgEBKpE5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD-pllrc5cRGqWuuFrPuuwihuwfE2943gms029e2sKJ7w&oe=664F0E96 | 0 | 3 | "Sir, please calm down!" A nurse tries to pacify me, but I'm already out of control. <br /> <br /> "Not until someone can tell me what's wrong with my wife.โ I point towards her salon, aggression rolling off me at the thought that something could happen to her. <br /> <br /> "She's in good hands. Pleaseโฆ" <br /> <br /> I don't get to tell her off again as a doctor finally decides to come to my side. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry for the delay, but we had to pull her medical records before we did anything," he explains, giving me a stiff smile as he goes over the protocol. <br /> <br /> "Fine. Now can you look at her?" I bring down my voice a notch, realizing I'm acting out and taking out my frustration on people who have no fault in this. <br /> <br /> "That's what I wanted to talk to you first," he starts, looking a little apprehensive. <br /> <br /> "What is it?" I bark out. <br /> <br /> "Since she was admitted she's been complaining about lower stomach pain. We want to do an ultrasound to check the state of her uterusโฆ" <br /> <br /> The words drown out as I frown at the doctor.<br /> <br /> "Her uterus?" I repeat, dumbfounded. <br /> <br /> "In someone with her history it's not unlikely to see extensive scarring. And that can lead to a whole slew of issues." <br /> <br /> "Wait," I put my hand up. "Someone with her history?" I ask, confused.<br /> <br /> Click the download button now to continue reading The Taste of Revenge FREE on kindle unlimited! | Dark Romance Reads | 20 | https://facebook.com/darkromancereadss | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828126 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774106 | 810 | 978233807305516 | 1 | 1.1829384662099E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 261377643735503 | 0 | US Home Shopping | 120210623019590772 | NONE | video | ๐นMother Day's DISCOUNT 49% OFF๐New Detachable Weed Puller | 1716066460 | 2.613776437355E+14 | US Home Shopping | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441188062_319536887851605_1559204418549345892_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QTcyTxf7JbUQ7kNvgEP19qK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6JYrcgL-nuZGes-x8jRYYW97LYREuiJBGCFcazymWCw&oe=664F289F | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Effortlessly remove weeds without bending over! ๐ช Make yard work a breeze with its detachable, bend-free design. Perfect for young and old alike. Get yours now and enjoy a weed-free lawn with ease! ๐ฟ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbestprice4us.com%2Fweed-puller-2&h=AT1P3ZCPw0MJnVZg9KLu9Z_uMzWw3Ce3k5pGLUSEsPWkMHN4Trbwr3CWFHArkQ_w--zN5PkOkirxV_huB595yrbiXy7L3Xo99Jg28OhBNKhJqFPHRUtRnOFIOEOq6JBNQ1hisZcI3z_dVQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bestprice4us.com/weed-puller-2</a> | US Home Shopping | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560004104282 | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828317 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774106 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828451 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774106 | 810 | 301112863052241 | 1 | 1.7691475936127E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 247332611798852 | 0 | Green Home Care | 120209682283360520 | api.whatsapp.com | Contact us | NONE | video | Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning for $249 Only | 5โญ Rated Company | https://api.whatsapp.com/send | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested in $249 Air duct + Dryer vent cleaning + AC Inspection combo ","response":"Hi! Thanks for showing your interest in Air Duct Cleaning + Dryer Vent Cleaning + AC Inspection service special for just $249 (limited time offer).\n\nPlease let us know your zip code and phone number, so we can let you know our availability for the appointment."}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"template_id":"713843217285859"} | 1716064919 | 2.4733261179885E+14 | Green Home Care | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436485836_974223417263566_7373365315823369997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cH0U9XuEQ9MQ7kNvgEl_O5k&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDqKTMBBOccKRxNix0vKMADYjWcab7i6IwGrblCtv1kYQ&oe=664F1C75 | person_profile | 0 | Green Home Care LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436277747_1143987186918627_7117312840882274046_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MeffuoLiXQcQ7kNvgGxUYmJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHL8pcPYgKF5WMxzvSNmO3I2O9P0AWmImVufOg4NYIzw&oe=664F118C | 0 | 3 | Phoenix & Surrounding Areas๐ฅ๐ฅ<br /> Get Air Duct + Dryer Vent Cleaning + Full AC Inspection for just $249<br /> <br /> That's right! We're rolling out this incredible deal, but it won't last long!<br /> <br /> Our Pro Offer Includes:<br /> โก Air Duct cleaning<br /> โก Dryer Vent Cleaning<br /> โก Complete Air Duct Inspection & Report (with pictures)<br /> โก Negative air pressure machine cleaning to eliminate all pollutants and allergens.<br /> โก AC Inspection<br /> <br /> Experience the Benefits:<br /> ๐คฉ Heavenly Fresh Air<br /> ๐คฉ Energy Savings $$$<br /> ๐คฉ No More Stuffy Noses<br /> ๐คฉ Smooth Laundry In No time<br /> ๐คฉ Allergy-Free, Bacteria-Free, and Pollutant-Free Air in Your Home, all for just $249! Yes, you read that right โ No hidden fees!<br /> <br /> So why wait? This offer is about to disappear. Click the button NOW and grab this opportunity TODAY! | Green Home Care | 51 | https://facebook.com/greenhomecarellc | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828430 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/24/25, 7:27 AM | 1716079235 | 1745497651 | 810 | 1011072797201323 | 1 | 1.8501830087517E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 225382437319023 | 0 | Miguel Argueta | 120208910829530218 | Contact us | NONE | image | Camas y colchones nuevos ๐๐๐Bueno,Bonitos y Baratos | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1642508713233324/ | 1716064933 | 2.2538243731902E+14 | Miguel Argueta | regular_page | 1 | Miguel Argueta | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441573500_8004369916260824_1211599417712527915_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jz6holWi3Y8Q7kNvgEdjJPI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXv2J44TK6Z62z0Lu9G5v_kBaNJzxk7ySiRQTl4jVuVg&oe=664F2285 | 0 | 3 | Camas y colchones nuevos ๐๐๐Bueno,Bonitos y Baratos - 179,00 $<br /> <br /> Los mejores precios ๐๐๐entrega gratis el mismo dรญa ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Miguel Argueta | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100018550154504 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828042 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774107 | 810 | 422024560698968 | 1 | 1.1155109730084E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 544633505699895 | 0 | Shingle Hut Complete Roofing Services | 6635852834418 | Call now | NONE | image | 1716067275 | 5.446335056999E+14 | Shingle Hut Complete Roofing Services | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441871455_755540273443198_8988898107084532119_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9C92LWL40o4Q7kNvgFu8ROG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDpl7frCWB4r10hSgLP5ran_8z6nUGMHmFYWfiA8_q-hw&oe=664F3021 | person_profile | 0 | Shingle Hut Roofing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442510149_2153581984995465_1306813136368890563_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CS9iXsmOzNMQ7kNvgGtRVTi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYATKFdqhuEnpfB7aos4dNzoyt2GUdQqg0hibYQofslr9Q&oe=664F2043 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ AVOID ROOFING SCAMS ๐จ<br /> After last nights major crazy storm, do not get #scammed by bad roofing contractors! Read the four important warnings below, and donโt become a victim of a #roofing scam!<br /> <br /> โ NEVER PAY FOR A ROOFING JOB UPFRONT<br /> โ HIRE A LOCAL COMPANY<br /> โ VERIFY THEY HAVE WORKERโS COMP INSURANCE<br /> โ YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR<br /> <br /> โก๏ธIf a roofing company asks you to pay for the work before itโs complete, use a different company!<br /> <br /> โก๏ธVerify the roofing company has a local phone number and a physical office in your area. Donโt hire a fly-by-night company that sees an opportunity to make money.<br /> <br /> โก๏ธWorkerโs compensation insurance protects both the company and the #homeowner. Hiring a company to work on your home? You can be liable for injuries if the contractor does not provide #insurance for their employees and subcontractors.<br /> <br /> โก๏ธAsk for recommendations from your friends, family and neighbors, do research, make sure the company is legit and compare what companies are offering-- and what they do/do not include with their scope of work.<br /> <br /> Shingle Hut Roofing is A+ Rated by the BBB, a PLATINUM PREFERRED contractor with #OwensCorning, fully insured and has hundreds of 5-STAR customer #recommendations.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Greater Houston: (832) 850-5091<br /> Or visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hutserv.com%2F&h=AT3wknmH-9fIXiUkIWU1rslCVhcRdRYsd-5d6omvfk-qWD88972_6Fv_Fw0WD4OFB8GhfFPQ7U45R0hqkV0KXK7A21QM8nzsJyFtrtMQIhWHlZCkzDoNGW3Ca7NpMZdBAx8XPauBSCMshQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.hutserv.com</a> to get started!<br /> <br /> #HUT #Houston #Cypress #Spring #Tomball #Katy #Texas #Roof #RoofRepair #RoofReplacement #Hail #Home #Insurance #Homeowner #greatservice #roofingcontractor #roofingcompany #roofingexperts #hirelocal #realestate | Shingle Hut Complete Roofing Services | 4246 | https://facebook.com/shinglehut | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828164 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774107 | 810 | 3685051398401219 | 1 | 4.1345198156858E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 162372563629816 | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 120209210829800080 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radar.offlinemap.radarapp | 1715943378 | 1.6237256362982E+14 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440931758_1117576759352456_5103213421860567296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jm3_UNlo2kkQ7kNvgHSiOuA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCOn8evr5x2dDmMwutdg_vdVm48VSPRF6Wi9irMOQNUMA&oe=664F041A | person_profile | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499471_4142021809359406_6366271775884371356_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=apdqhcteXicQ7kNvgEM4Q6G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAZ3nJOsfaOgJucSEP1GNFYF2LmYV-tYAyByFfnHvV2PQ&oe=664F1352 | 0 | 3 | Use FREE GPS even without Internet ๐๐ | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 18 | https://facebook.com/61553661027171 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827788 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774107 | 810 | 1270405287679822 | 1 | 8.236703096346E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103944340470 | 0 | Coleman PowerSports | 6599703618143 | Call now | NONE | image | Coleman PowerSports | Metro DC's largest powersport dealership, serving you for over 60 years! | 1715986119 | 103944340470 | Coleman PowerSports | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438260269_1163263231378918_1616938021862424172_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JgO6f-Xs7TMQ7kNvgFicLyq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkbY5MZP9GrXFIH-atky6-czz_V9v8vNFzW5fWk7cpkg&oe=664F2CD5 | person_profile | 0 | Coleman PowerSports | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440961038_719343290177655_2554261804506957929_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y7nx-fbJUrIQ7kNvgEIhP2L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB0VfvbhZramlHx-vKKK1YB43vMAjmf1YXO_XNSspIzTQ&oe=664F1D9D | 0 | 3 | Get FREE accessories with the purchase of a new Honda ATV or Side by Side! Ends 6/30. Contact us for details. | Coleman PowerSports | 4568 | https://facebook.com/Colemanpowersports | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827978 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774107 | 810 | 1447522485878566 | 1 | 1.2059222070977E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1527113400935616 | 0 | Pawsome Couture | 120209872063010488 | www.pawsomecouture.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Teeny Tiny Paw Necklace ๐พ | https://www.pawsomecouture.com/collections/jewelry/products/teeny-tiny-paw-necklace | 1716067786 | 1.5271134009356E+15 | Pawsome Couture | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441284239_249795291526142_2321702549191127561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H6PAZIEmdW4Q7kNvgFuGKuM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQEs7pJ0b1aSPrcX-FhaVBkEEe1a829KWeFOpKQuGTLA&oe=664F1963 | person_profile | 0 | Pawsome Coutureยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441290973_292603053820935_1445163806647094497_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-9hvTa5KRtUQ7kNvgHt8h41&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBW8Xly8RpYH78sdnShj9gMw9yKj8QSROm9Iuuj89Dimg&oe=664F0A53 | 0 | 3 | Meet our Teeny Tiny Paw Necklace! ๐ป๐ถ Free engraving and up to 30% off today!<br /> Shop โ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpawsomecouture.com%2Fnecklace&h=AT17U_M069ZcQYf7Apkm3stev_UEGQHp6mt8FGzzpuVs8Ts7J5CA-uOXlyLc-wZKeeLwO1PuYqDHY23ZC7wtmNx2mLLgdXoGg3HFLi0MtLd1tgf5MzhEwiEJlelmfFIit8DJSZJ5LJZnaeq2L3q7h6XEkls" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">pawsomecouture.com/necklace</a> | Pawsome Couture | 135304 | https://facebook.com/PawsomeCouture | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828118 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774107 | 810 | 731434055609804 | 1 | 4.3710009560989E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105073161195383 | 0 | Jorge Santoya Garcia | 120209589065310149 | Contact us | NONE | image | Hiland 700c Road Bike, 14 Speeds, Light Weight Aluminum Frame, Racing Bike City Commuting Road Bicyc | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/2150758988618511/ | 1716066554 | 1.0507316119538E+14 | Jorge Santoya Garcia | regular_page | 1 | Jorge Santoya Garcia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442504610_373188008508879_5166401768657666215_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t9_9BzrD7h4Q7kNvgHhzI0S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAGh5B24rRi20mNZ4seAvcOszFdokhXYsxXuyDXS6R1LQ&oe=664F1CC5 | 0 | 3 | Hiland 700c Road Bike, 14 Speeds, Light Weight Aluminum Frame, Racing Bike City Commuting Road Bicyc - $250.00<br /> <br /> PRICE IS FIRM!!!<br /> <br /> Features & details<br /> ใLightweight FrameใHiland road bike is designed for people who like to ride or use it for daily commuting. The aluminium alloy frame is lightweight, stiff, responsive, and easy to work with. Itโs also more durable and potential for higher speeds, it can withstand a harder impact without cracking or failing.<br /> ใBrake SystemใThe brake system consists of double caliper brakes which are lighter and more aerodynamic than disc brakes. It can ensure that riders stop immediately in case of emergency.<br /> ใProfessional Shimano DrivetrainใHiland road bike features 14 speed L-TWOO derailleurs and SHIMANO Shifters, gives diverse riding experience and also ensures total control in every situation, like in gravel, city road or other tough terrain. You can glide over most obstacles without losing speed or getting shaken around too much.<br /> ใ700C TiresใIt takes less energy to keep the bike at speed. 700c wheels have less rolling resistance, making them more efficient, you can ride further using the same amount of energy. These wheels also have better rollover capability, because have a larger circumference, they can more easily roll over potholes, bumps, branches, roots, and other obstacles on the road or trail.<br /> ใAssembly&Size Guideใ Size S (50 cm) for people between 5'5" & 5'10"๏ผSize M (55 cm) for people between 5'10" & 6'3", Size L (60 cm) for people between 6'3" & 6'7"CHECK THE SIZE BEFORE YOU ORDER.For people over 12 years old. 85% pre-assembled,easy to assemble,free installation tools and pedals include.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Jorge Santoya Garcia | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100003907868481 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828421 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774108 | 810 | 884105063521241 | 1 | 9.9752844182901E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555152460051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040267 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442436320_1860116364461640_1138259823370918651_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hILDhM2g16AQ7kNvgEuAyNX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDNRSrPL8LXkCC3gBDYUrsaJNH442UmW9-oa7GJGcsCKA&oe=664F2A6E | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442444070_434949022805596_941724322005180045_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l1uqzBBjIQYQ7kNvgF5LeXc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw5K68aaZGr9lqnRkZq5P8M7Gtm72wtpoOFIBhTqRoBQ&oe=664F0475 | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828426 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1658674881611456 | 1 | 1.5529276552664E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 130124646850739 | 0 | Hailey Barr | 120209248309990340 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Read Free with Kindle Unlimited | The Nanny's Second Chance: A Sunshine Virgin Romance | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2Y7CC1F | 1716064953 | 1.3012464685074E+14 | Hailey Barr | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468498_967660321292273_4976547516253624070_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iTUbN3m5E7AQ7kNvgEe-h20&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCyIt6xKrXwQYtBilYdV2vWuHQiReSu5LZ0bG9P-OxCMQ&oe=664F0E26 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | A heartfelt story of one woman's cancer survivor journey as she learns to fight with the cancer, and her whirlwind of emotions she has never really experienced before in her life...<br /> <br /> What readers are saying: <br /> โI haven't felt so emotional in a book for a long time, a lot of reading feels like work, which I don't mind. But this, this was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed to read.โ <br /> <br /> โThis is a heart-warming story, full of compassion and hard feelings. Heart-breaking. I was rooting for them since the beginning! It was fantastic! highly recommended!โ <br /> <br /> "A sweet story that keeps you wanting more. It was easy to connect with the characters and love them. A story that constantly pulls at your heartstrings." <br /> <br /> Immerse yourself in The Nanny's Second Chance today and experience an emotional, heartwarming journey that will captivate you from beginning to end. | Hailey Barr | 48 | https://facebook.com/61551506138752 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828432 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1623049861815527 | 1 | 1.5007090639906E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 381870531910573 | 0 | Lisa Angell, Realtor | 120214288781160011 | lisa-angell.kw.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Click Learn More for a FREE ๐ฐNo Obligation Home Valuation! ๐๐ | https://lisa-angell.kw.com/whats-your-home-worth | 1716064915 | 3.8187053191057E+14 | Lisa Angell, Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441619816_1871722353343407_282382251717185953_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rs70je45QnkQ7kNvgEsLI9S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAoX7zP5Z6Bso0XoIH0X4oh-DQusYiinLx1z5pm6q2jGA&oe=664F1C65 | person_profile | 0 | Lisa Angell, Realtor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436381844_1010311813851370_1388950745387568679_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c8LTtQm8UzwQ7kNvgHGTs7J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBqQV2htVTMpZhQbWKbqC5a76JFIhyUJcVDbpuoZPPylw&oe=664F18D9 | 0 | 3 | Are you considering selling your home in the near future? | Lisa Angell, Realtor | 381 | https://facebook.com/LisaAngellRealtor | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828334 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1353706171957465 | 2 | 9.5714259920372E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 176366735873065 | 0 | The Ridge | 120208939165040618 | ridge.com | Shop now | NONE | image | 20% OFF Ridge Rings | Ridge Greats Sale | https://ridge.com/collections/rings-men-5rlp-col?amp_rings | 1715824157 | 1.7636673587306E+14 | The Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428357824_8137080643021593_4495389283763917883_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sXB06j3-eQ0Q7kNvgGb-p3c&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAe43Pbav82TJ6ZNO057Pvio1q6IcXKLKxwX4p8nVekxw&oe=664F13D2 | person_profile | 0 | Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443718092_1648081459064230_6251053010079786460_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8IDolQ_S1XcQ7kNvgG1YUgm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf-BmkCKMr5dWz2AraUjDpZixvJZ4v6hG3yi6qoWSpcw&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | Shop the Ridge Father's Day Sale before he does! The Ridge Ring Set is the perfect Father's Day Gift, available in over 20+ colors and materials.<br /> <br /> Each ring set includes:<br /> โ 2 Rings: Metal & Silicone<br /> โ 2x FREE Replacements<br /> โ Lifetime Guarantee<br /> <br /> Free Shipping & Returns | 99 Day Risk-Free Trial | The Ridge | 296724 | https://facebook.com/ridge | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828433 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1100035244421387 | 1 | 9.9424916894696E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 116380886435413 | 0 | Mike Skerry | 120210070972040355 | Buy now | NONE | image | toyota tacoma frame repair plate kit FULL SET 2x 1995-2004 standard cab extended cab double cab | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/760464705677116/ | 1716064912 | 1.1638088643541E+14 | Mike Skerry | regular_page | 1 | Mike Skerry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476581_1496131567954718_8669291750101315776_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y50f7qJ-TIgQ7kNvgH54gfX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBZYGKCPnOOvA12yNn59sab6eDxdVR9jG7HK8kd8noP7Q&oe=664F1A05 | 1 | 3 | toyota tacoma frame repair plate kit FULL SET 2x 1995-2004 standard cab extended cab double cab - $100.00<br /> <br /> Toyota frame rail repair kit <br /> <br /> FIT STANDARD CAB EXTENDED CAB AND DOUBLE CAB <br /> <br /> Fast Free Shipping ๐<br /> <br /> Click Buy Now โฌ๏ธ๐ฒ to place an order <br /> <br /> Each order comes with both repair panels for drivers side and passenger side <br /> <br /> Featuresโคต๏ธ<br /> 1/8 inch thick steel<br /> Sold in pairs, one for both side of your truck!<br /> 42.37" overall length<br /> <br /> Fitmentโคต๏ธ<br /> For 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma<br /> Fit For '95.5-'04 Tacomas. Shipped bare steel, ready to weld!<br /> <br /> Package Included๏ผ<br /> Rust repair plate *1<br /> <br /> Noteโคต๏ธ<br /> Several rosette welds can be added for even more strength! Don't bother trying to box the frame, these plates go on so much easier on the outside of the frame without having to build new shock mounts, crossmembers, and gas tank mounts.<br /> We designed these plates to be easily welded on, reinforcing the frame from the end of the full box section ALL the way to the rear bumper mount! These fit standard cab, extended cab AND double cab frame rails!<br /> <br /> <br /> Thanks for viewing<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Mike Skerry | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=630337493 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827852 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1589555928279353 | 1 | 1.3236378983222E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 567080903812194 | 0 | Sugar Spice & Pixie Dust | 6584936776584 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/pineapplesandpixiedustco | 1716069645 | 5.6708090381219E+14 | Sugar Spice & Pixie Dust | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441170466_450346930918714_1590220130013069134_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iWL2adILANUQ7kNvgH1HGoV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDQUgt7B627SQdEOuEAOclISM0_15m9JINcDBNviLZmSg&oe=664F14C6 | person_profile | 0 | ๐Pineapples & Pixie Dust Co.โจ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712362_765094465786153_140950444923617595_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jz6PyN0Ju4IQ7kNvgF3jeIq&_nc_oc=AdjGLG26gRD9S74yoQcGWYMna-WiL_FyVe9ytzvMEFHj0Qt-HhFvPbFd6brPS4oJqkE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZIAdILDdCoQ4PoztErmgGMBVDHKv9lYwy0b1D4vd2sg&oe=664F0514 | 0 | 3 | ๐ดNEW NEW NEW๐ด<br /> <br /> ๐New Animal Kingdom earrings have dropped into the shop at 50% off! The entire shop is also Buy 2 Get 1 Free, details of the promotion are located jn the shop.๐<br /> <br /> โจNo code needed, shop link in bioโจ | Sugar Spice & Pixie Dust | 235 | https://facebook.com/100061946715941 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828203 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 3:42 AM | 1716079231 | 1747644164 | 810 | 987618239545226 | 1 | 3.5667179699607E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 103137225521177 | 0 | Shane Mcclary | 120208944774770438 | Contact us | NONE | image | Pride mobility scooter power chair | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1095446658199390/ | 1716066102 | 1.0313722552118E+14 | Shane Mcclary | regular_page | 1 | Shane Mcclary | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444488256_414562161558713_4269512016961729498_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qem4NlFFuNwQ7kNvgHqU3A6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBJC7tVIrj4x9ac9-r0lorSyWuxKH4fK7g6V0qRFliuuA&oe=664F0E7B | 0 | 3 | Pride mobility scooter power chair - $750.00<br /> <br /> Almost new Pride Jazzy Elite scooter power chair. Only used twice. Took it to 2 Browns games and it works extremely well. Comfy seat and it rides nice. I have 2 chargers for it. Don't know how long the charge lasts but when I got home from games it was still reading full charge. It's the heavy duty version so it can hold up to 500lbs. Has a nick in the covering on right arm rest I think happened putting it in my car. Perfect shape. Like new but 1/4 the price. Feel free to message me for more info. I posted specs in pictures.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Shane Mcclary | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=525711294 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827943 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774108 | 810 | 1607037970073660 | 1 | 3.7463752322422E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1675060416133629 | 0 | Diamond Furniture | 6550712541154 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716070410 | 1.6750604161336E+15 | Diamond Furniture | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442435482_360584057030541_4907665902092312442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nQxWpYHLWdoQ7kNvgEZ5M8e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAcUjRo2ZdmxZA95nqDAjRxP0DZztZrS3sdxFENcs2H5w&oe=664F3439 | person_profile | 0 | แด ษชแดแดแดษดแด าแดสษดษชแดแดสแด | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494687_367710089106667_1831791744885492199_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EtVO10s8FbEQ7kNvgE9QXaB&_nc_oc=Adhun-qM3qNzlUbjD6uIrflbYVtH3zJtPgJtndVfNMc0dx8_tMxuzDHDhSdLIgZZjDw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArj1cnX_Q0CKoJjCnBZpxw1Etd4BFa4cKP-g67isCEbA&oe=664F13EB | 0 | 3 | ๐ Sparkle your home this Memorial Day with Diamond Furniture. Huge savings up to 70% off, plus flexible payment options to make your shopping easy and stress-free!<br /> <br /> ๐9096 Parkway E, Birmingham, AL 35206 <br /> ๐(205) 703-8411 | Diamond Furniture | 17905 | https://facebook.com/diamondfurniture2 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828144 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 11:18 AM | 1716079230 | 1744215531 | 810 | 1597497444125243 | 1 | 9.6673388166905E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108205088696990 | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | 6610694306099 | Eventbrite.com | Order Now | NONE | carousel | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ooo-16-skysia-detre-geometrae-kaimera-tickets-884697282387?aff=Ads | 1716069789 | 1.0820508869699E+14 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487964_325944123858605_542597653029800018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bdvJ_JhErFMQ7kNvgE9b1EY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB72_bCMsEXjJccqSCF77-5MDbIaEpFNzbFLOPLvWceZg&oe=664F12F4 | person_profile | 0 | Thematic Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441456434_1216431039342507_4647761401304224849_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ekGv_4kp43YQ7kNvgGYAPmW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBeKRsB4GFTGR_QgsY_IVpuEyuEuWn4qamLdcguCYoxJg&oe=664F1BB0 | 0 | 3 | Thematic Entertainment | 397 | https://facebook.com/ThematicSounds | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828122 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774109 | 810 | 1511936842747857 | 1 | 1.2986651977606E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113561291351907 | 0 | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | 6574774980408 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716066479 | 1.1356129135191E+14 | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443714561_1113280739931677_945240898620318612_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eD-hryYn9uoQ7kNvgFJ8gs6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCInzBtS7LKkAj32XVDdF086-fu3hHBO3q8Pr2gco97Qw&oe=664F2460 | person_profile | 0 | Premier Buildings & Trailers o | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443821347_974333187604516_7950849833952137130_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j5QGbUAskOMQ7kNvgEIFOai&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBB5eV7GbKO-3g-RlC1J6Fn9KvOtXxe2nWLzcXskO_5MQ&oe=664F1528 | 0 | 3 | -๐จโผ๏ธNew Arrival - 20% OFF This Month Only๐จโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> -๐กIntroducing our 10x16 Side Lofted Barn๐ก<br /> <br /> -๐จDriftwood Siding w/ Green Roof & Trim!๐จ<br /> <br /> -Original Price: $5,865 (Now ONLY ๐ฐ$4,736๐ฐ for a limited time only...)<br /> <br /> -Secure it w/ ๐ธ$150 down deposit!๐ธ<br /> <br /> -๐Enjoy Free Delivery within 50 miles & Hassle-Free Setup!๐<br /> -No Credit Checks Requiredโ <br /> -First Payment is due 30 days after the signed contract!โ <br /> -Tax exemption available for Tribal Members or 100% Disabled Veterans!โ <br /> -No Penalties for Early Payoffs!โ <br /> <br /> -๐Come See us @ 48 N Lynn Lane Rd E Tulsa, OK 74116๐<br /> <br /> -๐ฒGive us a call @ 918-314-6178 OR 918-500-4466!โ๏ธ | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | 1064 | https://facebook.com/100083029967656 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827872 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774109 | 810 | 455694263660068 | 1 | 9.4394872746567E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 100287609080368 | 0 | Jonathan Tame | 6570460331792 | Contact us | NONE | image | Xbox One X 1TB Console Bundle with Headset, Games, and Accessories | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/3750116115254793/ | 1716069351 | 1.0028760908037E+14 | Jonathan Tame | regular_page | 1 | Jonathan Tame | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213744_1173293887348814_8425059072035972050_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ghPcWtYkD04Q7kNvgHF5HP_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYChQGdtcz0-IOKh0cMnrQ5M86s2XM8FRJDB-lW9El5McQ&oe=664F1CD6 | 1 | 3 | Xbox One X 1TB Console Bundle with Headset, Games, and Accessories - $350.00<br /> <br /> Selling a complete Xbox One X 1TB console bundle in excellent condition! This bundle includes everything you need for an immersive gaming experience:<br /> <br /> What's Included:<br /> * Xbox One X 1TB Console (4K HDR compatible)<br /> * Original Xbox One X wireless controller<br /> * Stereo Headset Adapter<br /> * SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset<br /> * Two popular games: Destiny 2 and Anthem (I know, I know) <br /> * All necessary cables: HDMI, power cable, and controller charging cable<br /> * Manuals and original packaging<br /> <br /> Condition:<br /> The console and accessories are in excellent condition with minimal signs of use. The games are in perfect working order. All components have been tested and are fully functional. The console is up-to-date and has been factory wiped. Controller has brand new batteries.<br /> <br /> Features:<br /> * Enjoy stunning 4K gaming and entertainment<br /> * High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for vibrant visuals<br /> * Powerful performance for smooth gameplay<br /> * Online multiplayer with Xbox Live Gold (unused)<br /> <br /> Additional Info:<br /> This bundle is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup or get started with an Xbox One X. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Jonathan Tame | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=145400682 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828182 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774109 | 810 | 1413325512701079 | 1 | 1.1360175407728E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 430931650385025 | 0 | cรดte | 6590957154276 | coteshop.co | Learn more | NONE | video | Up to 40% OFF Sitewide | https://coteshop.co/pages/spring-sale | 1716066569 | 4.3093165038502E+14 | cรดte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469944_410826981775240_3892633188845628161_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zHHtK_B0L1UQ7kNvgEa39-0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA8AHz9OEhFCWE1SJ-pTXLs2_-R1cNduoHNycJotEcWzg&oe=664F1663 | person_profile | 0 | coteshop | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494501_7257019451074427_1680882377725396498_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E9W2ikkPvKcQ7kNvgEFwBLQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD8UVDDkxvrS1coQGIh3_wvhZ0IvzSfDp-t_67lz6B5VQ&oe=664F126B | 0 | 3 | Hello Spring Sale ๐ธ๐ผ<br /> Enjoy up to 40% off Sitewide ๐ <br /> <br /> Experience Cleaner Safer Beauty:<br /> โ Toxin-Free<br /> ๐ฟ Vegan & Cruelty-Free<br /> ๐คPregnancy and Kids-Safe<br /> <br /> Shop Now & Save Big ๐ | cรดte | 7218 | https://facebook.com/coteshopbrentwood | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827933 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774109 | 810 | 416603474631429 | 2 | 1.6112462596338E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952399070737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067661 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481048_2728367677312091_8358214137622068304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xSv32wtPi08Q7kNvgEDV8GZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW2dEGBtDG1qolJyAcqGJWmJRE4Hh56zUDISOThq9Hcw&oe=664F2447 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828424 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774110 | 810 | 299586046538057 | 1 | 1.2049590108792E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 521710221213364 | 0 | Astrology Updates by Gretchen Hidell | 6613766784110 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/gretchenhidell | 1716064961 | 5.2171022121336E+14 | Astrology Updates by Gretchen Hidell | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441329397_998510091861679_7144178385305350021_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mf6fUCosG18Q7kNvgH0DaNi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1uzyMQEs-80GQ9m34aRBJEoS5Ws-B0Bu5p3Tl3cLgow&oe=664F351B | person_profile | 0 | GRETCHEN HIDELL | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441314447_7584673791629732_6330406712335397084_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=urKMYmXAtxQQ7kNvgFEEpaY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnAnGCZs2h5axjX0ehzX_SAfx4UIqvfXL4mrtRjgj-ig&oe=664F35B9 | 0 | 3 | #saturdaythoughts 5/18/24 โ Today there are 3 BIG planetary Conjunctions! โจ Conjunctions in #astrology are like having a laser beam of energy in one spot. This is a RARE opportunity to harness these energies to help facilitate success. And just like a New Moon, which is a Conjunction of the Sun & Moon, similarly ALL THREE offer fresh starts & new beginnings! โจ<br /> <br /> It starts when #Mars CONJUNCTS the #NorthNode in #Aries (peak @ 4:01am EDT โ Felt 1+ Week). This can bring a surge of dynamic & assertive energy that propels us towards our destined path with unprecedented vigor. This encourages bold actions, pioneering initiatives & a courageous approach to lifeโs challenges. Being in Aries, it's time to embrace leadership, take risks, & pursue goals with unwavering determination. ๐<br /> <br /> The #Moon shifts into #Libra @ 6:23am ET. ๐ This emphasizes the importance of cooperation, diplomacy & fairness, making it an ideal time for resolving conflicts & strengthening both personal relationships & professional interactions. Active til Mon 5/20 @ 6:34pm ET. โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> #Venus CONJUNCTS #Uranus in #Taurus (peak @ 7:41am ET โ Felt 1+ Week). This can produce unexpected changes in love, finances, & values. Relationships may experience sudden attractions or shifts, encouraging unconventional approaches & breaking free from traditional constraints. Financially new opportunities or shifts can prompt innovative money management strategies. This transit also invites reevaluation of personal values & self worth, pushing us to align more authentically with our true desires! ๐<br /> <br /> #Sun CONJUNCTS #Jupiter in TAURUS (peak @ 2:45pm ET โ Felt 1+ Week). This annual Conjunction is often touted as the most โluckiest transitโ! It often brings #growth, optimism, & #abundance. It's a great time for setting long term goals, investing in stable projects. While there's heightened appreciation for luxury & comfort, it's important to avoid overindulgence. Being in Taurus, it fosters practical & #sustainablegrowth, encouraging us to build a solid foundation for the future. โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> #zodiac #horoscopes #astrologymemes #zodiacmeme #libramoonsign #libramoon #sunconjunctjupiter #venusconjuncturanus #marsconjunctnorthnode | Astrology Updates by Gretchen Hidell | 3518 | https://facebook.com/AstrologyUpdatesByGretchenHidell | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828234 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 6:16 PM | 1716079232 | 1749424576 | 810 | 743203881348921 | 1 | 7.8195469080851E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117489428115639 | 0 | Sarah's recipes | 120211232609100297 | natural-vibrant-life.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Uncovering Type 2's True Cause | https://natural-vibrant-life.com/sd17?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=suga&utm_content=s23h64&cmc_adid=fb_{{ad.id}} | 1716024624 | 1.1748942811564E+14 | Sarah's recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442391415_1005400564313386_3344588497698818349_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yPdDspmTtk0Q7kNvgGLGcU9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBKYG5qlshX4ibOAp7n6q25jKF2zG2XA_noa3y4oKTLcw&oe=664F20BF | person_profile | 0 | Sarah's recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318119_447491301219427_2588467223330297767_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tHttpsWf6qkQ7kNvgH7i64m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnbj8DS8rZ5xLAxWHIA8G3HufvRtiAQ3bXZE5IvL0QCg&oe=664F0106 | 0 | 3 | The Real Root Cause Of Type 2? | Sarah's recipes | 0 | https://facebook.com/61550856480508 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826855 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774110 | 810 | 918983750000822 | 1 | 8.2753614274294E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059986410618 | NONE | video | 1716056688 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946148_895728535653514_6997652373586340889_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xVcX_ebtYmoQ7kNvgG90jM_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDivfqKyM4keOJX4nfziDkDWyaFIRZgWwXpiMtvHYl-WQ&oe=664F0B7C | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442398879_974764943869526_1832349110171926259_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hEsdGcpSLy0Q7kNvgFiiNJ-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9woSotT23wX0HAlXqE_EvrluvV5XGL5J95yvpmwFRCA&oe=664F1C4C | 0 | 3 | How significant a role does alcohol play in your life?โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> โ <br /> #aa #alcoholic #drinking #healthy #wellness #noalcohol #soberme #sobergram #soberliving #alcoholfreelifestyle | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826903 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774110 | 810 | 624461703169271 | 1 | 4.3310230580463E+14 | 1711177200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101479542560743 | 0 | ConsumerSafe.com | 120205741070030259 | contact.consumersafe.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | See If You Qualify | They set aside $4.5 billion... | https://contact.consumersafe.com/roundup/ | 1710166508 | 1.0147954256074E+14 | ConsumerSafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431615458_770690081512177_3495676478623739503_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dlIh9gMJkuIQ7kNvgFrAsdC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOF3cZUHvhSBkul4HCJTAIstoo-p7clPWkLi5XGzW45Q&oe=664F0185 | person_profile | 0 | Consumersafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431770947_782259450625980_2788408335447563369_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HhYpfnxccAMQ7kNvgHr50Rv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7UafcS4RlZZHCLvhI6lBcnfQ4Tcb06FXjEutDTB-B8A&oe=664F0469 | 0 | 3 | Roundup weedkiller has been linked to Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma. If you or someone you know used Roundup and was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma, you could be eligible to receive significant compensation as part of a settlement. Click to learn more and see if you qualify. | ConsumerSafe.com | 1371 | https://facebook.com/consumersafedotcom | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710140400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827437 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774111 | 810 | 774670891435230 | 1 | 3.8192924149149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18349378739 | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 6496581804879 | certifiedangusbeef.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Explore Mouthwatering Recipes. | https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/grilling/ | 1715356697 | 18349378739 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955107_8167130819981718_1997958134337683046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYtOB0jKbKwQ7kNvgFDWhbi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBY5YYacNP4-CDxr5gIv0QMFTP5qJ1LYB8gD9NQ38OO7g&oe=664F2A1B | person_profile | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463996_326316633815924_3854270161973612600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_2qDSfBqNfwQ7kNvgE9dAY0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADTP6P2PZJ0Ewwf6v7Bo2X2aAT2B2td9JfvCJBLL2uAw&oe=664F2E63 | 0 | 3 | Ready for a flavor adventure? ๐๐ด | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 1111837 | https://facebook.com/CertifiedAngusBeef | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827459 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774111 | 810 | 332639026157617 | 13 | 1.2221045321005E+15 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 179285108609414 | 0 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 120209484338350154 | frequencydestiny.com | Learn more | NONE | image | ๐ฏ NEW Workshop Reveals All (Only $4.99) --> | David Wong, also known as โThe Frequency Expertโ is a visionary inventor, acclaimed author, speaker, and entrepreneur in the field of personal wellness and Qi Energy. | https://frequencydestiny.com/ | 1714096272 | 1.7928510860941E+14 | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165202_307079815755234_8792771905099382760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8PmED8rBlAQQ7kNvgHogho7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuwegzCUPNUPju57W4EzIT-VaC0fHWw3PDZHf5KwyDzw&oe=664F19BC | person_profile | 0 | David Wong | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438118214_713968274020159_8164711181112996633_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YX7cOznFAvoQ7kNvgHRTZ9o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCclZ2IYWY9UwZe7AGDwzA1VUPEnE7q424np_SGN73XiA&oe=664F2ED8 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ Exclusive Release ๐ฅ<br /> Leading Frequency Expert Reveals:<br /> NEW "Manifestation Shortcut" Backed By 80+ Years of Scientific Research<br /> <br /> โ Discover how science-backed "sound medicine" can clear hardwired, energetic blocks around money and success in as little as 21 days...<br /> <br /> Consider this: if technology is helping us work faster, communicate faster, and optimize our world fasterโฆ<br /> <br /> Why not use technology to speed up our manifestations, too?<br /> <br /> Here are just a few of the secrets youโll uncover in the<br /> Abundance Mastery Workshop:<br /> <br /> โ Rapid Abundance Alignment: Discover the precise sound frequencies that align your energy with wealth and success in as little as 21 days, bypassing years of traditional meditation practice.<br /> <br /> โ Unlocking Energetic Blocks: Learn how these scientifically-developed sounds target and dissolve deep-rooted energetic blocks around money and success, which have been holding you back.<br /> <br /> โ Quantum Physics of Prosperity: Gain insights into the quantum physics principles that underpin these frequencies, understanding how they can physically shift your vibrational state to match the abundance you seek.<br /> <br /> โ Effortless Transformation Techniques: Explore easy-to-implement strategies that integrate these sound frequencies into your daily routine, transforming your energy field with minimal effort.<br /> <br /> Hereโs everything youโll get when you claim the Abundance Mastery Workshop Bundle today:<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ WORKSHOP<br /> The On-Demand Abundance Mastery Workshop<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 1 - Life of Qi: The Science of Life Force, Qi Gong & Frequency Healing Technology for Health, Longevity, & Spiritual Enlightenment - (Instant Digital Access Ebook + Audiobook)<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ BONUS 2 - FREE Luck Frequency<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ LIMITED-TIME BONUS - Your Special Invite to the Qi Life Mastery Community<br /> <br /> โญ โญ โญ โญ โญ - " What can I say? I never thought that this can help, it is simple and still so powerful. Highly recommended." - <br /> Mai Nguyen - โ Verified Purchase | David Wong - The Frequency Expert | 4407 | https://facebook.com/61554872503538 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827557 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079218 | 1723774111 | 810 | 1224518335188918 | 3 | 4.2029528072589E+14 | 1714201200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 283053551550394 | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 120209336719070468 | weokm.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๊ตฟ๋ ธ๋ฒจ์์ "๊ณ์ฝ ํด์ง: ๋์ค์ ๋ํ๋" ๊ฒ์ํ ํ ๋ ๋ง์ ์ฑํฐ๋ฅผ ์ ๊ธํด์ ํ ์ ์์ต๋๋ค. | https://weokm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=9316&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714136025 | 2.8305355155039E+14 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841332_25592112210402892_8397642617881182669_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C_DeOwt9FD0Q7kNvgHVNpr6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBVhFmRqDtTk36g7jVIt8eA8S80996NkRJ6crnaJHwzrQ&oe=664F179A | person_profile | 0 | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439893966_7867235389954210_1957941699168459515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA2XKRXvLcIQ7kNvgE5vsr7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUsMHuWwNTsap4mkViHrGbCgdZ2WTEA60fd6hTWkiHPA&oe=664F2F24 | 0 | 3 | ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ท๊ตญํ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ๋ฒ ์ผ์ ์ธ์ธ ์ ์ธ์ผ๋ก์, ์์ ๋ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก 8ํธ ๋งจ์ ์ผ๋ก ๋ณด๋ด์ก๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์ ๊ท์ ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๊ทธ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ํฐ ์์ด ๊นจ๋ํ๊ฒ ๋ชธ์ ์ป์ด์ผ ํ๊ณ ํฅ์๋ ํ์ฅํ ๋์๋ฅผ ์ ๋ ํ๊ฒจ์ ์ ๋๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ทจํฅ์ ์๋ฒฝํ๊ฒ ๋ง์ถ๊ธฐ ์ํด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ค๋ซ๋์ ๋ชฉ์์ ํ๊ณ ์คํฌ ์ ์ท์ผ๋ก ๊ฐ์์ ์ ํ, 2์ธต ์นจ์ค๋ก ์๋ค. ์ปดํจํฐ ์์์ ์ ๋ฌด๋ฅผ ๋ณด๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๋ค์ด์ค๋ ๊ธฐ์ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ํ๊ธ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ์ด๋ฆฌ ์.โ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๊ฐ์ ์ด ์์ด์ง ์์, ๋ด๋ดํ๋ฉด์๋ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ด ๋งํฌ๊ฐ ์ด์ด์ก๋ค. ๊ทธ ๋ชฉ์๋ฆฌ๋ ์์ ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฌด๊ฒ๊ฒ ์ง๋๋ฅด๋ ๊ฒ๋ง ๊ฐ์๋ค. ํ์์ ๋ฌด๋ค๋คํ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์ผ๋ฉด์๋ ์ข ์ก๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ์ฑ๊ฒฉ์ ๊ฐ์ง ๊ทธ๊ฐ ํน์๋ ํ๊ฐ ๋๊ธฐ๋ผ๋ ํ ๊น ๋ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์ง์ฒดํ์ง ์๊ณ ๋น ๋ฅธ ๊ฑธ์์ผ๋ก ๋ฌ๋ ค๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์์ ์ ๋๋ก ์๊ธฐ๋ ์ ์ ์ด์นํ๊ฐ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ์๋ฝ ์์๋ฒ๋ ธ๋ค. ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ์์ด๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ๋ถ์ ์ ์ ์ ํค์คํ๋ ์ด์นํ. ํญ์ ๊ทธ๋ฐ ์์ด์๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ค๋ช ๋ ์์๊ณ ๋ถ๋๋ฌ์๋ ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ง๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ์๊ณ ์ถ์ ๋ฟ์ด์๋ค. ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ธ๊ตญ์ผ๋ก ์ถ์ฅ ๊ฐ๊ฒ ๋๋ฉด์ 3๊ฐ์์ด๋ผ๋ ๊ธด ์๊ฐ ๋์ ์ฌ์๋ฅผ ๋ง์ง์ง ๋ชปํ์ผ๋ ์ค๋ ๋ฐค์ ์ฝ๊ฒ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋์์ค ๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ์์ด ๋ณด์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์ ์ ๊ณฏ์๋จ์ด์ง ๋๊ฐ ๋์ด์์ผ ๋จ์๋ ๋๋ ๊ธฐ๋ฏธ๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋ค์ ์ ์์ ๊นจ์ด๋ ์์ ์ ๊ณ์๋ ์๋ฌด๋ ์์๋ค. ์์ค์์ ์ค์๊ธฐ ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ค๋ ค์ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ชฝ์ผ๋ก ์์ ์ ํฅํ๋ค. ๊ฐ์ ๋ฆฌ ๋๋จธ๋ก ํ๋ฆฟํ๊ฒ ๊ท์ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ฆผ์๊ฐ ๋ณด์๋ค. ๋งค๋ฒ ๊ฒ์ฌ๋ฅผ ๋ง์น๊ณ ๋๋ฉด ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ๊นจ์ด๋๊ธธ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆฐ ์ ์ด ์์๋ ๊ทธ์๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ฐ๋ฐ ์ด๋ฒ์ ์ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฑธ๊น? ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ํผ๊ณคํ ๋ชธ์ ์ด๋์ด ์นจ๋์์ ์ผ์ผ์ผ ์ธ์ฐ๊ณ ์ฐฉํ ๊ณ ์์ด ๋ง๋ฅ ๋จ์๊ฐ ๋์ค๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ ธ๋ค. ๋ช ๋ถ ๋ค, ์์ค์์ ๋ฌผ์๋ฆฌ๊ฐ ๋ฉ์ถ๊ณ ๋จ์๊ฐ ์ค์ ํ์๋ฅผ ๋๋ฅธ ์ฑ ๊ฑธ์ด ๋์๋ค. ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋์์ ๋จ์ด์ง ๋ฌผ๋ฐฉ์ธ์ด ๊ทธ์ ๋์ ์ด๊นจ๋ก๋ถํฐ ์๊ณจ ์ธ์ ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ํ๊ณ ํ๋ฌ๋ด๋ฆฌ๋ค๊ฐ, ๊ฐ์ด๊ณจ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ ๋ถ๋๋ฝ๊ณ ๋ ๋จ๋จํด ๋ณด์ด๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ณต๊ทผ ์๋ก ๋ฏธ๋๋ฌ์ก๋ค. ์น๋ช ์ ์ผ ๋งํผ ์ ํน์ ์ด๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์กฐ๊ฐ์ฒ๋ผ ์๋ฆ๋ค์ด ์ผ๊ตด์ ์นผ๋์ ์ฐ์์ผ ํ ๋งํผ ๋ ์นด๋ก์ ๊ณ ๋๋ ทํ ์ค๊ด์์ ํนํ๋ ๋งค๋ ฅ์ ์ธ ๋ถ๋ถ์ ์ฐจ๊ฐ์ฐ๋ฉด์๋ ๋ฒ์ ํ๊ธฐ ์ด๋ ค์ด ๋ถ์๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ด๋ฟ๋ ๊ธด ๋๋งค์๋๋ฐ ๊ทธ์ฝํ๊ณ ๊น์๋ค. ํ ์ก์ ๋ ์์ด ์์๊ธด ๋จ์๋ค. ๋ฌธ์ ๋ผ๋ฉด ์จ๋ชธ์์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๊ธฐ๋ฅผ ๋ฟ์ด๋ธ๋ค๋ ๊ฒ, ๊ทธ๋ก ์ธํด ์๋ฌด๋ ๋ค๊ฐ๊ฐ๊ธฐ ์ฌ์ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์๋๋ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ๊นจ์ด์๋ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์ธ๋ํ๊ฒ ํ๊ธ ๋ณด๋๋ ๊ทธ๊ฐ ์ ์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ด์ ์ค์ง ๋ง.โ โ์ค์ง ๋ง๋ผ๋ ๊ทธ๊ฒ ๋ฌด์จ ๋ป์ด์ง?โ ์์ํ ์์ ๋ฅผ ํฅํด ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๋ฌธ์ ํ๋๋ฅผ ๊ฑด๋ค์คฌ๋ค. โ์ด ๊ณ์ฝ, ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ํด์งํด์ผ๊ฒ ์ด.โ ์ ์ธ ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ๋ณด๋ ๊ทธ์ ์ผ ์ ์ ์ด ๋ฒ์ฉ ๋ค์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋์ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๋ ค๋ ๊ฒ์ด๋ค. ์ค๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ณ์ ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋ ๋์ง ์์ ๊ฒ์ ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฐ ์์ฌ์์๊ฐ ์๋๋ผ ๊ด๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋๋ด๊ธฐ ์ํด์์๋ค๋. ๊ทธ์ ํจ๊ป ํ์ง ์ด์ ์ค ๋ ์ด ๋์๋ค. ์ธ์ ๊ฐ ์ด๋ฐ ๋ ์ด ์ฌ ๊ฑฐ๋ผ ์์์ ํ์ง๋ง ์ด๋ฐ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ๊ฐ ์ฌ ์ค์ ์๊ฐ์ง ๋ชปํ๋ค. ์๋ฌด๋ฐ ์ด์ ๋ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ค๊ณ ๋ณ๋ค๋ฅธ ๋ณ๋ช ์ด๋ ํด์๋ ์์ด ํ๋ง๋ ํต๋ณด๋ก ๋๋ฌ๋ค. ์ฌ์ฅ์ด ์ฐ๋ฅด๋ฏ์ด ์ํ์ ธ ์ค๋ ๋๋์ ๊ฐ๊น์ค๋ก ๋๋ฅด๋ฉฐ ์์ ๋ ์ฒ์ฒํ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค์ด ์ท์ ์ ๊ณ ์๋ ์ด์นํ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. โ๋ฐ๋ ๋ง ๋ ์์ผ๋ฉด ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋๋์. ์กฐ๊ธ๋ง ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ค๋ฆด ์ ์์๋์?โ ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ํ๋ถ ์ธ์์ด ์์ง ์ผ ๊ฐ์์ด ๋จ์๋ค๊ณ ์์ฌ๊ฐ ๋งํ์๋ค. ์ถ์ด ๋๋๊ธฐ ์ ์ ๊ทธ์ ๊ณ์ ์กฐ๊ธ ๋ ์ค๋ ๋จ๊ณ ์ถ์๋ ์์ ์๋ค. ์ด์นํ๋ ๋ฌต๋ฌตํ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ธ๋ํ ๋๋น์ ์กฐ๊ธ๋ ์์ฌ์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ๋ด๋น์น์ง ์์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ด๋ฏธ ์ง๋ ค๋ฒ๋ฆฐ ์ฅ๋๊ฐ์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ณด๋ฏ์ด ๊ทธ๋ ๋ฅผ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์นจ๋ฌต์์ ์์ ๋ ์๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์ด๋ ์์น์ ์๋์ง ์ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ค ๋ ์ด๋ ์๊ฐ์ด ํ๋ ์ง๋ง ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ๊ทธ์ ๋ง์์ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ฒ ๋ฐ์ธ ์ ์์๋ค. ์ด์ ์ด ๊ฟ๋ ๊ทธ๋ง ๊นฐ ๋๊ฐ ๋ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ๋ค. ๊ณ์ฝ์๋ฅผ ์์ ๋ค๊ณ ๊ทธ๋ ๋ ์ผ๋ถ๋ฌ ์ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ๋ฅผ ์ด์ง ๋น๊ฒจ ๋ฐ๋ฏํ๊ณ ์์ ๋ฏธ์๋ฅผ ์ง์๋ค. โ๊ทธ๋ ๊ฒ ๋ ธ๋ ค๋ณด์ง ๋ง์ธ์. ์ฅ๋์ด์์.โ ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ ๊ณง๋ฐ๋ก ๋ง์ ์ด์๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์์ด์. ์ด์ ๊ณ์ฝ์ด ๋ฏธ๋ฆฌ ๋๋ฌ์ผ๋ ๊ธฐ๋ถ์ด ๋๋ฌด ์ข์๋ฐ์?โ ์ ์ธ ๋ฅผ ์ ๋ฆฌํ๋ ์ด์นํ์ ์์ด ์ฐ๋ ๋ฉ์ท๋ค. ๊ทธ๊ฐ ๊ณ ๊ฐ๋ฅผ ๋ค๊ณ ์์ ๋ฅผ ์๋์๋ก ํ์ด๋ดค๋ค. ๊ทธ๋ ์ ์ผ๊ตด์ ์ํ๊น์ด ๊ธฐ์์ด ์ ํ ๋ณด์ด์ง ์์๊ณ ๋ง์น ์ด์ ์์ ๋ผ๋ ๋ฏ ์ฝ๊ฐ์ ํฅ๋ถ์ด ๊น๋ฆฐ ๊ฒ ๊ฐ์๋ค. ๊ทธ์ ์ง์ ๋์น์ด ๊ตฌ๊ฒจ์ก๋ค. โ์ง์ ๋ ๋๊ณ ์ถ์๋ค๊ณ ?โ | ์์ค์ ์ธ๊ณ | 320 | https://facebook.com/61557428073507 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827619 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774111 | 810 | 805737138155838 | 1 | 9.7488845760358E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 203756752829147 | 0 | VooltPro Certified | 120209457875770287 | fb.me | Book Now | NONE | carousel | ๐ Starting at $25: Book Now | Locally Owned | http://fb.me/ | 1715967514 | 2.0375675282915E+14 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202196_792501966143265_468823839053588737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQv4TWSuLXMQ7kNvgHf_OvJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWs7imq9uuruQhEuTOVnjmI-S5m8b21rILZuZmiUrJQQ&oe=664F2FB2 | person_profile | 0 | VooltPro Certified | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698894_991303449197755_8976571236921603693_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0ztP7V58CWkQ7kNvgF6YE-X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBtH0HY7bSXQVIZDIg4_rv1feq_Q54-8jaG1D7fIVhfwg&oe=664F00CC | 0 | 3 | Locally Owned | VooltPro Certified | 26 | https://facebook.com/vooltpro | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827792 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774111 | 810 | 1122610258958533 | 1 | 1.6162491225306E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921023127 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070765 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351576_806823934732059_3076254121375236965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PFSeGlOjijQQ7kNvgEj6PLH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW1SB_R5M7SCclBya1OAzkRz4NipIlyTN9nTCbyS3ZWg&oe=664F0B91 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442476351_1595711114558069_5338534284846701638_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3UYPNzV9DrgQ7kNvgEWWYWv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAyg_HSCzYEhVu00jUcrOOCVYPP83y_fdZ4WWqtwOaWIw&oe=664F2D48 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827833 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774111 | 810 | 439697555449990 | 13 | 4.8713489697518E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 755554074493872 | 0 | Generac | 6622111928906 | www.generac.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | Generac Standby Generators | {{product.description}} | https://www.generac.com/home-standby-generators/campaigns/schedule-install/?&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid-social | 1715788131 | 7.5555407449387E+14 | Generac | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441248595_410844515190391_4447253863625717498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X_VrWCtEYq8Q7kNvgHC1LTS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD4hP2mUG_59UhSKvJzab14bPTSH_mpIjAsnyfyExmryg&oe=664F249A | person_profile | 0 | Generac Power Systems, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441283093_2856256784512569_7749185973826298221_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lb6xPy9ZvtAQ7kNvgGKRqi6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfWElh-wkZlofBTuU3Fg-g6V-vlBvsErvCvXSLoROGFQ&oe=664F2CE5 | 0 | 3 | Some call it overplanning. You call it foresight. Be prepared for any outage. Request a free quote today. | Generac | 57382 | https://facebook.com/Generac | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827869 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774111 | 810 | 1595263194590205 | 1 | 9.8512164989327E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110616958583602 | 0 | Deep Calls to Deep: Riches from our Jewish Roots | 6570460799192 | NONE | image | 1716069426 | 1.106169585836E+14 | Deep Calls to Deep: Riches from our Jewish Roots | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473919_7665371640207917_5687097020723343334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tQvYoj3pWUQQ7kNvgGkKiKu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAAJmlLlhGAh3CQoQSrp0G7FreUU9ypzTc3956xB4y-3Q&oe=664F2D7A | person_profile | 0 | Deep Calls to Deep: Riches fro | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442480753_2568138166700756_5189247249595780679_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YMiktvSNrsoQ7kNvgEg5BtJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAC4ajhyT6IeGG9fMGtFQhoy-F-Dcjl7-dvtuKbHjJr2g&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Shabbat Shalom, everyone!<br /> <br /> โShabbat Shalomโ is Hebrew for โSabbath Peace.โ <br /> <br /> However, this Hebrew word for "peace" has a deeper layer of meaning ~ "wholeness" as in "wholeness of soul."<br /> <br /> So, as the Jewish people wish each other "Sabbath Peace" on this day, they are actually blessing one another ~<br /> <br /> "May you have the wholeness of soul that comes from Sabbath rest."<br /> <br /> This is a rest like no other ~ rest in the very presence of God.<br /> <br /> โI will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.โ (Jeremiah 31:25) <br /> <br /> Egypt told the Jewish people the exact opposite ~ They deserved no rest at all, because they were no more than slaves. As slaves, they would have worked 7 days a week, sun-up to sun-down. They were no more valuable than the work they performed.<br /> <br /> And all the gods and goddesses of ancient times were taskmasters as well, with no rest or wholeness found in following them. <br /> <br /> God's Sabbath command freed His people from this false narrative ~ this idea that the human soul is of no value.<br /> <br /> Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the leading Jewish theologians of the 20th century, saidโฆ.<br /> <br /> โThe Sabbath is the presence of God in the world, open to the soul of man.โ<br /> <br /> No wonder they refer to the Sabbath as โQueen Sabbathโ and eagerly await the Sabbath day all week.<br /> <br /> And then Jesus, their Messiah, invited them.....<br /> <br /> "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.<br /> For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30). <br /> <br /> How their hearts must have leapt within them!<br /> <br /> Jesus talked about rest the same way their God did. <br /> <br /> He is a God who longs to delight His people with His goodness, and show us the truth of who we are. <br /> <br /> Sabbath rest is made for man ~ sacred time that sets us free, <br /> because it re-orients us toward God ~ away from this world, with its harsh messages, messages of how we need to look and perform....messages that fragment the soul. <br /> <br /> In His Presence we become more whole.<br /> <br /> His Presence renews our souls. <br /> <br /> He takes our fragmented hearts<br /> <br /> And breathes new life <br /> <br /> And wholeness<br /> <br /> And vision into us.<br /> <br /> Indeed, Shabbat Shalom! | Deep Calls to Deep: Riches from our Jewish Roots | 3679 | https://facebook.com/100089386954303 | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828199 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774111 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828031 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774112 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828048 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774112 | 810 | 821459966521945 | 1 | 4.122046983603E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105413935068243 | 0 | Georgia Wedding Circle | 6604677660959 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/georgia.wedding.circle | 1716066997 | 1.0541393506824E+14 | Georgia Wedding Circle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436313050_732984248911206_1537071754603533792_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uh_TwCM1WHQQ7kNvgGb7xGL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBz-C4foGGWPMm2181Fd6Hqt7lcitncjGJe8-cuVYl09A&oe=664EFF93 | person_profile | 0 | GeorgiaWeddingCircle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436302337_1152345856133022_4611573825021789899_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IwG9rlyjj5UQ7kNvgGQRAb4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAw9BdmB5ASjUFNsW652_YwSBTsBJ0EvPHCQFwWuvnAtg&oe=664F1246 | 0 | 3 | RSVP today for our next Amazing Networking Event on Tuesday, June 4th at The Oakley on the Lake - @oakleyonthelake !!<br /> ~<br /> We will be meeting & mingling from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at this incredible NEW VENUE in Gainesville, Ga on Lake Lanier and it is gorgeous!!<br /> ~<br /> We will be enjoying some good food & fabulous drinks as always!<br /> ~<br /> It's free to attend!<br /> .<br /> โญ๏ธRSVP to hello@gaweddingcircle.com OR<br /> the link in our Bio on Instagram. <br /> ~<br /> ๐ฅWe will have Amazing vendors to meet and check out their NEW displays AND an incredibly helpful Guest Speaker - Buford Accounting Business!!!<br /> ~<br /> We would love for you to join our networking family! You really can build your business with us! <br /> People who are warm and friendly who actually refer business to each other! You can't beat it!!<br /> .<br /> The venue address is 2475 Penmican Run, Gainesville, Ga 30504.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> #networking #community <br /> #georgiaweddingcircle <br /> #georgiaweddingvenue <br /> #networkingevent #funtimes #businessbuilding #party #fun #smallbusiness #family #business #like #music #food #georgia #love #communityovercompetition #wedding #drinks #friends #weddingphotography #dj #communitystrong #smallbusinessowner #businessowner #businesstips #eventplanners #hallcounty<br /> @georgia.wedding.circle | Georgia Wedding Circle | 670 | https://facebook.com/georgiaweddingcircle | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828178 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/20/25, 3:56 PM | 1716079231 | 1747774579 | 810 | 356568930758985 | 1 | 1.3840876389669E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 287878777734789 | 0 | Dish perfection | 6604119760017 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Dish perfection | https://www.facebook.com/287878777734789 | 1716066155 | 2.8787877773479E+14 | Dish perfection | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438260451_1107123820588294_1564705823885709972_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VbD-IS7V5lUQ7kNvgEER5gb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYABJell6Aa-BIb2DqVlEIV9VZH79Ew3P0fJ8kl6wcJsjA&oe=664F0B44 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Warm your family's heart with every meal. Like our page for weekly recipe love โค๏ธ | Dish perfection | 3059 | https://facebook.com/61557957806679 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828185 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774112 | 810 | 2210513232646435 | 2 | 1.2032200311304E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103653135338679 | 0 | Batteryevo | 120208529470320643 | batteryevo.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Get a Whopping 60% Off | get free shipping now! | https://batteryevo.com/batteryevo-deals/ | 1716068867 | 1.0365313533868E+14 | Batteryevo | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443942697_392714613228901_8496755738473706659_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1MkimFeFWG8Q7kNvgGUEI17&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUBWU9ZXAKYR1tz9F-MJ0LrZ0AyxApC3jojo1dmgElvw&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | BatteryEVO | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712179_413790391538366_994096186853962727_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r2bSktijLzwQ7kNvgFVyu7g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCi0tKF1a5daa1p_-KJgVj0rLnUj_P-3btHb9ZOps5uew&oe=664F28E9 | 0 | 3 | The best price per kwh battery is now priced even better. Limited time offer for the 48V Rhino lithium battery ends soon. | Batteryevo | 1277 | https://facebook.com/Batteryevousa | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828201 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774112 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828217 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774112 | 810 | 1382570502459688 | 1 | 4.3550333909538E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 391133644298136 | 0 | Revco Solar | 6593166795093 | Call now | NONE | image | Revco Solar | 1716005339 | 3.9113364429814E+14 | Revco Solar | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138001_830468465669044_1879546450643879060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Bz64vf7Kq_oQ7kNvgFMPenz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAxE2IWN_0lDxZSn7fPG5yr-uSWNQ0ZA78HFUH-lXajLg&oe=664F16B9 | person_profile | 0 | Revco Solar | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436351450_388843117487349_5336625699732735804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Kd6NKPXifIYQ7kNvgEc_ygi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDgy4-M8BlzvuVL-R7FKvq5aZ64CniBowCQ566XEpmjTg&oe=664F26F2 | 0 | 3 | Interested in a Pool Solar Heating System? We're offering 1 FREE panel with a purchase of 300 square feet! Don't wait, this offer ends June 30, 2024! Call us at Revco Solar for more information! | Revco Solar | 2504 | https://facebook.com/RevcoSolarInc | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828309 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774113 | 810 | 490403566658410 | 1 | 9.7582887404812E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 286794204696974 | 0 | Kwb lifestyle | 120209923360410594 | kwblifestyle.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Probero Extreme Fishing Reel: Ultimate Gear for Sea and Raft Anglers | Upgrade your angling gear with the versatile Probero Extreme Fishing Reel. Perfect for all sea and raft fishing adventures. | https://bit.ly/3T8KP8o | 1715558779 | 2.8679420469697E+14 | Kwb lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441148600_794759539038287_1756408518154556053_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CrtWop4wRtgQ7kNvgGaHMDr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTOjQcRtLZz0l8g3XVxi3kT-GHEmw4l9tEpNSrNpAKyQ&oe=664F059F | person_profile | 0 | KWB-Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441157306_7830589103630066_6860063361268139729_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-ZY7TX7QZkQQ7kNvgHIjH8n&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB3COzwUCOgoj2Jn7fEwnVZsXIdDybVlw9ISRKnFkkc2A&oe=664F2EA1 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฃ Get ready for the ultimate fishing experience with the Proberos Extreme Fishing Reel! ๐ฃ<br /> <br /> ๐น Experience unparalleled performance with its streamlined shape design and ultra-light, high-strength nylon=60% glass fiber body.<br /> ๐น Built to last with main gear and pinion made of brass, ensuring durability and reliability.<br /> ๐น Enjoy smooth operation and precise control with the 12-speed magnetic brake system.<br /> ๐น Say goodbye to backlashes with the backlash-free stop structure featuring a stainless steel single bearing.<br /> ๐น Feel the power with a maximum locking force of 10KG, giving you the confidence to reel in big catches.<br /> Upgrade your fishing game today with the Proberos Extreme Fishing Reel! ๐๐ #Fishing #Proberos #ExtremeFishingReel | Kwb lifestyle | 1097 | https://facebook.com/kwblifestlye | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828295 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/9/25, 11:08 AM | 1716079233 | 1746806894 | 810 | 1155077962166795 | 1 | 1.1163289729302E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 168522116544733 | 0 | Corgs | 6613667711321 | CORGSCON 2024 | INTERESTED | NONE | event | CORGSCON 2024 | CORGSCON 2024 Columbus Ohio's First Gaming Convention! Established 2008. Saturday June 1st. 10am to 6pm. Online Tickets: https://ticketscandy.com/e/corgscon-2024-3327 - $45 VIC (Very Important Corgian) Package. This Package includes: *Early Bird Admission @ 9am *CORGSCON 2024 T-Shirt *Exclusive VIC Lounge *10 raffle tickets for VIC only Raffle Items (To Be Announced soon) *Collectible 2024 Lanyard Badge *CORGSCON 2024 Tote Bag *CORGSCON Silicone Wristband *CORGSCON Stickers *CORGSCON Magnet *And more is possible *See more info on our website at https://www.corgscon.com/ -$15 General Admission At Door Tickets - $15 Cash or $17 Card. (10 and under are free with paying adult). This is our 16th annual video game convention. Games, Raffles, Special Guests, Exhibitors, Arcade Games, Contests, Cosplay, Tournaments, and more. Come and have a great time! Meet some childhood icons! Support our vendors and buy some classic video games to re-live your youth or buy some modern games. We have it all! If you like to be a vendor, then contact us at corgscon@outlook.com This a show for the whole family! Come and enjoy the fun! | https://www.facebook.com/events/1832031530599854/ | 1716065649 | 1.6852211654473E+14 | Corgs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426399936_356906303633518_8144588591213717731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nMOL-vLkZkkQ7kNvgFAPwOv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5ym9SpXTsNXDdLqzsC9rJ3yc1DK_tMBZB1xngxBrbRA&oe=664F279D | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฎCORGSCON 2024๐ฎ<br /> Columbus Ohio's First Video Game Convention! Established 2008.<br /> When? Saturday June 1st 2024 from 10am to 6pm<br /> Where? Ohio Expo Center Kasich Hall<br /> <br /> VIC Package Sales will end on May 31st at 11:59pm or until supplies last! Each VIC ticket comes with a t-shirt (among other merch), but sizes are limited, so get your ticket before they are gone!<br /> <br /> General Admission Sales will end on June 1st at 10am!<br /> <br /> 5% of all ticket sales will go towards benefiting Nationwide Children's Hospital Heart Center! So, grab your ticket to this amazing video game convention filled with nostalgia and fun in support of an amazing cause!<br /> <br /> Interested in being a vendor? Email corgscon@outlook.com | Corgs | 1990 | https://facebook.com/corgscon | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828312 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774113 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828313 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774113 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828322 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774113 | 810 | 1468310400746109 | 2 | 1.4560579253166E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1345987302199939 | 0 | Vital Apparel | 120209161110530281 | vtlapparel.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | 10,000+ Happy Mental health Customers! | 30 Day Risk Free! | https://vtlapparel.com/discount/PUMP24?utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpump-covers | 1715990637 | 1.3459873021999E+15 | Vital Apparel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503346_1150647389688658_6420292389407712296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hd_-mpw45YMQ7kNvgFQ29BN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5FKa1tBDy0zWkVnLFIwX4VHVA4g4Fpa_HIPqmcX6wKA&oe=664F0EA5 | person_profile | 0 | Vital Apparel โข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331471_474344318368391_8079199664707967597_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDwMBmzY_F8Q7kNvgFGuel9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2Xs3sacUMDzB81sk7EsyRTjv883bz2dIER-jXgsc9BA&oe=664F0568 | 0 | 3 | The mental health brand is introducing fresh designs just in time for Mental Health Month! New designs crafted on our famous premium oversized heavyweight t-shirt! % of each order goes on to further mental health research! | Vital Apparel | 6334 | https://facebook.com/VitalApparelMN | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828358 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/17/24, 10:13 PM | 1716079234 | 1723950820 | 810 | 452759001034499 | 1 | 3.4318643004384E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555317450051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040551 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441218965_469388872323478_6870268448652053952_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oPvLVym-SHUQ7kNvgEeG-U1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCk1eog6vw-nMZT0hooGG_pzYQvAQ6RkLLXfc2U8O-Uzw&oe=664F0DF5 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441175445_1406694943378005_6139555143572366931_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JHqDRlVKh9IQ7kNvgHn3vIC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBOLUwt2KSD7u-h1jtnygdKn8ZamUwPrZ7RXDNbXlcZ8g&oe=664F105A | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828362 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774113 | 810 | 978858030485855 | 2 | 9.6076464578264E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 185689791286359 | 0 | The Epic Savings | 6597202625148 | theepicsavings.com | Get Offer | NONE | dco | YOU SAVE $780 + 2 FREE E-BOOKS | Rate: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5) | https://theepicsavings.com/sugar-defender/ | 1716065237 | 1.8568979128636E+14 | The Epic Savings | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441498620_490585473312506_2958057464063699261_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ulfU6zzODXQQ7kNvgEseVuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMKOgDLgHK_xVhcgN5a37qyv_l7K4OfpeSMc-rWIOmjA&oe=664F0C17 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441339915_1361531514501178_2204660779949148817_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CA24M0QBl0YQ7kNvgGG4eb0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAjcn4yYnXaHnzJoeqrZvcQbt7C_wTIIjjE0kDZqOgX6Q&oe=664F004A | 0 | 3 | Do you want to finally gain control over your blood sugar and weight? Sugar Defender offers amazing support for those in their 30s to 70s. Using pure plant ingredients and natural minerals, our formula is gentle yet powerful. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, thousands enjoy Sugar Defender daily with no complaints. Experience less hunger, more energy, and better blood sugar readings. Try Sugar Defender today! | The Epic Savings | 3 | https://facebook.com/theepicsavings | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828395 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774113 | 810 | 959788465626731 | 1 | 1.8894787648116E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 667774033302808 | 0 | Generation Tux | 6619272502401 | generationtux.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | Get 20% off with your free consultation. | {{product.description}} | https://generationtux.com/events/alexandras-boutique | 1716065077 | 6.6777403330281E+14 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442493203_1214496239925901_4934940903850975144_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lPMGmFUd94gQ7kNvgFn1Hd7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDW8DBT5C0Fq0fHRx4zLOW2kgzH5S0xLYo7UCvJzRsUFw&oe=664F30EC | person_profile | 0 | Generation Tux | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415661_458865929884354_4844799557684517172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5YUnC0lJpyQQ7kNvgEt4h1Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDRXEvzWmyNp3J4mJUlL9T7ISJV0SXj7MgAtJzOtxcHJQ&oe=664F3057 | 0 | 3 | Meet & Style with Generation Tux at Alexandra's Boutique. Plan your perfect wedding look with expert styling services. Book your free consultation and get 20% off. | Generation Tux | 36523 | https://facebook.com/generationtux | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828401 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774113 | 810 | 788351729924839 | 1 | 1.5660360708653E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 865200613532374 | 0 | Fence Dynamics | 120210136545870717 | NONE | multi_images | 1716023215 | 8.6520061353237E+14 | Fence Dynamics | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444151777_346158705239415_9204080620261916488_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-9G59N2jxhYQ7kNvgGqHLD5&_nc_oc=AdgwzojqKWfUCkgBQhVwdO_mVtPiAiS2zrgU3J_LLV6ovGmb0QGc56GoO24IkWP_m98&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbZ0j4wWHDwjCZY2K9ds3QKNi1JstOdjJSh_EK-uy_og&oe=664F2A12 | person_profile | 0 | Fence Dynamics | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137485_2202642830077507_6949435504113883862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b5L6cz7IzMAQ7kNvgF9vaqd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA2a8cPHTtWabIM-xirvH2-CkXUG-HRl35QkRg3GqKKIA&oe=664F34A0 | 0 | 3 | The Privacy Fence Package!<br /> Free Gate. Free Permit. Free Delivery.<br /> It includes of all the necessary materials to install an average* vinyl privacy fence with professional installation by experts.<br /> *(visit our website for more details.)<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffencedynamics.com%2Fthe-privacy-fence-package%2F&h=AT0tulhwvCtt6gqs8q6h-r2tXmQfQ5OKkzU5XBrIufqe72KZtOjfAOqKT7PResP1_ZGxlBHo6R8G16FbKzt5EDGHQJjH6UlJAfp-JwxQb4dTIsLhmizwpYnRmS2nKp9bpMBihWgRo9hnjQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://fencedynamics.com/the-privacy-fence-package/</a><br /> Call Fence Dynamics today at 941-697-4448. | Fence Dynamics | 2212 | https://facebook.com/FenceDynamics | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828471 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774113 | 810 | 1081280169640912 | 1 | 7.5805571637526E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 102468641696114 | 0 | James WHeelz | 120210863352180432 | Buy now | NONE | image | Jeep Hardtop, Jeep Hardtop lifting Strap,Jeep Hardtop Storage,Jeep Hardtop removal | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/459370943289430/ | 1716064833 | 1.0246864169611E+14 | James WHeelz | regular_page | 1 | James WHeelz | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950632_986863659685148_8989689521421706879_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hKuiGtBV0MMQ7kNvgHQnquP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCFNLuXSsPDeUgJwetgQgx_kJk5DR5q6lVoMmM2tfz6fg&oe=664F11BB | 1 | 3 | Jeep Hardtop, Jeep Hardtop lifting Strap,Jeep Hardtop Storage,Jeep Hardtop removal - $175.00<br /> <br /> This is the simplest most practical lifting and storage method for your Jeep hard top. Now! It only takes one person to safely remove your hardtop and store it. <br /> <br /> See and Watch this Strap in action! <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdPZ3ScN4Ojw&h=AT0oNbYlHjw1c72SplkrdzKSAM25VQjMbVufMBQLlAUY51F_eltBCF7LEP48pX6Szng0ItWwUpa3FXVFr4Ht-d1jyK1RPN6BT0UrkLhd8EsgM445y78xujYf26LbDIf5Pl019_Xxe1zy8w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPZ3ScN4Ojw</a><br /> <br /> Cross posted on e bay. <br /> <br /> (THE JEEP HOIST/LIFT IS NOT INCLUDED) ( YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THIS SEPARATELY)<br /> <br /> 9 FEET OR HIGHER GARAGE CEILING IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TO LIFT.<br /> <br /> Jeep Wrangler 4 door Hardtop Lifting Strap. Mounting Bar, Mounting Screws. (THE POWER HOIST IS NOT INCLUDED)<br /> <br /> I would be more than happy to recommend the brand of Hoists I Personally Use. (THE POWER HOIST IS NOT INCLUDED)<br /> <br /> I have installed over 400 of these units over the last 3 years. I install these locally for clients of dealerships..<br /> <br /> The strap is custom and made to order. 1 3/4 wide.. 12 feet 6 inches long. It is a custom poly fiber blend with a breaking force of 2,600 pounds. The Jeep Wrangle Hard Top Weight is about 160 pounds. <br /> <br /> The Metal D Ring is also custom made and laser welded. It has a breaking force of 600 pounds. <br /> <br /> I have been in the commercial seat belt business for over 25 years. I have 20 years of Commercial sewing experience.<br /> <br /> Each strap is made by me in the UNITED STATES and is guaranteed to be Bullet proof. Each strap is made to order and takes about 3 hours of time to complete. <br /> <br /> The thread used is 60 pound fire wire. <br /> <br /> The dealers use my strap for a reason. If you have any questions. Please feel free to ask....<br /> <br /> There is a 2 year warranty on the strap for manufacturing defects. If the strap is found to be defective one will be replaced for free.. <br /> <br /> Hoist Installation Is Available for $225 up to 25 miles.<br /> <br /> I can travel up to 25 miles from Orland Park, IL 60462 ($225)<br /> <br /> I can travel up to 50 miles max from Orland Park, IL 60462 ($275)<br /> <br /> I'm James feel free to inquire.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | James WHeelz | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100008077508686 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827487 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774114 | 810 | 1136151577432254 | 1 | 1.1401493605247E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570884180341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009281 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436379207_1630787684338821_4969734900193098619_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YfXpx5W9g_oQ7kNvgGvy7eX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB0poIbk8Gb4EyT9nGWVc2F6I4dNl7kpsHRUQNmR2PY8A&oe=664F1DD8 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436261422_7895346933885571_6780485568973446356_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XM4EzaTzzywQ7kNvgFK2eH_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDA7rEcp_w7LDRqYWN2U6diWBSx34rF8JnYwxwpmlHxRg&oe=664F151D | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827734 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774114 | 810 | 759297572670108 | 1 | 1.1173895928497E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419172110718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=190605 | 1715311165 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410974_970265477676440_5212865829625916372_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MPh2kRqsgYQ7kNvgGuxQrY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDCdJSTwzaLg3puSfpEtQYLYRPre-fCSY07uKw68LtKMg&oe=664F19EF | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953403_811552103735484_4263082120200675581_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zh2W_qgzSUYQ7kNvgFJzXcJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD3lWYC11Mh1TdVk5XFUxqoCmugN9jaL2nXTciyn3u7wQ&oe=664F074A | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827746 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774114 | 810 | 1147669146655977 | 1 | 7.7892091744754E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419175320718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=190605 | 1715311168 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440937872_967873788372225_7104500606006930053_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sYuBRUa-r6EQ7kNvgHlwoix&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhwOLw-qenKnRoB9JgUOqOYYuT9oVAgHSlOni2seIcFw&oe=664F0A64 | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943477_293077300525069_6931862442503063990_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cs3xPzh0QlIQ7kNvgFA9Qmc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC_PeeCkwI82iYe2reNUPQePIDpqM-o5n-usJGM3tB-ag&oe=664F1CF0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828275 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/5/25, 6:18 PM | 1716079232 | 1749165524 | 810 | 369597299445352 | 1 | 1.1208932424779E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102034845143680 | 0 | Honker Co. | 120211956202350242 | honkerco.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://honkerco.com/ | 1716065797 | 1.0203484514368E+14 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444920366_1498043261065956_2370256793804461734_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aAzu7Ug1x0cQ7kNvgGdtryD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS8v_yS4Ot0E5DLW6fOR97Qh2HGpvQhhRnNEL5WPqwgQ&oe=664F07FA | person_profile | 0 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436586296_460186399848614_5310544886799786441_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GVDP6afyeOMQ7kNvgEHu1aG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC85CCH6c4lHtmGhmLBpgFavFk9KRDuE53Zp_pimjlmkA&oe=664F3110 | 0 | 3 | ๐ข UP TO 50% OFF<br /> โ๏ธ FREE SHIPPING OVER $100<br /> โฐ LIMITED TIME OFFER | Honker Co. | 8415 | https://facebook.com/100065140416752 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828052 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774114 | 810 | 312491165230230 | 1 | 8.3282786505347E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104477531917350 | 0 | Crossan Skincare | 120207974830910609 | www.crossanskincare.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://www.crossanskincare.com/microneedling | 1716067271 | 1.0447753191735E+14 | Crossan Skincare | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442419299_454153463686684_7256964437113923946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bEuLznaCRzEQ7kNvgF3Y3ad&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYASuWaAvF7iDI1YqlmEX56nZkIEsIo4n7b3uFDla4W26w&oe=664F08F7 | person_profile | 0 | Elaine Crossan - licensed Esthetics Educator | Massage therapist | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318293_2105638796483147_5229826352344712069_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZjDVpM4HooQ7kNvgFvNfSb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBTL1fh5FQeDhKtpDY6CSEP5j-SgCAm6Xz-9SHu_RTZqQ&oe=664F174F | 0 | 3 | ๐จCalling all Estheticians, cosmetologists, RNs, Skincare professionals, or students studying any of the above.<br /> ONLINE MICRONEEDLING + NANO INFUSION THERAPY CLASS -<br /> You receive a pro kit<br /> <br /> ๐ JUNE 9th<br /> ๐ JULY 14th<br /> ๐Time: 11 am - 4 pm EST Zone (Check your state time)<br /> <br /> ๐ปZOOM<br /> ๐$495โ includes pen, pro kit, and FREE SHIPPINGโ โ โ โ โ <br /> โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> CLASS DETAILSโ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> โ Live interactive webinar class<br /> โ Class will be hosted by Elaine, licensed esthetics instructor/esthetician/massage therapist<br /> โ Our classes are kept to a limited number to accommodate the BEST hands-on learning experience for YOU<br /> โ You will receive your own Crossan Skincare EXCLUSIVE Microneedling device and all the necessary supplies needed for this treatment.<br /> โ Your pro kit has the potential to make you over $1,750 in SALES. ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> UNBEATABLE OFFER<br /> <br /> ๐ Start growing your business today.<br /> โ Do you want to increase your clientele?<br /> โ Do you want to offer more services?<br /> โ Do you want advanced education?<br /> โ Do you want INSTANT RESULTS for your clients?<br /> โDo you want to increase your income and PROFIT<br /> โ Do you want to give your clients what they WANT?โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> โ If you answered YES to any of the questions then, itโs TIMES GUYS, to master your inner skills.<br /> <br /> Say goodbye ๐ to expensive Botox & fillers & say hello to Microneedling.<br /> Itโs the ROCKSTAR ๐คthat delivers results ๐คฉโ โ โ <br /> โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <br /> ๐ Link in the bio to book your class<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crossanskincare.com%2F&h=AT1uW5HT2Hxvh4c2TZMRUvjD3yyTRIPONou3M233YWe1Q6AvtTh0ITYe0s6EUuLPpeqE8xA56DHLaqXrPF217hah57orhEpOLJQHSvSXq6iheGNeMIKTROqSZqhSZzE9Zi-rn5Ob95hzuw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.crossanskincare.com</a>โ <br /> <br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> #crossanskincare #microneedlingtreatment #microneedling #microneedlingfacial #estheticsschool #esthetician #skincareeducation #collageninductiontherapy #collagen #estheticianstudent #acnescars #estheticianmentor #skincaretips #estheticiansecrets #estie #skincarepro #acneskin #matureskin #dryskin #dehydratedskin #pigmentation #acnescars #dryskin #skincarepro #wecare #skincareprofessional | Crossan Skincare | 345 | https://facebook.com/crossanskin | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827830 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774114 | 810 | 968600981327183 | 1 | 9.6144945869728E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 755554074493872 | 0 | Generac | 6622114965106 | generac.com/powermove | Get quote | NONE | image | Schedule A Consultation | Protect your home and family with a whole house, automatic generator. | https://www.generac.com/home-standby-generators/campaigns/schedule-install/?&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid-social | 1715788146 | 7.5555407449387E+14 | Generac | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436467828_818640126273238_8622145676951789716_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TrxIWZVnrS4Q7kNvgE9qZhZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBObQ3_vMxJMFqj9z3Xsg3M-nFLaXqwl8jYFlGzEAg1Qw&oe=664F0122 | person_profile | 0 | Generac Power Systems, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441505608_450398714290538_8499275313703664044_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wQ6mT2vhGQwQ7kNvgGintn1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_GGkWk_KUoP30RLnIJzmh2g6m3E3g9IPsJqO1gFiKnA&oe=664F216B | 0 | 3 | Get your home protected from power outages today! Plan for the unexpected and keep everything that matters to you protected. Get started by scheduling a free quote today! | Generac | 57382 | https://facebook.com/Generac | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828170 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774114 | 810 | 759021953029566 | 1 | 2.6366011010811E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 130463296980356 | 0 | Monarch Montessori Of Denver | 6614287812519 | NONE | multi_images | 1716066264 | 1.3046329698036E+14 | Monarch Montessori Of Denver | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442497926_1200359737795649_4766965827716300638_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lQloLhOcL-wQ7kNvgG6bthq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDCEPEDomsEGR8PGVfT9TOLzmR2xTt8c1o8lktqTcI7A&oe=664F0B26 | person_profile | 0 | Monarch Montessori of Denver | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479950_1218939152425561_541905634738334607_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J-xa8zurQZ8Q7kNvgFWewdI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD7ujYGXV4B_bVlUmlbws4TqMdZYiufdj4xWQbymzpjXg&oe=664F30AD | 0 | 3 | Meet Jerod Sarlo! Mr. Jarod is our beloved music teacher who joined Monarch in 2017. Although he primarily teaches elementary, his classroom location is across from the cute, little toddlers and they love him as much as the big kids! Jerod is also an active member of Monarchโs Parent/Teacher Organization. He appreciates the choice and freedom Montessori offers students. In his free time, Jerod likes music, cooking, anime and swimming. | Monarch Montessori Of Denver | 1150 | https://facebook.com/MonarchMontessoriOfDenver | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828135 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/31/25, 7:05 AM | 1716079230 | 1748693137 | 810 | 431846242913409 | 1 | 3.5454483091553E+14 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 194296010444497 | 0 | cuentaspowerfire | 120212810762100405 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/cuentaspowerfire | 1716066375 | 1.942960104445E+14 | cuentaspowerfire | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/430109100_1655810744826823_998101977233824696_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=18fsD4rSVr0Q7kNvgH1yj9i&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYB4LwT35FfNKeCviWu2e_6bTHCO9Wcb255x1ovuKrz_wQ&oe=664F067E | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Venta de Cuentas Free Fire ๐ฅ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441200853_1723446421394660_7547769577087413592_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kai2-zv1crsQ7kNvgEm3VAT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAk2ev-bKNt1O_kDTGGmKgOqNOEUJQNyefTWoCX5Q-gDA&oe=664F0D64 | 0 | 3 | โก๏ธ RAGNAROK STEAMPUNK GAMER ๐พ<br /> HERMOSA VETERANA DISPONIBLE A UN SรPER PRECIO ๐ CON 4 EVOS AL MAX, INCUBADORAS CARAS Y 550 TORSOS EN ROPA VETERANA E INSANA ๐ฅ<br /> <br /> ESCRรBENOS Y LLรVATELA HOY MISMO ๐<br /> <br /> ๐ข รNICO WHATSAPP OFICIAL ๐ข<br /> ๐ฒ +57 301 7830794 ๐ฒ<br /> <br /> Somos los numero 1 del Mercado๐ <br /> Entregas rรกpidas, seguras y 100% CONFIABLES โ โ โ <br /> <br /> Vendemos Cuentas Free Fire ๐ซ<br /> Regiรณn EEUU ๐บ๐ธ<br /> Regiรณn Sudamerica ๐ต๐ช<br /> Regiรณn Norteamerica ๐จ๐ฆ<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ V E T E R A N A S ๐ฅ<br /> - Sakura <br /> - Hip Hop<br /> - Steampunk<br /> - Destructor<br /> - Reyes<br /> - Gamer<br /> - Piratas<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ C H A K A L I T A S๐ฅ<br /> Con EVOS al Mรกximo e incubadoras caras<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ H E R O I C A S ๐ฅ<br /> Antiguas<br /> <br /> ๐ณ Mรฉtodos de Pago ๐ต<br /> ๐ฐ Wรฉstern Uniรณn<br /> ๐ฐ PayPal<br /> ๐ฐ Zelle<br /> ๐ฐ Bizum<br /> ๐ฐ Binance<br /> ๐ฐ Nequi, Bancolombia ๐จ๐ด<br /> ๐ฐ Pesos MXN ๐ฒ๐ฝ<br /> ๐ฐ Pesos ARG ๐ฆ๐ท<br /> <br /> Sรญguenos en Instagram y Tik Tok ๐ฒ<br /> @cuentas_powerfire<br /> @cuentaspowerfire<br /> โก๏ธรnicos Instagram oficiales โก๏ธ<br /> <br /> #freefire #cuentasfreefire #veteranas #sakura #hiphop #destructor #gamer #cuentasakura | cuentaspowerfire | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/cuentaspowerfire | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827994 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774115 | 810 | 1063051825380500 | 1 | 3.8426556461327E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 44130041766 | 0 | Ten One Design | 6570293212052 | tenonedesign.com | Order now | NONE | video | Tired of sharing your Wi-Fi password out loud? Say hello to Wifi Porter! Simply tap or scan for instant access. ๐ถ #NoMorePasswordShouting #WifiPorter | Make life easier for your guests and yourself with Wifi Porter! Say goodbye to Wi-Fi setup headaches. ๐ซ๐โโ๏ธ #EasierWifi #WifiPorter. Wifi Porter is: ๐ฅ Easy to setup ๐ฅEasy to manage ๐ฅ Effortless to Keep your home clutter-free and your Wi-Fi access hassle-free with Wifi Porter! Stylish, seamless, and oh-so-convenient. ๐ซ๐ | http://tenonedesign.com/hospitality.php | 1715982888 | 44130041766 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436347191_2113795128989497_7902346654493744865_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Xl2b7V3lycIQ7kNvgEGaWLu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCZ4NzBTMiYEZ7KRW4ZQJCHPxfFWmBw3TbE45xmfHla8g&oe=664F0599 | person_profile | 0 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442493202_966898101418687_1960564932769548078_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dRsI1MS10XEQ7kNvgEiu5M4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3bCUzUwyUyxVd0vV4bHWu4WMSS9hQbpVoug25ddFE2g&oe=664F1C6F | 0 | 3 | "I absolutely love my Wifi Porter! It's such a game-changer for guests connecting to our Wi-Fi without any hassle. Plus, it looks sleek and matches our home decor perfectly. Highly recommend!" | Ten One Design | 3485 | https://facebook.com/tenonedesign | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827588 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774115 | 810 | 451932700848286 | 6 | 4.0738033541254E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361377040151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052832 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440409155_1515316349363607_3346329943760517642_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G3aPh3FcHDMQ7kNvgGd7UCp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBufV7Y0KXfchFaiv0dfjA7Cmqk_x6eCpxzKEtPCxIRqw&oe=664F225B | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440316855_860122552543032_2599183304567261186_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H-DRcE2Au7oQ7kNvgFfaLng&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBFDSp2z06L3CgmYfo3Fvcr2Radpf0HRy2_iF9FOF1qrA&oe=664F2BDD | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT2Q0qLKp-_xyjVDM0c_gyo4TEmyt7JjAyrA0Yeo-iExgOeK6FhEIA8WKlk9cYyfID-SAvVJa4ewjqxZw8oQQrZMps2YUW1LK6JwYzZvLWq9UI43R3ax8sshE4EgHbmjo6m0mQpqIchQjg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827466 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774115 | 810 | 1634627173778091 | 1 | 1.1448330268311E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104021231725603 | 0 | Discover Weekly | 6588393232165 | sunwarrior.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | ๐ Start Managing Your Unwanted Weight | https://sunwarrior.com/pages/collagen-slim-op2 | 1715806496 | 1.040212317256E+14 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441482276_817325766979729_6703566593181394681_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MJtnr96CJEQ7kNvgFV_k6l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3YL-mgt9hFRYxW5_mDXbIVK73ZCHb6OyIYky0Wpd_mg&oe=664F13E1 | person_profile | 0 | Discover Weekly | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484223_839551334658201_6928963503350377942_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xSjEPTzobN4Q7kNvgGP1-cf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD4xP5Qg540DhHOTK5FG5dDTH9RmEyyezv0aJZfrsIHDg&oe=664F0857 | 0 | 3 | โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โI can recommend Slim Collagen Boost to anyone who wants to achieve an improvement in weight, skin & hair within a few weeks. I'm just thrilled!" ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ Our unique Beauty Building Blend has collagen boosting super ingredients to help you achieve your beauty & weight loss goals! 5 Great Reasons To Try Us! โ โ๏ธ Aids in healthy fat reduction & weight loss ๐ฅ Ignites your metabolism & curbs your cravings ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ People will think you are aging backwards ๐ Very low in carbs & calories ๐โโ๏ธ Alleviates joint pain, stiffness & inflammation! ๐ Sunwarrior customers have noticed changes as early as 2 weeks & astonishing results after 3 months! Try Sunwarriorโs Slim Collagen Boost Risk-Free for 30 Days! | Discover Weekly | 1334 | https://facebook.com/discoverweekly001 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828125 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774116 | 810 | 1022660756102374 | 1 | 4.5836934322997E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 246592721868818 | 0 | Elevace Consulting | 120211330033070548 | elevaceconsulting.com | Learn more | NONE | image | http://www.elevaceconsulting.com/accounting-solutions | 1716066447 | 2.4659272186882E+14 | Elevace Consulting | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442462731_962824338823119_2478199102825804015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_XccJaXCYncQ7kNvgEUUuql&_nc_oc=AdjgHYov10arxabE7ujo3VezSs2WIeFE4HI4nxy8LVc-_mVsz0VuCCK-ypB0sBo8Fk0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHnldBNPg1H_lP-dP-XzPh4rTPo6CgmdjJkWRoJ0vsBw&oe=664F2180 | person_profile | 0 | ElevACE Consulting | Accounting Solutions + Business Coaching | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442446483_1154585412363183_2136122373582661484_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NqlYZ8R2KjcQ7kNvgHBWx13&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiiOtrYwV5dOFvgc1YkXvgSJAglCkIHJhzAAlq1MmIRg&oe=664F3614 | 0 | 3 | ๐ข Attention Business Owners ๐ข<br /> <br /> โจ Reclaim precious time for your business with our done-for-you bookkeeping and sales tax filing services. We are here to lighten your load and provide valuable insights about your financials.<br /> <br /> ๐ Say goodbye to tedious financial tasks and hello to efficiency and peace of mind with the power of our expert team behind you.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ We are currently scheduling to onboard 2 more new monthly bookkeeping clients to start in June. <br /> <br /> ๐ Add-on services can include:<br /> - Sales Tax Filings<br /> - Payroll<br /> - A/R & A/P Management<br /> - Budgeting & CashFlow Advisory<br /> <br /> ๐ Book a free Discovery Session today to see if weโre a good fit for each other. <br /> <br /> ๐ Link in bio.<br /> <br /> #Bookkeeping #BusinessGrowth #FinancialFreedom #StressFreeFinances #DiscoveryCall #SmallBusinessSupport #EntrepreneurLife #BookkeepingServices | Elevace Consulting | 4 | https://facebook.com/elevaceconsulting | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828281 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774116 | 810 | 1214401069523501 | 1 | 7.3783025509149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326180337242675 | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | 120209107000050675 | completebuyingguides.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | https://completebuyingguides.com/equipment-loans-pricing-guide/ | 1716065720 | 3.2618033724268E+14 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/416668304_1087316239002641_7569494974482680304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMtapVpaqmAQ7kNvgG-g9wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCS7VY1kFzpIIAs-Rn4yKwhrQVg4Ah6b7xMHL8bsHDn3A&oe=664F15AB | person_profile | 0 | Complete Buying Guides | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441172478_3795807497358047_3944808461846430801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBlqEz9RpV0Q7kNvgHF3YuH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVAxKqQM8V1qrFX-o8v3sevc1wqXj390D1lci36VMfRQ&oe=664F18E1 | 0 | 3 | Need Equipment? We've Got You Covered! Unlock your potential with our hassle-free equipment loan services! Don't let the lack of equipment hold you back. Contact us today and get the tools you need to achieve your goals! | Complete Buying Guides | 0 | https://facebook.com/61560000920083 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828194 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/19/25, 3:28 PM | 1716079231 | 1745094523 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828075 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774116 | 810 | 1413644345952292 | 1 | 4.1722709445252E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 231108050096215 | 0 | Student Anxiety | 120208406169820543 | bluegroup.ai | Sign up | NONE | image | https://www.BlueGroup.ai/ | 1716067013 | 2.3110805009622E+14 | Student Anxiety | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436210872_1871074343344224_2961680940184617065_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W30aA5PftHMQ7kNvgH6frTM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQiaM4c_g8haJcZzL7KCMu6rnQtOwsv5up-hybWfoEBw&oe=664F1252 | person_profile | 0 | Blue Group Therapy California | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442418214_10070735472953352_916776668218741255_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0p5gt5QeBs8Q7kNvgG7mR4I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBJ-21yvWbcTsLLImPDS3KRm_Xl7bf677DER1WmfLlGjg&oe=664F0567 | 0 | 3 | Free gift-card to help promote mental health of students | Student Anxiety | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558489438651 | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826874 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774116 | 810 | 440956628651642 | 3 | 7.8264872670279E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059981950618 | NONE | video | 1716056673 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482448_1598199337648884_6421521757594448362_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8TiQ62GdeQQ7kNvgE9c18q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDojAiCe0zK7UW_wED7YoiqTIsYdVgTyvcnZKlE-8q4kg&oe=664F3100 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442480679_735089235218720_1876140151540016359_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aAhI-vbiw0AQ7kNvgHabEX5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCl5HITgijHj86PkFpETfOBb58vPE_YyuRZ-LOG9MxKeg&oe=664F1BEB | 0 | 3 | Alcohol is writing your life's story. True?โ <br /> โ <br /> Our Head Coach, Victoria English, explains. โ <br /> โ <br /> Video by @victoriaenglish1111โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #drinkingโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #soberlifestyleโ <br /> #sobergramโ <br /> #sobriety | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826846 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774116 | 810 | 830722475570787 | 1 | 2.9758971674151E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110419084933177 | 0 | freedroneinspection.com | 120209208797680510 | NONE | image | freedroneinspection.com | We provide state of the art roofing inspections with military grade drones. | https://facebook.com/100083378257383 | 1715886836 | 1.1041908493318E+14 | freedroneinspection.com | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441284463_327530780168680_6838689401967468997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NzE2mkiNtMwQ7kNvgGP4_gy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPmr-K24pYxqqS10IAl06zQkWqyjZyV8zt1ROCziAvbw&oe=664F283F | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Our team's efficiency ensures minimal disruption to homeowners while delivering top-notch results. Trust Free Drone Inspection for fast, reliable, and hassle-free roofing services! ๐ผ๐ก <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freedroineinspection.com%2F&h=AT2CrKTomZyBX5p5AvhPhquMhv-61ijN2M3LOIJWnPFhI1O1MFdx8tNcmtBhH-imbFiRlpFhAnBxOsUFIl-KGXRtF8ksGBwwy85q5cEDwJG92-1GswHfhYQDQ59i7891M8PuqjIxZea5dg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.freedroineinspection.com</a><br /> <br /> #RoofReplacement #Efficiency #HurricaneRoofer | freedroneinspection.com | 150 | https://facebook.com/100083378257383 | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826870 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774117 | 810 | 429254809819014 | 1 | 7.4114700475978E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059995340618 | NONE | video | 1716056904 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351567_1494254638158103_2621161328354768655_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oBXGqWoq2cMQ7kNvgH_Spd-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC_3B_GrPxcBaUwkEqXaun2KNwaH7hH4V8NzM6k1QYqpg&oe=664F1C29 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300811_974674497473766_4249191826374235021_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XtUP5GaPWMkQ7kNvgGEzDQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDMt0OiOmJF8B1gXfywDQ7hiftWsVE7YfGoBs61e5dmDw&oe=664F0964 | 0 | 3 | Bradley Cooper talks about his sobriety journeyโ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle #sober #sobergram #alcoholfree #sobroety #noalcohol #bradleycooper #alcoholaddiction | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827592 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 8:21 PM | 1716079219 | 1744161677 | 810 | 1100018047885106 | 6 | 1.3307469916483E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361377320151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052945 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438058789_798222745158694_2674218279076087045_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xwb1yJy_jegQ7kNvgESWFHs&_nc_oc=Adg9frzO0rBxwi-cLhSp3AHGnDSO4cNVsgRJVboJvC1B_oMU4eSBlk3KN6pmMnU_k4Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYiOhL6zoX5hYcR4AnpnLcRjKNfoeqSAhYcClxbQuaew&oe=664F2CED | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438079290_962088571737868_6171975608466438911_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9qQ3zu5xwQ7kNvgHdRmHA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCubvaej4cGr-r8h6s03FIh0BfZSomEtScPYiVPAwEbxQ&oe=664F157A | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0hhCg-X6ZB8FLsxaEleurxpTmvjmuSiN91a5pJJ2OKt6ugJcrTsQ6hzEh7H1ajpE2jZeJ1rT-Iop_3Tti2iJi86xitA0BIMUvQj7cyUeT87NCMnmk_eLqzypRrb-nUB_z82tm51OV2aw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828128 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/30/25, 12:18 AM | 1716079230 | 1748582333 | 810 | 824877979549337 | 1 | 4.1087225523866E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 701412139899779 | 0 | Nature's Cornucopia Health Foods | 6607109419924 | Call now | NONE | image | Nature's Cornucopia Health Foods | We are a full service natural foods and supplements retailer. Serving the McHenry area for 50 years! | 1716066399 | 7.0141213989978E+14 | Nature's Cornucopia Health Foods | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424974539_1325954748794056_7893888035071316158_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pbWoE7GEEjgQ7kNvgG90ucc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC81-ieOnDjHN3NUYzJHG5IlUBykCgFQh5T1CgiY6FFRg&oe=664F2213 | person_profile | 0 | Nature's Cornucopia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698744_1002735334778571_3393464572268562612_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-Nj3JqIx25QQ7kNvgGHfeWH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAmz0oMftoDjSFTcxa3SqBjcmujG1pfMJSqzLZQdL0CVA&oe=664F1EBE | 0 | 3 | Pollen counts making you miserable? Rinse out of your sinuses! 20% Off Nasopure Nasal Wash Systems. | Nature's Cornucopia Health Foods | 1132 | https://facebook.com/naturescornucopia | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827799 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/24/25, 4:31 AM | 1716079223 | 1745487090 | 810 | 400904452917031 | 1 | 3.8618537442456E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146424442214249 | 0 | Pool City | 6616859849841 | NONE | multi_images | 1716070639 | 1.4642444221425E+14 | Pool City | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436221055_1120382579036341_8493182650206592354_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nwA2sf12FVMQ7kNvgHZ26w0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-9Feo-BMLjsun0liihahhH1szKw88aFC-N8cm6gY0qw&oe=664F1CBB | person_profile | 0 | Pool City | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137698_347440248443599_8445351317612230218_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DlLYTo6kwwAQ7kNvgF1LWZ1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAKt4fSRbxpJfZ9HqrUWSON0RmzOebotXNYz4ij1lklnQ&oe=664F343A | 0 | 3 | It's like #blackfridayโซ๏ธ in May โ Our 58th annual Memorial Day SALE is NOW! ๐บ๐ธ๐บ๐ธ<br /> ๐Get bonus deals at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshoppoolcity.com%2Fsales%2F58th-annual-memorial-day-sale%2F&h=AT2Z-8F7xG1QqpX0UT8MAJkYBo-OHqkMM8q5HsOf4_qHDa6lPQZqPi0oe9MXu3bZFFyS0PY5m3HvSwRxPfBVBsEOsN17k0M5jzCgS8mpzctPhwfSq8jz2VdPHvG5uIs5uy7-E_BP1ynV_A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">shoppoolcity.com/sales/58th-annual-memorial-day-sale/</a><br /> <br /> #pittsburgh #pittsburghpa #sale #memorialday #pool #poolparty #swim #poolcity #pooltime #poolside #patiofurniture #patio #hottubs #hottub #jacuzzi #chlorine | Pool City | 7273 | https://facebook.com/shoppoolcity | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827930 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774120 | 810 | 991860415802077 | 3 | 2.023969348005E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952401910737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067661 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443697662_962598955336644_8209595176015001721_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U-wXzoXDh1MQ7kNvgGQEdx6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYARMctiuuPb-49Y2IU5DRc-VHYMOlxEosRKwf4wgyHNhQ&oe=664F27FD | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827759 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774120 | 810 | 748757737146873 | 2 | 1.1161498396735E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102288768805310 | 0 | MangaPlaza | 120209247942950435 | mangaplaza.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Read the first chapter free! | https://mangaplaza.com/title/0303007956/?argument=baN2Ldxx&dmai=3a9OyGjdc2TvVe7RQa&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=mp_promo_FB_{{campaign.name}}_{{adset.name}}_{{ad.name}}_0303007956 | 1715841915 | 1.0228876880531E+14 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441163322_430929503211785_1157921891136848929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcG3Ly9pdBgQ7kNvgFC7KYA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA_0Us2TKOIYeYKrEL4XJruHqlzvMR-AWgUSNXmLkWZ3g&oe=664F18C0 | person_profile | 0 | MangaPlaza | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441073113_1491811634798383_6967621483929987149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0y5L0O6Da08Q7kNvgF0JyHo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB80dIgraGK_11rQX_O4FEPc_DH7sZTA499794S8eWADA&oe=664F0B91 | 0 | 3 | MangaPlaza | 9548 | https://facebook.com/MangaPlaza | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827901 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774121 | 810 | 1430089660983239 | 1 | 1.1308512715123E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101529064720008 | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | 120208300982340426 | begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | Learn more | NONE | image | Free STD Quiz - Find Out If You Need A Test | https://go.begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | 1716068644 | 1.0152906472001E+14 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440963889_1086204079114704_5571151139390602005_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FJEblpWs0UoQ7kNvgGDjIwP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB5_Tge8-fh884Du_u1lK16DJMyVk-0r031x3ROB7HSXQ&oe=664F3021 | person_profile | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443698334_971123204489948_8310596659291171168_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4lcuX-JlyqwQ7kNvgEWh9-O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCVjTh8AWRajVgsvhRZ4pSJ7iMXojpnshwPAp5mAmyX3Q&oe=664F23D3 | 0 | 3 | Attn: Sexually Active Individuals,<br /> Take our FREE quiz now to assess your risk for STDs!<br /> <br /> ๐ Discover Your Status: Answer a few simple questions <br /> <br /> โ Peace of Mind<br /> <br /> ๐ Confidential and Convenient: Your privacy matters. Rest assured, all information provided is kept strictly confidential.<br /> <br /> Don't leave your health to chance.<br /> <br /> Take control today with our quick and easy quiz.<br /> <br /> Click below to get started!<br /> <br /> *Please note, the information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. | Be Good At Stuff | 141 | https://facebook.com/begoodatstuff101 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827768 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774122 | 810 | 402581606016512 | 1 | 1.1748106838716E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109936954670279 | 0 | Local Retirement Class | 6580465153340 | localretirementclass.com | No button | NONE | image | Dinner is on us! Join the FREE "Dine & Learn Class" in Shelton... | Learn new strategies to help maximize retirement income, reduce taxes and manage retirement risks at the "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton. There is no charge to attend and dinner is on us, but space is limited! To request tickets, choose your date below... | https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner | 1715096720 | 1.0993695467028E+14 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441171093_319919004275553_5003837317307308124_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wz38RRT10DkQ7kNvgGvPBtS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGn4JFHH15Ak2aWd1746hDKC-2KFXj4pqwzC2URlz7XA&oe=664F27E9 | person_profile | 0 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438161056_412228635102938_3417583933313357939_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OrMmaomH7RUQ7kNvgEym7cn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCWpyzQWTadXs161zUGziHgSchiBTLSMmPt2vlFkpKhZA&oe=664F2ED7 | 0 | 3 | Want to be ready for big new changes to Social Security, Tax Rules and Retirement Risks? Join us at the FREE "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton.<br /> <br /> *For FREE Admission, Request Tickets Here:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT2FSL-TD4SdQo9UMEciBvQwheKf_7AJhYclDvYPKaK_ia0hONLOepT-qs-RjBzWysetwJYG8HPYyO__2R7E3922CWqVtYn2eLJ-4fyogUphep4ebYUavrnHC1JEGUcTiDN1JEBM4rD1yg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a><br /> <br /> --<br /> Dine & Learn Workshop Topics Include:<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Social Security Changes: Learn why Social Security planning is so important and how new filing changes could impact monthly benefits.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Retirement Taxes & Inflation: Learn how taxes impact retirement income and strategies to reduce the impact of inflation.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ New Normal Economy: Learn how volatile interest rates, record inflation and market risks could impact retirement income .<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Market Risk Strategies: Learn new ways to help protect and grow retirement income by managing stock and bond market risks.<br /> <br /> *For FREE Admission, Request Tickets Here:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT1EyayDkl9eCIOBbv86HsYusSC5xNO9CfSHZy2ByjZLPRLOb6FdP9Ery_wVMweS0Q0KGdBRycEhX0V6LCx-jbONlMXsLCTjz9KrRSm4td0BQ48S8qCDjdqKdVlT07SrmOZOSuTE01nyqA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a> | Local Retirement Class | 58 | https://facebook.com/localretirementclass | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828263 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774122 | 810 | 738066608236159 | 1 | 9.4756472667249E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100946659624283 | 0 | Best Home Offers | 120208770819610699 | fb.me | Get offer | NONE | video | Fair CASH OFFER For Your Home & Sell AS-IS (No Repairs Needed) | Get Your Cash Offer within 24hr ๐ค | http://fb.me/ | 1712324214 | 1.0094665962428E+14 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436261802_688621786624401_1574692352467405253_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cgCK4dzWtF0Q7kNvgHFN7l-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC4jangI0zthvWa3E_WV6O-CS-MxY20xjQNbvkmf3qP6w&oe=664F0E40 | person_profile | 0 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435982839_3596037273951274_2204672648850156567_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CrICPrmZBFIQ7kNvgGu3ICv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCfJlPRnhfb9AdiwtirlH7zOClllXT5TasAHwkUzwM2Vw&oe=664F0A74 | 0 | 3 | Florida Homeowners: Want A Fair CASH OFFER For Your Property? ๐ ๐ต<br /> <br /> Click the "Get Offer" button below, and we'll present you a Fair Cash Price OFFER for your property with no obligation whatsoever!<br /> <br /> If we offered to BUY your house Quickly on your timeline, at a Top CASH Price, with our competitive Cash Offer and without the need for repairs, fees, or commissions:<br /> <br /> โ So you can sell your property FAST on your timeline<br /> <br /> โ So you can receive a Top Cash Price Offer on your property<br /> <br /> โ Without the need for repairs, we'll take your property as-is<br /> <br /> โ Without commissions or fees, and no need for a realtor<br /> <br /> โ So you can get a FAST sale at a FAIR Cash Price<br /> <br /> โ While treating you like family in the closing process<br /> <br /> ...Would you be interested in a no-obligation Cash Offer from us?<br /> <br /> ๐ One Simple Step: Click below. Fill out the form. Get your cash offer.<br /> <br /> Ready to find out how much cash we can give for your home? Request an offer by clicking below, and we'll send a fast, free, no-obligation offer. | Best Home Offers | 23 | https://facebook.com/certifiedclosingsteam | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828074 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774122 | 810 | 467031232435554 | 1 | 1.0348305246684E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 119148421488866 | 0 | Integral Advantage | 6582928822149 | amazon.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Inception Mindset: The Contextual Art and Science of Leading in a Permanently Complex World | Inception Mindset: The Contextual Art and Science of Leading in a Permanently Complex World | https://a.co/d/4afxBKY | 1716067045 | 1.1914842148887E+14 | Integral Advantage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441207939_1654027482091592_2501404851198502935_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ekIB9bsAX0UQ7kNvgHv_ord&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUyjlbhJNAkdedfe-MeFJZdLiPERNylnSPuRKRETyBvA&oe=664F2307 | person_profile | 0 | Integral Advantage | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441192429_467160389122004_6952101349688673152_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VTgUX_7JAbAQ7kNvgEbyq6g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBa1een1YZ1cmJEX2YwTW1u-GOtI7TSyPT9EuWaMKXTiA&oe=664F122F | 0 | 3 | Discover the transformative power of 'Inception Mindset,' now available in a more portable eBook version just in time for the summer. Embark on a journey across the four horizons, each step guiding you to embrace complexity, ignite curiosity, self-author, and unleash innovation. Get your copy at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2FaA5Af34&h=AT2F8xFvEEgwk3FOMsHBGD6s1DH8IGtcibpv-dmrf4Od06ZoBrm_5AoCO1su5Ywv2jryjeTyvkjhkCrsBbinrE2_Mu-y1ZEhhgN9qyYCy-74UMEIDp2SN1CmBDz2cm2f_PYLvH8NmOgh-g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://a.co/d/aA5Af34</a><br /> <br /> 'Inception Mindset' is the winner of the 2024 INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD (category: Management); two 2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD Distinguished Favorite (category: Leadership; category: Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business); the Non-Fiction Book Award; and two BookFest Spring 2024 Awards (category: Business Leadership: Leadership & Management; category: Business Leadership: Psychology & Mindset). Find out why the Reader Views blog gave this book a 5-star Review and called it "An Elucidating Masterpiece."<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> #LeadershipDevelopment #RobertRadi #InceptionMindset #StrategicThinking #Complexity #CADE #IntegralAdvantage #EntrustedEmpowerment #ContextInComplexity #Cretivity #Innovation #ExtraordinaryValue #InnovationCatalyst | Integral Advantage | 299 | https://facebook.com/integraladvantage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827822 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774123 | 810 | 943776954141256 | 1 | 1.0128174035115E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551605020068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1715723167 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436302383_933476468808718_3087209560060830039_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5qMeCnp-W5sQ7kNvgFj9vJN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAfTLr1058fIardq_B5eeV4hQRg7NhAF_pmfm4J6RTa-A&oe=664F2E94 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436266897_1854437304977859_1346412866177505969_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q6vT_QA4bgsQ7kNvgHARDe9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDo_ua1Fd8XS11CdC3KrUe5P8c62K17ypY0c7gbcVmxKQ&oe=664F0944 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827961 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774123 | 810 | 799566435142377 | 1 | 4.0865822532815E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 182130868489581 | 0 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 6638271138182 | fb.com | Inquire now | NONE | video | Get A FREE Kids Gymnastics Class ๐ | https://fb.com/messenger_doc/ | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Hi, I'm interested in trying a FREE gymnastics class for my child","response":"Hi! We are offering a free trial class for you to try us out.\n \nWe have limited spots available so If you'd like to secure a spot for your child we will send you a text confirmation to secure your spot and schedule you in for the free trial class! Whats the best number for us to send the text to?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","welcome_message_edited":true,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"856756232520212","template_version":13} | 1716067994 | 1.8213086848958E+14 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444168739_974572287202929_7043037932470355166_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t9l1hiL84WsQ7kNvgG-14RJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDK-arxVTCkS4GzxjX5VOc4y9hBR7AeCyy3gkb3wdvd9A&oe=664F3485 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จHey Moms In the area!๐, Have you been looking for a fun way to get your kids active? Come try out a gymnastics trial class for your child completely FREE!!<br /> <br /> *For kids 18 months old and up. (No experience necessary)*<br /> <br /> Imagine how awesome it's going to be when you get to see your child experience a fun, safe, and exciting gymnastics class for the very first time! Our focus is on the kids, not just gymnastics, so that your child has the best experience possible! Your child will immediately gain confidence, build discipline, as well as make friendships that will last a lifetime!<br /> <br /> Here at Woodlands Gymnastics we offer a wide range of different programs for you and your child to choose from such as: Gymnastics, Recreational, Ninja Warrior, and Tumbling. We've trained thousands of kids and we have over 100 years of collective experience teaching gymnastics!<br /> <br /> **Our gym is located in Spring, Texas**<br /> <br /> Click "Learn More" to get more info and to claim your FREE Kids Gymnastics Trial Class! | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 3003 | https://facebook.com/WoodlandsGymnastics | 0 | INQUIRE_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827986 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774123 | 810 | 824233796270779 | 1 | 8.0514806815523E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707354410317 | Buy now | NONE | image | New brothread 63 Brother Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 500M (550Y) Each Spool for | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1889096291551818/ | 1716067695 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490143_1559270591471583_2148374673144054941_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dQUFzGBHpeIQ7kNvgEJD9v0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhcY9XseVMiY5Yq2H3gmYOqAFNKC7Ygz4913TLt49V9w&oe=664F0F9E | 1 | 3 | New brothread 63 Brother Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 500M (550Y) Each Spool for - $56.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> 63 SPOOLS PER KIT + COLOR CHART -63 spools professional assorted bright and beautiful colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread to brighten and beautify all sort of your embroidery projects. Using Color Chart to find similar Brother Color No. and name, Conversion Chart of Madeira is also available.<br /> <br /> SUITABLE WEIGHT & LENGTH - Each spool has 40 WT and 500M(550Y) length, which makes these spools of Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread ideal for all sort of your embroidery projects.<br /> <br /> GOOD TENSILE STRENGTH - Lower risks of breaking or fraying, Elasticity and Tenacity of polyester also reduces risks of looping and puckering of Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread.<br /> <br /> GOOD COLOR FASTNESS - Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread holds up colors even when subjected to commercial laundering, bleaching and other harsh chemicals, desirable features for workwears, uniforms and linens which are often subjected to commercial laundering.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827903 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774124 | 810 | 3349047295387930 | 1 | 8.6758542513362E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101529064720008 | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | 120208300980810426 | begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | Learn more | NONE | image | Free STD Quiz - Find Out If You Need A Test | https://go.begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | 1716068638 | 1.0152906472001E+14 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444150175_1007966807678969_7542786487492697286_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W5xRmSGU-ikQ7kNvgFex-wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDD22HCd1ThkaqQiPzSKeuP5qKHRNWq-66h0LUXeEEJ8w&oe=664F0D9B | person_profile | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943844_785599950365126_6094088146597708228_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_UWdxFoa0I8Q7kNvgHWna80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDz_j7JKXm09sFXJNmCVtfHlBIfaTBl7FUN_MoyjRqGXQ&oe=664F354E | 0 | 3 | Attn: Sexually Active Individuals,<br /> Take our FREE quiz now to assess your risk for STDs!<br /> <br /> ๐ Discover Your Status: Answer a few simple questions <br /> <br /> โ Peace of Mind<br /> <br /> ๐ Confidential and Convenient: Your privacy matters. Rest assured, all information provided is kept strictly confidential.<br /> <br /> Don't leave your health to chance.<br /> <br /> Take control today with our quick and easy quiz.<br /> <br /> Click below to get started!<br /> <br /> *Please note, the information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. | Be Good At Stuff | 141 | https://facebook.com/begoodatstuff101 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828280 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/14/25, 9:37 AM | 1716079232 | 1752503822 | 810 | 369207509458997 | 1 | 3.5100616824739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 357561651755631 | 0 | The Battle of ATX - A Tribute to RATM | 6622909204871 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Rage Against The Machine + Foo Fighters (TRIBUTES) @ ST ELMO BREWING | https://www.facebook.com/events/290635560767006/ | 1716065789 | 3.5756165175563E+14 | The Battle of ATX - A Tribute to RATM | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436272122_801898025227250_8510489795481302813_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Egu0iQY0jXYQ7kNvgFwGPYm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPSVNmXLpCgbxrTaKmdDnsx2qU10NoBU7eRf6QuQDYsQ&oe=664F1F21 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | FREE & ALL AGES SHOW!<br /> Rage Against The Machine + Foo Fighters // TRIBUTES Live @ St. Elmo Brewing in Austin, TX on FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH! | The Battle of ATX - A Tribute to RATM | 657 | https://facebook.com/thebattleofatx | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827884 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079225 | 1723774003 | 810 | 420825927550275 | 1 | 7.8584019841806E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 217767914763809 | 0 | Starla Campbell Home | 6579065631439 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/starlacampbellhome | 1716069016 | 2.1776791476381E+14 | Starla Campbell Home | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441503785_1906779843103058_6363613590982615892_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wAiLH50SH9gQ7kNvgERt3Am&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD92II9eyPJmi_ocavq_K2cf2a0XVolz47rvy5lK99C6A&oe=664F1CA1 | person_profile | 0 | Starla Campbell- Interior Design Consultant | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442439069_992919385596844_5532518020704493147_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ERRc6_Ho8GQQ7kNvgHQeOwB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCBjs4zUKK-H_hBanJ5nSxQ6eWQW4aexc1hr9MU_r3rEA&oe=664F36D5 | 0 | 3 | Letโs be friends! Follow me for design inspiration, tips, shopping adventures and curated finds for your home.<br /> <br /> I believe you can elevate your home, whether you have a little or a lot and I am here to show you how. <br /> <br /> I have two passions: Design and helping people. I love seeing transformations in homes and lives. <br /> <br /> Letโs get started on your home transformation first! Hit FOLLOW and download my FREE Design Guide.<br /> <br /> Thanks for being on the journey with me! | Starla Campbell Home | 22 | https://facebook.com/starlacampbell.home | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828169 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774003 | 810 | 431881256219598 | 1 | 4.4096129520964E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 120864117773037 | 0 | Dog Savior | 120209047947840733 | dogsavior.org | Learn more | NONE | video | HOW TO SUPPORT โฌ๏ธ https://dogsavior.org PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/Dogsaviordonate | http://dogsavior.org/ | 1716066374 | 1.2086411777304E+14 | Dog Savior | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436272237_986513896427455_5992169069290447575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B7nLkB8fqJ8Q7kNvgG8As5u&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBp1XiNf0TWuAMkg71iQ8SlsKHw-dVrTz6X9d7Vs9aBTA&oe=664F1496 | person_profile | 0 | DOG SAVIOR | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436266865_1538621673384480_8020818136536813090_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_MWfALGLBnYQ7kNvgHUPQrw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBCngUrEENwZKBrcldkl8qNoUgM_BgRZHi0sgKbNi5lrQ&oe=664F0A99 | 0 | 3 | HOW TO SUPPORT โฌ๏ธ <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdogsavior.org%2F&h=AT38k5Fp_DBRi89WuobN-_dLT5xsqpaTwF4DAKIlSRbSi5lDp54AGyHzz6ymAsCyNs-vADEY_rZK3zyYQQ6GD1mrdWXAfFs23G8SdVHD1gvFYkU8w8P4Du9lv2vA7po8tDEE8obsiEJXjQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://dogsavior.org/</a><br /> <br /> PayPal - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.me%2FDogsaviordonate&h=AT3Ga6Orz2Dh_Y1o_Hrf7eFyEUIm5YXAeiqalHM25-2ZedSwdEpFHUDd8KhObhNAoiw3EUiz75kCPacovF4Fup7VhYf3sylKiaNKrBsF5O691pbWkXgWyryOhtaJl4272-fkTvFh0Ix97Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.paypal.me/Dogsaviordonate</a><br /> <br /> ๐ฐZELLE - THEREALDOGSAVIOR@GMAIL.COM<br /> <br /> #reelitfeelit #trending #sunset #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #shorts #dog #dogmom #viral #adoptdontshop #news #cat #catmom #catlover #france #news #animals #makeup #london #germany #serbian #veganrecipe #fitness #womeninbusiness #womenwholift #serbiangirl #polishgirl | Dog Savior | 205 | https://facebook.com/61550557543667 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828304 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774003 | 810 | 1000877588037582 | 1 | 1.5223734383527E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 246592721868818 | 0 | Elevace Consulting | 120211329774350548 | elevaceconsulting.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Accounting Solutions | Reclaim precious time for your business with our done-for-you bookkeeping and sales tax filing services. We are here to lighten your load and provide valuable insights about your financials. Say goodbye to tedious financial tasks and hello to efficiency and peace of mind with the power of our expert... | https://www.elevaceconsulting.com/accounting-solutions | 1716065604 | 2.4659272186882E+14 | Elevace Consulting | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436311582_821959673312578_4474120757977069255_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qdMSDe84zk4Q7kNvgFcWw44&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCWmLI5m7JrrXvgV_oBdbIcJMTQSjwHmOuMqNCDiLpViA&oe=664F11DB | person_profile | 0 | ElevACE Consulting | Accounting Solutions + Business Coaching | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441390054_2678758192286443_2188099779304782625_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ntx-7bjW5QEQ7kNvgGF77zO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDxslyA_TXkGjoqxLAka0ANTr3zYWD01bEE4aA-D-V8Eg&oe=664F2FFF | 0 | 3 | ๐ข Attention Business Owners ๐ข<br /> <br /> โจ Reclaim precious time for your business with our done-for-you bookkeeping and sales tax filing services. We are here to lighten your load and provide valuable insights about your financials.<br /> <br /> ๐ Say goodbye to tedious financial tasks and hello to efficiency and peace of mind with the power of our expert team behind you.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ We are currently scheduling to onboard 2 more new monthly bookkeeping clients to start in June. <br /> <br /> ๐ Add-on services can include:<br /> - Sales Tax Filings<br /> - Payroll<br /> - A/R & A/P Management<br /> - Budgeting & CashFlow Advisory<br /> <br /> ๐ Book a free Discovery Session today to see if weโre a good fit for each other. <br /> <br /> ๐ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Felevaceconsulting&h=AT0HMsUgAl2QIo16HxXpkMexQ22jwvH5YZGv08gIWUw3EU-pB5OVWbEXLu5yDexiOnGRK46ylXHkSk5NKAZ5aVniDl5je7JvWrvUYNCHuUzM2N1-dEZYKlBOA3tu1n9iplbSmMo94dHO-A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">linktr.ee/elevaceconsulting</a> <br /> <br /> #Bookkeeping #BusinessGrowth #FinancialFreedom #StressFreeFinances #DiscoveryCall #SmallBusinessSupport #EntrepreneurLife #BookkeepingServices | Elevace Consulting | 4 | https://facebook.com/elevaceconsulting | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828306 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079233 | 1723774004 | 810 | 1100850667659789 | 1 | 1.6066947833983E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 326025827256227 | 0 | ็ดซๅฐพ็ฐ ็ดๅญ | 120214976940500777 | mycheaps.life | Shop now | NONE | image | Now we are clearing Amazonโs backlog through online promotions. ๐Free returns and exchanges ๐ Limited online stock! ๐ Donโt miss it! | National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Wreath, Green, Crestwood Spruce, White Lights, Decorated with Pine Cones, Berry Clusters, Frosted Branches, 24 Inches | https://mycheaps.life/category/TODAYS-DEALS.html | 1716065568 | 3.2602582725623E+14 | ็ดซๅฐพ็ฐ ็ดๅญ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442392664_1395191574532083_6094797428432684775_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hi6-CQ_cqk0Q7kNvgHDuqTf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQrEUoOXr5NDxmt8NdomKAQQrDo4SIJ4PMKUWen2l_zg&oe=664F2F75 | person_profile | 0 | ็ดซๅฐพ็ฐ ็ดๅญ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441518401_1423992694949855_602694289377483322_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rTffT54eqnoQ7kNvgEfzw57&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAn3D8ysc30HGJL_rdvwGZ7RUqxDlR94AC-YKCdEgA4rw&oe=664F203F | 0 | 3 | All products starting as low as $2, stocks are limited, donโt miss out<br /> ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐จ8๐%๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ข ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐๐ค, ๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ | ็ดซๅฐพ็ฐ ็ดๅญ | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559865930006 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828014 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774004 | 810 | 415055281346676 | 1 | 9.5153136309495E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952401760737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067659 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436351165_981210530266601_5471486934226946772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LPL2hJMj_fAQ7kNvgHXMLFl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDSHjhanpDcN7nGgki3-7vpEUvLCehRU4AsTGOagHDGew&oe=664F2E7B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828102 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774004 | 810 | 1214614513280274 | 1 | 4.1765338119192E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 482251368640311 | 0 | Hays Stoneworks | 6564415921825 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716066638 | 4.8225136864031E+14 | Hays Stoneworks | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441149880_1196260331744517_371097800845821741_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PTPO0InsxxcQ7kNvgHTYr8_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBcMKWgO3PY_duFVyBSyWJr79CxRMxePjSZdImt1Oj3nQ&oe=664F2FF0 | person_profile | 0 | Hays Stoneworks | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441903573_1138985304018481_3385523230604075298_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hxN4n-ug24wQ7kNvgFaEDvK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD8gpr0okMdMDXdnbtsBUtbnWzWkNz5MyJWoEpLnkAG2w&oe=664F28BF | 0 | 3 | Our quality stone will revitalize almost any project! It doesn't matter if it is indoor or outdoor, big or small. We would love to help!<br /> <br /> Modified Day on Mountain/Cobblestone | Hays Stoneworks | 881 | https://facebook.com/Haysstoneworks | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828239 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774005 | 810 | 819463220056559 | 1 | 3.6671254638895E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106291404629083 | 0 | Fischer Arts | 6580175089085 | fischer-arts.com | Sign up | NONE | image | Nature Gift-Away | Fischer Arts | https://www.fischer-arts.com/giftaway | 1716053268 | 1.0629140462908E+14 | Fischer Arts | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711302_1805856599909859_2991374333956339138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pj9VkNPY7YAQ7kNvgHOutsA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAJoSyGc0Mvx9QCVHm3-Ne1BayvniSPYQ5gHO3y5VOaMw&oe=664F1DA0 | person_profile | 0 | Fischer Arts | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443716658_476683821363290_1656643517272065973_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LVjpH93x2qEQ7kNvgEgkMnC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDw2B9RguiHif6VIujXbt4TiH6skuzonrNYnbpu0O52ng&oe=664F0C68 | 0 | 3 | Enter the Fischer Arts "Gift-Away"! <br /> Win pieces from our Vermont art gallery - and also download a free gift from us. <br /> Find artwork and handcrafted gifts inspired by nature.<br /> Online, or in our Chester, VT location. | Fischer Arts | 244 | https://facebook.com/fischerartsvt | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828044 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774005 | 810 | 436750262424729 | 1 | 4.5963219318548E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707248860317 | Buy now | NONE | image | -New brothread 80 Spools 500m Each Embroidery Machine Thread with Clear Plastic Storage Box | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1220152675627167/ | 1716067264 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442413957_970973084479271_4199051025922735702_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KoKyYa7AIbkQ7kNvgG1CKep&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYApvOCZWLAfcMC7TIZcrKCod9UTKcuKYpAdqMqUEm_txw&oe=664F3042 | 1 | 3 | -New brothread 80 Spools 500m Each Embroidery Machine Thread with Clear Plastic Storage Box - $68.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> 80 Spools Similar with Janome and RA Colors + Clear Plastic Storage Box: High Value 500m polyester embroidery machine thread with 4 layers premium clear plastic storage box. Free Thread Nets, 1x Mark Pen, 1x Yarn Snips and 1x Color Chart are also included in the package.<br /> <br /> Stackable & Lockable Four Layers Clear Plastic Storage Box: All 80 spools polyester embroidery machine threads are orderly organized in the storage box with 4 layers. Each layer can be stacked and locked with each other firmly. The super transparency of the storage box can help you looking for needed colors from outside easily. There are 20 plastic pins in each layer to hold each spool upwards, it also can prevent the spool from falling down.<br /> <br /> Multi type of Spools to Store and Portable Box: The clear plastic storage box not only can store New brothread 500m & 1000m embroidery machine threads, but also can store lots of mini spools sewing and embroidery threads from different brands. A special small storage space on top of the lid can store other small sewing items such as needles, scissors, mark pens, pins, bobbins etc. So you can carry your sewing and embroidery threads to do customized projects or have sewing classes anywhere.<br /> <br /> Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread: Super Color Fastness, High Strength and Exceptional Lustre, all these Excellent Characters are based on the material of our embroidery machine thread: 100% Polyester!!! Lower risks of breaking or fraying, Elasticity and Tenacity of polyester also reduces risks of looping and puckering of Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827575 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774006 | 810 | 1142122793901988 | 1 | 2.1337302736407E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827576 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774006 | 810 | 1142122793901988 | 1 | 2.1337302736407E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827577 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774006 | 810 | 1142122793901988 | 1 | 2.1337302736407E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827463 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774006 | 810 | 814743010520077 | 19 | 8.152930571338E+14 | 1714287600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120206471804480590 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1714049058 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439666290_1119815102677365_5757580953175802598_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zj3Ivtz2cY8Q7kNvgHWtNOd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAybV2svGa1dngpbqlSiBsCJLCy4F169Ipd99_W6M_gdw&oe=664F1DEE | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439677860_7739500452781134_514127554441186466_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SV-q0txHUnYQ7kNvgH9z2n1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBV3pBoCRAF-Sm7sd0XC0w9zW8eMgDKwAj6cFgArepvww&oe=664F2FF0 | 0 | 3 | After humiliated by his bride-to-be on the wedding rehearsal but Adam was soon told his true identity as the heir of the richest family in the US. On the journey of returning as a CEO, taking over his familyโs business, our true heir gradually finds out his true love, who has been by his side from the very beginningโฆ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1714201200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826849 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774006 | 810 | 459709536541538 | 2 | 1.1538305624215E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059987920618 | NONE | video | 1716056893 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441319246_798169525595567_6211657667518226671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tDkiezvDrJQQ7kNvgHl6rOV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCmztPA7zvQS9ZU3k7b695zYiTf6yhZVgNb0G8-sNLsPQ&oe=664F12B4 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441450267_476273481410371_681555926417587431_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0FxR0pYhBoUQ7kNvgFWjhvy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-e9xQsGO-yJShBNp1lS1aR4vEZNW2e7joTpb24s5EkA&oe=664F1804 | 0 | 3 | Why I prefer to use the word 'I'm Alcohol-Free' instead of 'Sober'โ <br /> โ <br /> Sober to me implies that you are trying not to consume something you would ordinarily consume.โ <br /> โ <br /> Alcohol-Free Lifestyle is a choice, you're choosing that lifestyle, as opposed to "I'm cutting off this lifestyle"โ <br /> โ <br /> Next time, try and use the word 'Alcohol-Free' instead of 'Sober'โ <br /> โ <br /> PS. Have you downloaded my free Alcohol Freedom Formula yet? The link is in my bio. It's 27 pages of everything I know and have come to learn about quitting and staying quit from alcohol.โ <br /> โ <br /> #sober #alcoholfree | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826850 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774006 | 810 | 1657805838326026 | 2 | 7.8294020390873E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060044980618 | NONE | video | 1716057062 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441951852_1429157494376179_5841530730392623945_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9gfVktJjwREQ7kNvgFbkCQ7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD-GMnrFzwHebzqyBxw56JEuC4IevNs4hgwT2QXT8aNrQ&oe=664F16B0 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443718445_3375416259429080_2878173122018680924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TMIDChZLZM4Q7kNvgEJhO-K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDNHYv7-8W5fdrJSK4C-haysEOFakLoocXH3HP3Fs9rjg&oe=664EFD8C | 0 | 3 | 11 telltale signs that your drinking habits are affecting your relationships. โ <br /> โ <br /> Can you recognize any of these habits? โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberlife #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholfree #sobriety #soberliving #alcohol #drinking #sobergram #addiction | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826856 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774006 | 810 | 438489918810916 | 4 | 7.5371928621147E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060009030618 | NONE | video | 1716057039 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442472778_1238232250481791_2037270680096920951_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UQ5elOu768MQ7kNvgH3lhtZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAz4FfOhPuW32OkqQ5dtkiBwtYN_k4zLGv7mCxXZqkRnQ&oe=664F06AC | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469973_993501085696004_8675310595825946505_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iTndfz0rSd8Q7kNvgHSq4Cx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6oz-glXW50yIlE5skHnPJu8tLYR8TovWFkohp-xr6Bg&oe=664F1524 | 0 | 3 | Those old studies have been debunked countless times now.<br /> <br /> Filmed by: @camilobphoto<br /> Edited by: @luisignaciomaya<br /> <br /> #AlcoholFreeLifestyle #QuitDrinking #Sober #SoberLife #Recovery #Soberliving #Disdain #energy #soberliving #soberlifestyle #alcoholfree #focus #clarity | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826860 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 466585772567141 | 1 | 9.9500275531527E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060168740618 | NONE | video | 1716057020 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444166779_1000261901491345_4027158531170583679_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LuBussX7Tf8Q7kNvgGvZyXB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBaww9-o829jkdMo2vwb8Xkv1pOpcjADAXhB5K6pOYcWg&oe=664F04AB | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438264675_752560003759645_3226023106810946706_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_hORfjRF2u0Q7kNvgEaKVO4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAOn5Dw461pk7Bk0jzCApiiyWmHvyhvzyXjT99uvVEZcg&oe=664F27E3 | 0 | 3 | Zero amount of alcohol is better for you than any amount of alcohol. โ <br /> โ <br /> Studies are also revealing that every drink affects the brain. โ <br /> โ <br /> The world is waking up to the poison that is alcohol, are you?โ <br /> โ <br /> Follow me @jamesswanwick for more alcohol-free content. โ <br /> โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #sobriety โ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #sobergram โ <br /> #noalcohol โ <br /> #drinkingโ <br /> #addiction โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle โ <br /> #soberaf | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826858 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 7/14/25, 11:07 AM | 1716079143 | 1752509269 | 810 | 3614722755415361 | 4 | 6.9847128716387E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060014630618 | NONE | video | 1716056708 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443821294_479504004417945_2341169484625602906_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cabUPqSpN5sQ7kNvgED5Wl3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMYxfaw-kTlIMCnMlmofMAstDpPoBsLpAv_dfThPCbdg&oe=664F3381 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442428069_318252521303702_4491119492239962893_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fmsJwxm93WoQ7kNvgElHQZ-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAn0S7UHlini8VCg-Ji7-kukRjUzd74JeWSjlQkZVbG_Q&oe=664EFE0F | 0 | 3 | Quitting alcohol is like the movie Limitless with Bradley Cooper. โ <br /> โ <br /> #sober #motivation #alcoholfree #sobriety #alcoholaddiction #alcoholfreelifestyle โ <br /> โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826864 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 975954443904966 | 2 | 7.0746509807211E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059993300618 | NONE | video | 1716056721 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436305508_1529776477606853_5278451799632260761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OlXzfzXMsKYQ7kNvgEKf4Qm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0JmBl97-K83cEyuq-OFkcrQUqiwlIT43ulT3bXpSXew&oe=664F0273 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443712345_1286446022328511_4616220008782563732_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=38_iabhl30MQ7kNvgFzZD--&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAJdl6vgt4gVZzqWXh6yCV4VO1F2mT0omH_SKpe2Thv3w&oe=664F2B8E | 0 | 3 | Matthew Perry talks about alcoholism โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholism #aa #addiction #alcoholaddiction #alcoholfreelifestyle #afl #alcoholfreelife #alcoholfree #matthewperry #friends | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826865 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 1859036044576508 | 2 | 3.1215973527073E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059983540618 | NONE | video | 1716056894 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441572299_954785939670032_5467929153101518821_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=awjjRUgZU94Q7kNvgEux417&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5Q0Gq5ZH6O8EfxCW3WaM-_oeW2fOae_J5EqsG8edZgQ&oe=664F0DF8 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494214_2444108169106150_425896151634919299_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t2HXdlwhSo8Q7kNvgHkDLCZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYACFIjmIAXh72jQItZb23aLmavwUAtd_HCU2Pa_IcyAIQ&oe=664F30CC | 0 | 3 | You get better looking when you quit alcohol!โ <br /> โ <br /> #quittingalcohol #sobergram #sobriety #alcoholfree | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826866 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 456155806828228 | 3 | 7.100357080091E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060000830618 | NONE | video | 1716057032 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441450284_300794636417291_245206588477670631_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V2Dc7buQlzQQ7kNvgE8kbmT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuQkvpPMN6U-RUNDddsUUodXdPndCkkp8Ybakn72IgSQ&oe=664F26E6 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331482_423261730476198_413055618125332018_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i6Y0h3doFBAQ7kNvgGRsCEQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEC-ITlL8ClcoHjvILBn5Cml8jt2PP4kOBxQOTtCuKHQ&oe=664F022A | 0 | 3 | "I thought I could outsmart alcohol"โ <br /> โ <br /> Our Head Coach: @victoriaenglish1111 talks about her drinking experience. โ <br /> โ <br /> Who can relate to this?โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcohol #sober #sobriety #sobertok #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelifestyle #sobercoach #quitdrinking | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826871 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 475260474986534 | 1 | 3.6596805314098E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060012480618 | NONE | video | 1716056934 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442447875_7595425113836891_5941142989011843785_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gy1dfcY80l8Q7kNvgEmsolA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB-DYOWdgzHZZKkBetaOZwRW3lBgx_vmmQ_eL11Zw5Rvw&oe=664F2CBE | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442481053_1470254753895641_3125364655321637179_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MFThZcrHcpEQ7kNvgGEhDcm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCeVbTxHzbtpbL9t1ZgxtnOYneu1EhPQJdYpH_SyOIrmg&oe=664F259B | 0 | 3 | Doctor @dr.mike_md reacts to one of my viral videos. โ <br /> โ <br /> No amount of alcohol is good for you...โ <br /> โ <br /> In fact, when it comes to heart health, excessive alcohol also damages the heartโs ability to pump which increases the risk of heart failure. โ <br /> โ <br /> Just two drinks per day can raise your risk of atrial fibrillation by 17 percent, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. โ <br /> โ <br /> This type of irregular heartbeat approximately quadruples your risk of having a stroke and triples your risk of heart failure.โ <br /> โ <br /> #hearthealthโ <br /> #sober โ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #sobertokโ <br /> #doctorโ <br /> #alcoholโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826867 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774007 | 810 | 977021300880493 | 1 | 1.1384941538562E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059984740618 | NONE | video | 1716056722 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444135370_997145485350184_7562651335899047284_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E71fFLxDZ-IQ7kNvgEhiQRS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCd8Y8bxMWHDFNjCDNCv0xpjpuP8LW9V0plpLjPGt0TiQ&oe=664F1C4E | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138780_2746260675552938_1868786183627872134_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OWxybdqE2psQ7kNvgHs5NPx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYApqdRHhnZEPmiesSTsUvyJ6bxx8B1NRUgVxpFy6lQ6Mg&oe=664F21C3 | 0 | 3 | Hard truth: โ <br /> โ <br /> If youโre still poisoning yourself with alcohol while calling it โjust a few drinks to relaxโ, I invite you to stop lying to yourself.โ <br /> โ <br /> Alcohol is straight poison.โ <br /> โ <br /> Follow me for more posts like this ๐โ <br /> โ <br /> Audio credit @doc_amenโ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #sobergram #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholfree #soberlife #alcoholic #sobriety #sober #alcohol #quitalcohol #sobercoach | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826876 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 302748449435922 | 1 | 8.1431215391611E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570694279485 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715199385 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441186658_431048279666641_4215574289476988722_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oEYFY5F1kw0Q7kNvgF5a-iZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2YFb4-NMxpBdM18RP4zIXAgX1Vj8tPNluiR6pHXgcxA&oe=664F06CC | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438128533_2751563348475984_5837684829570040275_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qYg2S4AempQQ7kNvgFya3jT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCevijmmuqaaXdMgni49cQrCO7ACk0C6DfADlBSZhTA-Q&oe=664F0CFD | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826907 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774008 | 810 | 394130523355596 | 8 | 4.2000040740374E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205439692940685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/desktop-punching-bag | 1711384150 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433120299_795955522568787_797613211419689399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wncjbm6mmUsQ7kNvgGiE2dd&_nc_oc=AdiaOjpQuk_KiEVDA0hf6l2ovnv1klPffYqCho8lQIuOb_1WgMG_PaXVzjBFrZwjBos&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAL3hGE1X6DvnYCzT3oz1ZvtpknJsL7cMUqbEKy9mG4Iw&oe=664F31D4 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433238851_786110366774651_8097829806032811625_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9fNVG61TBWgQ7kNvgFSSxOM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBXdzgf5A4B5YubMKXeGOKFrd8Z1BAyw2iRiVDLDdL0TA&oe=664F2216 | 0 | 3 | Knock out stress with a swing โ the Desktop Punching Bag for your daily dose of fitness and fun right at your desk! ๐ฅ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714892400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826877 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 423749427026143 | 1 | 3.7501563186038E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570727845885 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715201708 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973004_299796529843476_4483588303994630058_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VVpyzOkSJwMQ7kNvgFBScLE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuab4UE5JhGgpRwmMp-Mm-c2OaIcoIRqNwcbO_xzE9mg&oe=664EFF76 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439993251_3589845414611525_3419059592762973266_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I4IT5Mdpz9gQ7kNvgECmYMn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC32CpQCA2V-2Y4AvBKv19V3T-z-X_yoydiKucuRRsfSw&oe=664F0282 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826878 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 785125640246318 | 1 | 4.2578053364782E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570749312485 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715204501 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170144_787275910185740_965002043961156606_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7yklNO0hREEQ7kNvgHHSxdl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_x6XwIyi0qtnNmglwpdrBWQDHKAaGTyhQR5RD3tfjTw&oe=664F2582 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441149821_7497823350294732_6574337420504073198_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rYOZ0Nhzk0AQ7kNvgHSbgOw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDrtEe3FVg65tHio8CBhRr824JKeeULI9YSknRtLYgQNw&oe=664F22F9 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826879 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 808263717521709 | 1 | 8.3975895818570E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570749306885 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715204501 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438196786_1472824976966338_2174514676878751328_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y6oZzM4uZ_QQ7kNvgEhz4UV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAHMIYY0Y12ceAp41xnhkzHAk4JI_qgojyTdHU30T5LSQ&oe=664F288A | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221565_1766175757244327_2951415971854871140_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sjdaLp3hBn0Q7kNvgHAO76q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC72ASLGFAIt0h7H4Mx6AM-0xIxsPUWgY05GB2QdcLvKg&oe=664F0AE4 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826880 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 896192805611446 | 1 | 9.8742360961962E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570749303285 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715204501 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441606069_2820102754795391_5482728560855268146_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c8oW9wQJ7VcQ7kNvgGNbw5Z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAKFvAZyaePUNQ2pWXCddx0drlCb9fJdK8kFNxK2Ahafw&oe=664F1635 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440471227_1106909747199095_7957424625153813580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V263KNMtpBIQ7kNvgH3ohtY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBXgGEVa8WdhE4uTcfcbHk8n9eOkjKL2CjUACRf25V7ww&oe=664F302C | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826908 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774008 | 810 | 395942533186562 | 6 | 1.1253808420402E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205440052460685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/adjustable-squat-blocks | 1711385052 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434558423_799224488763855_375982975789020658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gLYw0CmvuEsQ7kNvgFx5iNu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDp4B8r4LVogriMH8D9ChA6Zgux-Yt4jOXbqvrIA0M9gg&oe=664F1C23 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433175380_757940223099853_1695113958356397612_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MKj5iA0h7xsQ7kNvgEHMo4p&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBYhFSjKZz2u-sQe3GcsQ4z9SUbh1lHPO4v9-mTFcUeKA&oe=664F2970 | 0 | 3 | Raise the bar on your squats and deadlifts with the Adjustable Squat Block โ custom stability for peak performance! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826881 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 979841570337460 | 1 | 4.5591215018269E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570749329085 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715204507 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441305300_460513509840248_4363210520151127493_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-uC37Nz3S5UQ7kNvgEnET50&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAaUxGisC9fJJP81LO9D6N6dNXh-D1Uy3s_WeL6Z3SCmQ&oe=664F15BC | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055228_298137676718661_2303496830796157754_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CG4mwi4BdRYQ7kNvgELYTlx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1E1PyQeRl4WdZctNcLTFHq7RodfQE5CFX6IC84AgeZQ&oe=664F0BC5 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826882 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 1085453815851018 | 1 | 1.1566214422666E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570749304885 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715204504 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440419583_850873686870671_3628036198154600773_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VxqlIIrT3h0Q7kNvgFYSF1C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCpEvWp0EjiomDJoGxHos7dFty7YLR69wNh_7WrgFw6VQ&oe=664F14C3 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440429991_7539246896191137_1043276014159100063_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hT3Hm3kZw_gQ7kNvgG7MttD&_nc_oc=AdiTUZ_wxviDTUaW2d4k577AxeoaFH7sTQaQi1nMs3iqW1vOJPuDP4Mo9a21Mzf2SGA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-i-_Aove0jANrKEGvDStUYiAOtvgUOcoDQuisO_jyCw&oe=664F0EE9 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826883 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 1410270169609921 | 1 | 1.6351301739296E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570727986085 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715201718 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438216027_1175157643924936_566433797385876292_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jZC97f-Z-10Q7kNvgF_JOPn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB8iczyrq5Ou_4XFFkhDQ772nWt5pLsz4Pg-QLL62xuPA&oe=664F1311 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301081_808904951183066_2270625212804958399_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6jiuSOu7OREQ7kNvgGdzvgb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDmADQy3CmW3R1LpsVBNbidRLijESb4A42gdB2z48g19Q&oe=664F1856 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826884 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774008 | 810 | 1936986736817811 | 1 | 7.5422171679118E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570727809285 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715201704 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440960165_1162803774732266_1771840509886786318_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jt6WntaS7mgQ7kNvgHIEuWU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCXxku80QdejLY9srCAvq35JvO-LBHEmqvQnZsNKYi24w&oe=664F1BD5 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440945302_3694135694191645_7042391855741683783_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wmRnblnVjjcQ7kNvgGzdSJJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAle6vZKGG8zvdDj3YNqQ-j6JPRh2b8VCdTGfNy0PMhOw&oe=664F3426 | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826909 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774008 | 810 | 433697319024398 | 6 | 1.6550246085646E+15 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205439851020685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/boxing-resistance-bands | 1711384631 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431574138_333371179735017_6865493517643319687_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=thN2_V8gDrgQ7kNvgGuOKJP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBfuNprTrr_CZQDZPaQo1zwgz6EK5OZvipX3HIav-H4Ww&oe=664F333D | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434017644_1862051540904358_4679136093091877076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T2uCA_weSkUQ7kNvgFwjHWT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDs6ABQxHN06EvL7cbLEqzoK3S7Tq0wVt4AFJxqZ_ccHA&oe=664F094C | 0 | 3 | Boost your athletic edge with Boxing Resistance Bands โ train for power, strength, and agility, and be the champion you're meant to be! ๐ฅ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826885 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774009 | 810 | 3972673309626563 | 1 | 1.1870140824559E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104875444530306 | 0 | Local Housing Source | 6570727811085 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! | Unlock 1% Cash Back - Start Your Self-Guided Home Tours Today! | http://fb.me/ | 1715201706 | 1.0487544453031E+14 | Local Housing Source | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440859355_314034255060675_4327636648872134043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NR5gbUTGsP4Q7kNvgGq_0iY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBJ58jwB4YiyZklJXAb-Z3a453fOKeeOyLBNIKEApBIqw&oe=664F0E92 | person_profile | 0 | Real Estate & Relationships | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440479765_440791025213150_9072856694871241234_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RwFO8UZ-oxgQ7kNvgHo_usB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB5jyPh7HEX4yAIBKygb3T_cV_ao1WeYW1DXuo4yteIOg&oe=664F0E7A | 0 | 3 | Get 1% Cash Back When You Buy a Home!<br /> <br /> Looking to buy your dream home? We're here to help! Get expert guidance and 1% cash back on your closing costs when you buy with Local Housing Source. It's a win-win!<br /> <br /> Why Choose Us?<br /> <br /> 1% Cash Back on Closing Costs: Sign with us, and youโll get real money back when you close. <br /> Expert Guidance: Our experienced agents guide you from start to finish, making the home-buying process a breeze. <br /> Hassle-Free Tours: Explore homes at your pace with flexible self-guided tours. Simple Offer Process: When you're ready to make an offer, our easy process ensures a smooth transaction.<br /> <br /> Why This Matters?<br /> <br /> With our 1% cash back, you could save thousands on your new home. In 2023, our average rebate was $31,038. Think about what you could do with that extra cash!<br /> <br /> Ready to Get Started?<br /> <br /> Contact Local Housing Source today and let's find your dream home together. With us, buying a home has never been easierโor more rewarding.<br /> <br /> Contact Us Now! | Local Housing Source | 2 | https://facebook.com/100071426276633 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826886 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774009 | 810 | 409446078673032 | 5 | 1.6334756740528E+15 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 110757928736038 | 0 | HappyMe's | 120208390565430724 | norvure.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Let Your Pup Roam Safely With This Tie Out Stake | 40% Off Until Midnight | https://norvure.com/products/tanglefree%E2%84%A2-360-swivel-dog-tie-out-stake | 1715049494 | 1.1075792873604E+14 | HappyMe's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424585601_786195066602972_3927234968190252650_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DG6G_CJ9oPsQ7kNvgGdlN3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAxtJ5dcTdTGexJuJBsR773O26m6X8Y6I-GRO8iyAdTiw&oe=664F0EB4 | person_profile | 0 | HappyMe's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954458_3672786402991305_4834993696482844962_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uyS7_u122rwQ7kNvgHe8Auk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1BB1AElRDkpZ-x6eR7xTUb7YydHDgO-mqXfVSuwZYxw&oe=664F359E | 0 | 3 | ๐พ Give your furry friend the freedom to explore without tangles! TangleFreeโข 360ยฐ Swivel Dog Tie-Out Stake ensures your pet's safety and your peace of mind during outdoor playtime.<br /> <br /> ๐ Click Below To Get Yours 40% Off Until Midnight | HappyMe's | 4235 | https://facebook.com/100094368992659 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826887 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774009 | 810 | 477942217919342 | 5 | 7.9330905624098E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 110757928736038 | 0 | HappyMe's | 120208390565450724 | norvure.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Let Your Pup Roam Safely With This Tie Out Stake | 40% Off Until Midnight | https://norvure.com/products/tanglefree%E2%84%A2-360-swivel-dog-tie-out-stake | 1715049493 | 1.1075792873604E+14 | HappyMe's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440410296_320816604184579_4382935421732099458_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-jB0Vrsuey4Q7kNvgHy1xDA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDVEPEhQFJh8SbcQEdafQAyshwhpBrpuH8EQACmuzEQEg&oe=664F153C | person_profile | 0 | HappyMe's | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438118318_3775657095983445_6022554941443760618_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GVJrgiedu5AQ7kNvgF6Iw9L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBth39XYNukq7JUbIbiKHJP896FHz7YDS2p-Gtbf_SmlA&oe=664F02D2 | 0 | 3 | ๐พ Give your furry friend the freedom to explore without tangles! TangleFreeโข 360ยฐ Swivel Dog Tie-Out Stake ensures your pet's safety and your peace of mind during outdoor playtime.<br /> <br /> ๐ Click Below To Get Yours 40% Off Until Midnight | HappyMe's | 4235 | https://facebook.com/100094368992659 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826910 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774009 | 810 | 446797251111798 | 5 | 1.7556765916298E+15 | 1714114800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205439332780685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/digital-hand-gripper | 1711383736 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433282456_1333868253967337_1113881468506284985_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X_MuHGafmYQQ7kNvgGZxqIW&_nc_oc=Adjuo41L3tglJmR6kCGnTjc4nvw_aXReHoGfmy8PCYvs4QtSCEE38jQGt_eEKOkGmY4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAoixDagIZgJEgaoXW7ilbFreYfxnZhg5rzpTzVHzz4Pg&oe=664F2CBD | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433436070_421680633846828_4591200998363717083_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5YCW67m7X8UQ7kNvgFnn1nW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCxQ2gGxhcOQOZOC2aHpDRfQCrbG81qMEMOIwAeT9tEUg&oe=664F202A | 0 | 3 | Crush your fitness goals with precision โ Grab the Digital Hand Gripper for smart strength tracking at your fingertips! ๐ช | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826911 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774009 | 810 | 730261222590017 | 6 | 7.2548876299288E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205439173170685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/massage-hook | 1711383319 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433123906_955377466034851_3980822897028520513_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MIJxtwVV1wsQ7kNvgGe2TAh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDKZIHM-EwuhAKNJjbCMJoks47zzWD2gc4GCihtJ8BmoA&oe=664F3482 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434281725_25737010635886282_2450402894438612038_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L1iF5SF_GwAQ7kNvgEyvndR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9hh3qfpjFENHumL9T37s_aSdQIxtWLwxPfRf7SvDPnA&oe=664F0A3C | 0 | 3 | Unwind in comfort with the Massage Hook โ Your at-home solution for deep relaxation and pain relief ๐ฟ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1713682800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826894 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774009 | 810 | 990782845988369 | 2 | 3.9890085610554E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060000800618 | NONE | video | 1716057041 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443697148_799927242089019_295497886592006299_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g1JDyMGqacwQ7kNvgGnNk9W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDwNgsHiugBnh4GHpOhWoLbydKvl7E5mqnqediCX3ea8Q&oe=664F19E3 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436352121_424315997192605_8542982370686594171_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pqLVTC3XJHsQ7kNvgFrAxt5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCCy6ru7S-VNcAPmCbHa5rmOshHE6ma8p0MxEZduXNQnA&oe=664F0962 | 0 | 3 | Our head coach Victoria English @victoriaenglish1111 talks about the effect your drinking can have on your kids.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #aflโ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #sobriety | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826905 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774010 | 810 | 624461703169271 | 1 | 4.3310230580463E+14 | 1711177200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101479542560743 | 0 | ConsumerSafe.com | 120205741070030259 | contact.consumersafe.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | See If You Qualify | They set aside $4.5 billion... | https://contact.consumersafe.com/roundup/ | 1710166508 | 1.0147954256074E+14 | ConsumerSafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431615458_770690081512177_3495676478623739503_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dlIh9gMJkuIQ7kNvgFrAsdC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOF3cZUHvhSBkul4HCJTAIstoo-p7clPWkLi5XGzW45Q&oe=664F0185 | person_profile | 0 | Consumersafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431770947_782259450625980_2788408335447563369_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HhYpfnxccAMQ7kNvgHr50Rv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7UafcS4RlZZHCLvhI6lBcnfQ4Tcb06FXjEutDTB-B8A&oe=664F0469 | 0 | 3 | Roundup weedkiller has been linked to Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma. If you or someone you know used Roundup and was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma, you could be eligible to receive significant compensation as part of a settlement. Click to learn more and see if you qualify. | ConsumerSafe.com | 1371 | https://facebook.com/consumersafedotcom | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710140400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826899 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774010 | 810 | 1055482766167690 | 1 | 3.6860423564926E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104366732768770 | 0 | Burn Boot Camp - Gretna, NE | 120209890494200529 | burnbootcamp.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Summer Starts Here | 3 Days FREE โ๏ธ | http://burnbootcamp.com/gretna | 1715272728 | 1.0436673276877E+14 | Burn Boot Camp - Gretna, NE | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440775776_1404502963534272_4042266776032601965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QyOLGO2-0bkQ7kNvgG3TPzg&_nc_oc=AdhCKAxAYlXyDAyca56T_hUnwBn1hpCPBw6mispk9CLcvLARkLOkx-yKmDmhXPIx00E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoUBoFwkuX1bUhxJ0FKIDPM2G_doVzlFpdshw7JEqouw&oe=664F0731 | person_profile | 0 | Burn Bootcamp-Gretna | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438145839_1173850856865804_207031696846178395_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V_cEhJ1QAQAQ7kNvgHmz1dH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAuGH1OXIY-oUlkWaZSfNaeJrJrptfxB_GuSE9b5quvCQ&oe=664F24B8 | 0 | 3 | Are you still waiting for that perfect moment to start working out again?<br /> <br /> Well, guess what? NOW is the time to take action and start building habits that lead to a healthier, happier you. Feeling unsure of where to begin? Let Burn Boot Camp be your guide and motivator every step of the way!<br /> <br /> Claim your 3-day FREE trial and get ready to dive into:<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ Unlimited camps<br /> โก๏ธ Energizing and challenging workouts<br /> ๐ช Fitness routines tailored to all levels<br /> ๐ฅฆ Personalized nutritional guidance<br /> ๐ง Complimentary Childwatch <br /> ๐ A transformative community of support<br /> <br /> Time is quickly running out on this offer! Seize the opportunity to start your free 3-day trial today! Click Learn More to reserve your spot. | Burn Boot Camp - Gretna, NE | 413 | https://facebook.com/burnbootcampgretnane | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826904 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774010 | 810 | 624461703169271 | 1 | 4.3310230580463E+14 | 1711177200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101479542560743 | 0 | ConsumerSafe.com | 120205741070030259 | contact.consumersafe.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | See If You Qualify | They set aside $4.5 billion... | https://contact.consumersafe.com/roundup/ | 1710166508 | 1.0147954256074E+14 | ConsumerSafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431615458_770690081512177_3495676478623739503_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dlIh9gMJkuIQ7kNvgFrAsdC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOF3cZUHvhSBkul4HCJTAIstoo-p7clPWkLi5XGzW45Q&oe=664F0185 | person_profile | 0 | Consumersafe.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431770947_782259450625980_2788408335447563369_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HhYpfnxccAMQ7kNvgHr50Rv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7UafcS4RlZZHCLvhI6lBcnfQ4Tcb06FXjEutDTB-B8A&oe=664F0469 | 0 | 3 | Roundup weedkiller has been linked to Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma. If you or someone you know used Roundup and was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkinโs Lymphoma, you could be eligible to receive significant compensation as part of a settlement. Click to learn more and see if you qualify. | ConsumerSafe.com | 1371 | https://facebook.com/consumersafedotcom | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1710140400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826912 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774010 | 810 | 782761196703175 | 5 | 3.5342400771126E+14 | 1713596400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205438995860685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/waist-twisting-disc | 1711382962 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433479221_420110183937191_478106752442852752_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q4KBYyfu4iMQ7kNvgEt76xf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYClVQhc1Wj8SiTy0y7kI3oJ7TVSWbHRPBcGsOUPa26OCw&oe=664F13BF | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433490542_7094954960616616_7004627976478776710_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jsiqsygYMbgQ7kNvgFQtVGZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCzyDdfn0hzQ3c-PLAWpWRlhauyNFvAJ4ModhIiAiVFFg&oe=664F2B42 | 0 | 3 | Spin into shape with the Waist Twisting Disc โ Fun meets fitness with a twist of magnetic magic for balance and core strength! | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1713423600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826913 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774010 | 810 | 793146902699782 | 6 | 1.0968745049686E+15 | 1712818800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205340264730685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/electric-protein-shaker | 1711116031 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432067347_1063576474745018_724497605306183776_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tOWcyJ6r9FYQ7kNvgGdKOeZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkYyjKnyBpms8jZzD_nbz1rSiPHqbI-0KMaoY5WWOt5Q&oe=664F166C | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432063006_408226161794850_4398130670109671840_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7Kv5Z8Pk_b8Q7kNvgF0VC9F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBrPEp9FuSTniwSKTc2eX6ykeTCnXPTGwOHC9bCjVgu_w&oe=664F2205 | 0 | 3 | Shake up your routine with the 650ml Electric Protein Shaker โ Perfect blends on the go with auto-stirring technology! ๐ฅคโจ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1712646000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826914 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 940233510969718 | 4 | 4.299501528349E+14 | 1711350000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205339917860685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/breathing-trainer | 1711115126 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409159508_909907801139692_4675947778815173690_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zEZkByr0BroQ7kNvgH7FWNj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBKzzfUGhimgOJeAwZeD758m7sipjizEObXusdYuhyYxw&oe=664EFE83 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434199605_1355640305829901_533890186268236937_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i1dXQcqUWe0Q7kNvgGnONRt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDc4IizboYGGXVwXagp380efDNBuMhDxk6bylufcHjxhg&oe=664F262B | 0 | 3 | Boost your lungs, boost your performance! Get the portable Breathing Trainer for peak fitness. ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1711090800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826915 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 949006196933375 | 4 | 1.8474876090456E+15 | 1713682800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 112869771908331 | 0 | FurHaven | 120210839648410237 | furhaven.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://furhaven.co/products/crawling-crab-learning-toy-for-infants | 1712927784 | 1.1286977190833E+14 | FurHaven | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435172890_810174554464881_3840244123437137377_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Kpnz_B0DqqQQ7kNvgHq71cU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC7j_XmC8Tu_tp6RmPEWQX49CQO38AZ_bavjg95F_zyBQ&oe=664F00FB | person_profile | 0 | Fur Haven | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435199818_978593933935320_2431553962050734042_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KvNB0arnNPwQ7kNvgEZq2hA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAFsvG658UDudhGpT5iYEO3Hqq8SbOWPscP0FguziE9Dg&oe=664EFDBC | 0 | 3 | Make playtime a developmental dance with the Crawling Crabโwhere every giggle is a step towards growth! ๐ฆ | FurHaven | 42 | https://facebook.com/FurHavenn | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1713510000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826916 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 1104888433966601 | 1 | 1.1887011754868E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205440052510685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/adjustable-squat-blocks | 1711385055 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433950848_942866697552715_8955147792521200862_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=onWkauFyfWAQ7kNvgE3-4Qb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZk_VwfVMqf3yMai3BTvCWbD5fm5EZath2ZOGR8IkSYw&oe=664F160C | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431546912_735054122076905_4168958330943610824_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5ODBsMiAuU8Q7kNvgHeax5d&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCv6T5UfH4wXjrusKTcMs9gMwdFqDPWa3UVzP6eOoLJQg&oe=664F11C6 | 0 | 3 | Raise the bar on your squats and deadlifts with the Adjustable Squat Block โ custom stability for peak performance! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826917 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 1454863848475764 | 4 | 4.0207777608654E+14 | 1713250800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 101065786425886 | 0 | Fit Fusion Hub | 120205340382510685 | fitfusionhub.co | Shop now | NONE | video | Free Worldwide Shipping! | โญโญโญโญโญ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/elastic-pull-rope | 1711116410 | 1.0106578642589E+14 | Fit Fusion Hub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433685284_230951176767937_5577598456174420825_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o7EMRmDeulUQ7kNvgEPlTPk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9fn9TsqnMlxKIX-prqVaNlASIdIZN1OOa-uxeGK-dSg&oe=664F1846 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433673307_964959445189060_119075567916080744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wkAjeGnGBnMQ7kNvgH1mpRw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDeQU3HAGasaGH1bEwKr2Tkn3mgJPZGtbGT5_oPXg2D1w&oe=664F259E | 0 | 3 | Unlock a full-body workout anytime, anywhere with the Elastic Pull Ropeโyour go-to for fitness flexibility! ๐ช๐ ๐ | Fit Fusion Hub | 41 | https://facebook.com/fitfusionhub | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1713078000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826919 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 407435458783095 | 1 | 4.4919643099403E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 123761154145420 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | 120209077520050097 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | By Yevgeny Faybusovich | Details and contact info >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/iGONNU/23603 | 1715867352 | 1.2376115414542E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441194889_3616123255308205_8492405514718660910_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l2Ai1aUAs38Q7kNvgGDx3XT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCQsh1v2UcsRxIt2qSbI-xceXXAPqFKqn57U4MfF6zlKA&oe=664F1CF6 | person_profile | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436165979_432984282702877_8097473472416291195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bzJgWyZ4kpMQ7kNvgFihdBI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhZWnDwgcrlTIQ4BLjBEqCG14DD36qmFQjFSCyMqRsoQ&oe=664F019A | 0 | 3 | Recently sold in 21157! Markets change quickly. Curious what your home's worth? Reach out for a free analysis. | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | 11 | https://facebook.com/spherebuilderbal | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826920 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 946050677215501 | 1 | 3.7148267588382E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 123761154145420 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | 120209081337380097 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | By John R Hodgson | Details and contact info >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/OvalYX/15739 | 1715872497 | 1.2376115414542E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441031266_3745308512405682_3608540851435696879_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dQz-PupVEIAQ7kNvgGImUa9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnHEkwft_-BnlX-lN9OHJOzZ4HU6FYMJl3Y-q1lnjJqQ&oe=664F14FB | person_profile | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426069069_477210604829093_1201577824069924637_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7zWpkwB6m-MQ7kNvgFz117d&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCA13FNrn1h0faJ5kgHkOSOt2m5KxtvPHdoImWz5tNj1g&oe=664F11D7 | 0 | 3 | Recently sold in 21037! Markets change quickly. Curious what your home's worth? Reach out for a free analysis. | SphereBuilder Community - BAL | 11 | https://facebook.com/spherebuilderbal | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826921 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774011 | 810 | 820463626601087 | 1 | 1.1745056837227E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114588168402434 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | 120210100613580312 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | By Jodi Diego | Details and contact info >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/oIkX68/23716 | 1715801390 | 1.1458816840243E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159755_425885953729173_9008960467749569091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0JP3dE7_-wkQ7kNvgFRxx22&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAEU2wd8OYnspIYUOt2HbUW_l0Tm5q0uNA4U7KlCfcjnA&oe=664F3050 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424957941_715570653926881_3340570235768362858_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ip42POcWaaYQ7kNvgEBeA8b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD51G15jrU8bL-vVum7_oLQQhjZ-mjmu43cHck2VNhQzw&oe=664F204C | 0 | 3 | Recently sold in 17019! Markets change quickly. Curious what your home's worth? Reach out for a free analysis. | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | 16 | https://facebook.com/spherebuilderphl | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715756400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826922 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 363740666700371 | 1 | 1.6213040087041E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114970411603490 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | 120211130689350247 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | By Judy L Szynborski | Details and contact info >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/SMY32c/10118 | 1715686707 | 1.1497041160349E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443820413_413434571557916_3488416255950626808_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oEULraA9LM0Q7kNvgGWwsZ4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCyAv-HizORyT8xJmF12JSscu3zsQ-QPrCbf81wPtpkLw&oe=664F128A | person_profile | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442404623_431688199488354_4574507860205172466_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wx1s_kCTL-cQ7kNvgFdoouZ&_nc_oc=Adh0h_FDax_6jYPOnL2g6qx9dRLdQbPx7g2l63lZXF_fVL65zXabrsmAL0l3qDzptuo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDaiXzAnBM-Hvl6DDAo8EbJYnH9w-PrIBeydo984DYqTw&oe=664F1784 | 0 | 3 | Recently sold in 20657! Markets change quickly. Curious what your home's worth? Reach out for a free analysis. | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | 26 | https://facebook.com/spherebuildergwa | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826937 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774012 | 810 | 423787033626246 | 1 | 9.5404700312256E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120210400600470334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Efficient Commercial Trucking Solutions | Let's optimize your logistics! | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/services | 1713888358 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631490_446546801091820_3798544709504058628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm9NNGhsuSIQ7kNvgFRcbfc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBloG_XvmqypyIUOjpooZqmZC6a7CmGztOTHODnRA5GlQ&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439921882_355177520344511_1972065197139668211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YEnbJjWfznUQ7kNvgFx2JhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAG1WDRxj9NybydRHp2yxtGzPHFaR1Tv0ZSrNlzXyo55g&oe=664F1FF6 | 0 | 3 | Let's optimize your logistics! | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826923 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 1124693315500941 | 1 | 9.9162402516489E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114970411603490 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | 120210992823520247 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | Just listed at $549,999 | For photos and details >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/jaiKRm/22167 | 1715448802 | 1.1497041160349E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424579860_389996964041411_6523787863392233773_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GhWcxGB9j7wQ7kNvgG9GLXG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDu7UHs1EiY-oD14oHh4T3S13YtLbYM3CjnF0GsRGon1w&oe=664F1820 | person_profile | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441069823_725149292901236_2777549334864143514_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uQcPFvKMIPwQ7kNvgF5C4wX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCtRmAfNfssF__H7V17iLcT74HCwtsCMMK_Hb-eU7sCaQ&oe=664F352C | 0 | 3 | New to Market! Welcome to 6658 E Forbes Pl E. Maribel Alvarez of Move4free Realty, LLC just listed this 4 bd, 3 ba, 1132 sf home in Bealeton | SphereBuilder Community - GWA | 26 | https://facebook.com/spherebuildergwa | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826924 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 679771527573816 | 1 | 9.5691207609713E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108164895515 | 0 | LifeCare Alliance | 120208883012670396 | lifecarealliance.org | Learn more | NONE | image | Supporting Independence & Dignity | You can make a difference! | https://www.lifecarealliance.org/beingtherematters/ | 1714765915 | 108164895515 | LifeCare Alliance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438144986_672527694998886_2515713942064662129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pExlQEaws1UQ7kNvgEXsb_4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAqPZtRvDb6YJa7-s3dAUoDYyfMYN2c6EFn8dxyzkkjTw&oe=664F3177 | person_profile | 0 | LifeCare Alliance | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440413863_1589580615151604_4716376650662036087_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c_X3-dv2MqoQ7kNvgEAJUhb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDxVKhOJfJgfg79txaJo0r35URHeJ8xpkWr9a2uWRTAZw&oe=664F2D82 | 0 | 3 | Explore the vital services we provide for seniors and those with medical challenges. From Meals on Wheels to our Free Cancer Clinic, Help-at-Home and so much more, Being There Matters. Join the Alliance โ donate or volunteer today! | LifeCare Alliance | 4033 | https://facebook.com/LifeCareAlliance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826925 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828016 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/25/25, 8:53 AM | 1716079228 | 1745589207 | 810 | 1105984037168235 | 1 | 9.06290917919E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106563450892167 | 0 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 120207724331150068 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Do you have a website?","response":"Yes I do. My website has pictures of my work and reviews and allows you to book an appointment with me\ud83d\ude04 my website is: https:\/\/scarlatoshinedetail.com"},{"title":"How long do the details take and where do they take place?","response":"Details duration will vary based on vehicle size, the conditions it is in, type of seats and floor mats and many factors. I have exterior only details take me 3 hours, some interior details take me 5-7 hours and full details can take me 8-10 hours. It just depends. All details are done at my place."},{"title":"What services do you offer?","response":"I offer interior detail services and exterior detail services. Interior i do deep vacuuming, wipe down of all doors, door jams, dashboard and steering wheel components, plastics and leather treated, all seats, floor mats and carpet shampooed and extracted and steamed, wax and ceramic coating + more!"}],"text":"Hello! Please send me your vehicle(s) year, make and model followed by some pictures of the car so I can give you a free quoted price \ud83d\ude98\ud83e\uddfc\u2728"}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716067437 | 1.0656345089217E+14 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950759_1824338131400544_5298914551719449482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-IIN2XKUzdUQ7kNvgGKSj3x&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGdXOx2cQWQwKL8mqDn3ltQ_afG_VGNajIQXxwpo9hLg&oe=664F26AF | person_profile | 0 | โจScarlato Shine Auto Detailing ๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444790556_453951867042391_7534849034261963032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7b2SayywXYMQ7kNvgHEkVX9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUEFZFXYX33sLjpjBDq9fhEncGlbv6DyBhtrzkHhJpHw&oe=664F1160 | 0 | 3 | Scarlato Shine Automotive Detailing Service | 22 | https://facebook.com/100066612730350 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826926 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826927 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826928 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826929 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079144 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826930 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774012 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826931 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826938 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 423787033626246 | 1 | 9.5404700312256E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120210400600470334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Efficient Commercial Trucking Solutions | Let's optimize your logistics! | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/services | 1713888358 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631490_446546801091820_3798544709504058628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm9NNGhsuSIQ7kNvgFRcbfc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBloG_XvmqypyIUOjpooZqmZC6a7CmGztOTHODnRA5GlQ&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439921882_355177520344511_1972065197139668211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YEnbJjWfznUQ7kNvgFx2JhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAG1WDRxj9NybydRHp2yxtGzPHFaR1Tv0ZSrNlzXyo55g&oe=664F1FF6 | 0 | 3 | Let's optimize your logistics! | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826932 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826933 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826934 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 413202948195753 | 25 | 9.6783316154479E+14 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210797601370002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714154249 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438221346_347076918382053_5509872404599054561_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqM3iz6lsY8Q7kNvgFhoz4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU3-l_HsjqLvfMxmKVfC7MbQm2wbGPFfDO_TRpEftvpA&oe=664F021D | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240590_982215810240924_7779339330704555568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cu0KeO8aZ2MQ7kNvgFa1SBz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBRdXz6HHWQ2FffM7z193nG-UbdIuFWhln87pIgbuUhQQ&oe=664F0B60 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715497200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826935 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 423787033626246 | 1 | 9.5404700312256E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120210400600470334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Efficient Commercial Trucking Solutions | Let's optimize your logistics! | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/services | 1713888358 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631490_446546801091820_3798544709504058628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm9NNGhsuSIQ7kNvgFRcbfc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBloG_XvmqypyIUOjpooZqmZC6a7CmGztOTHODnRA5GlQ&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439921882_355177520344511_1972065197139668211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YEnbJjWfznUQ7kNvgFx2JhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAG1WDRxj9NybydRHp2yxtGzPHFaR1Tv0ZSrNlzXyo55g&oe=664F1FF6 | 0 | 3 | Let's optimize your logistics! | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826939 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 423787033626246 | 1 | 9.5404700312256E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105559638886710 | 0 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 120210400600470334 | lewyslandscaping.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Efficient Commercial Trucking Solutions | Let's optimize your logistics! | https://www.lewyslandscaping.com/services | 1713888358 | 1.0555963888671E+14 | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439631490_446546801091820_3798544709504058628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm9NNGhsuSIQ7kNvgFRcbfc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBloG_XvmqypyIUOjpooZqmZC6a7CmGztOTHODnRA5GlQ&oe=664F1FFF | person_profile | 0 | Lewy's | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439921882_355177520344511_1972065197139668211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YEnbJjWfznUQ7kNvgFx2JhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAG1WDRxj9NybydRHp2yxtGzPHFaR1Tv0ZSrNlzXyo55g&oe=664F1FF6 | 0 | 3 | Let's optimize your logistics! | Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work | 525 | https://facebook.com/lewysparistn | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1713942000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826940 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 1879390642474185 | 1 | 7.7004547176018E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 214305385109285 | 0 | Delaney Worldwide | 120208791531700084 | delaneyworldwide.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Trusted Movers For a Smooth Transition | Stress-free relocation. | http://www.delaneyworldwide.com/ | 1713558864 | 2.1430538510928E+14 | Delaney Worldwide | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436547483_7464615606938391_7957480284726591432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vON09nJW-0MQ7kNvgEST8lJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCClpNw8o11Dpo-AjO6QhTcFAfsivKCEKueZwMJ0Y-zlQ&oe=664F2EBB | person_profile | 0 | Delaney Worldwide Inc | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439625953_400220496122398_789550840492018026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5THf7XO8ttAQ7kNvgFsCjrt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA_uSlv4Ux2V5CvmBer7GSLhm6y9ez26lj2XjqwWZSPOQ&oe=664F1CEB | 0 | 3 | Stress-free relocation. | Delaney Worldwide | 1 | https://facebook.com/61557773368721 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826941 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 1879390642474185 | 1 | 7.7004547176018E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 214305385109285 | 0 | Delaney Worldwide | 120208791531700084 | delaneyworldwide.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Trusted Movers For a Smooth Transition | Stress-free relocation. | http://www.delaneyworldwide.com/ | 1713558864 | 2.1430538510928E+14 | Delaney Worldwide | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436547483_7464615606938391_7957480284726591432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vON09nJW-0MQ7kNvgEST8lJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCClpNw8o11Dpo-AjO6QhTcFAfsivKCEKueZwMJ0Y-zlQ&oe=664F2EBB | person_profile | 0 | Delaney Worldwide Inc | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439625953_400220496122398_789550840492018026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5THf7XO8ttAQ7kNvgFsCjrt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA_uSlv4Ux2V5CvmBer7GSLhm6y9ez26lj2XjqwWZSPOQ&oe=664F1CEB | 0 | 3 | Stress-free relocation. | Delaney Worldwide | 1 | https://facebook.com/61557773368721 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826942 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 1879390642474185 | 1 | 7.7004547176018E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 214305385109285 | 0 | Delaney Worldwide | 120208791531700084 | delaneyworldwide.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Trusted Movers For a Smooth Transition | Stress-free relocation. | http://www.delaneyworldwide.com/ | 1713558864 | 2.1430538510928E+14 | Delaney Worldwide | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436547483_7464615606938391_7957480284726591432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vON09nJW-0MQ7kNvgEST8lJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCClpNw8o11Dpo-AjO6QhTcFAfsivKCEKueZwMJ0Y-zlQ&oe=664F2EBB | person_profile | 0 | Delaney Worldwide Inc | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439625953_400220496122398_789550840492018026_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5THf7XO8ttAQ7kNvgFsCjrt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA_uSlv4Ux2V5CvmBer7GSLhm6y9ez26lj2XjqwWZSPOQ&oe=664F1CEB | 0 | 3 | Stress-free relocation. | Delaney Worldwide | 1 | https://facebook.com/61557773368721 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713855600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826943 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774013 | 810 | 345926824668670 | 1 | 9.6609747509361E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 291860035962 | 0 | METROPOLITAN | 120207854280430176 | metropolitanclt.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Free Parking, Free Admission | 2024 Music at the Met | https://metropolitanclt.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=Music at the Met 2024 - Continuing&utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4687215-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1713333063 | 291860035962 | METROPOLITAN | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435708397_7334697413265121_6218902580414686743_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTOihQjLhHIQ7kNvgHnN-ui&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmJZ5zmM00Q-AxuxLZr2EUmGvQdRCcKB9y1Il4WakPQQ&oe=664F23C3 | person_profile | 0 | Metropolitan Charlotte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128599_1096383574912997_6947439640788777905_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PjbVikU7MVQQ7kNvgHZmAQd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAHT8QZV9GusuSl6o8pqnyo0y0JnlcKPVjHRXIdVyUPTQ&oe=664F30CB | 0 | 3 | 2024 Music at the Met | METROPOLITAN | 4837 | https://facebook.com/metropolitanclt | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826944 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774014 | 810 | 345926824668670 | 1 | 9.6609747509361E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 291860035962 | 0 | METROPOLITAN | 120207854280430176 | metropolitanclt.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Free Parking, Free Admission | 2024 Music at the Met | https://metropolitanclt.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=Music at the Met 2024 - Continuing&utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4687215-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1713333063 | 291860035962 | METROPOLITAN | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435708397_7334697413265121_6218902580414686743_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTOihQjLhHIQ7kNvgHnN-ui&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmJZ5zmM00Q-AxuxLZr2EUmGvQdRCcKB9y1Il4WakPQQ&oe=664F23C3 | person_profile | 0 | Metropolitan Charlotte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128599_1096383574912997_6947439640788777905_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PjbVikU7MVQQ7kNvgHZmAQd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAHT8QZV9GusuSl6o8pqnyo0y0JnlcKPVjHRXIdVyUPTQ&oe=664F30CB | 0 | 3 | 2024 Music at the Met | METROPOLITAN | 4837 | https://facebook.com/metropolitanclt | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826945 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774014 | 810 | 345926824668670 | 1 | 9.6609747509361E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 291860035962 | 0 | METROPOLITAN | 120207854280430176 | metropolitanclt.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Free Parking, Free Admission | 2024 Music at the Met | https://metropolitanclt.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=Music at the Met 2024 - Continuing&utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4687215-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1713333063 | 291860035962 | METROPOLITAN | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435708397_7334697413265121_6218902580414686743_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTOihQjLhHIQ7kNvgHnN-ui&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBmJZ5zmM00Q-AxuxLZr2EUmGvQdRCcKB9y1Il4WakPQQ&oe=664F23C3 | person_profile | 0 | Metropolitan Charlotte | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128599_1096383574912997_6947439640788777905_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PjbVikU7MVQQ7kNvgHZmAQd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAHT8QZV9GusuSl6o8pqnyo0y0JnlcKPVjHRXIdVyUPTQ&oe=664F30CB | 0 | 3 | 2024 Music at the Met | METROPOLITAN | 4837 | https://facebook.com/metropolitanclt | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826946 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774014 | 810 | 225317477305852 | 1 | 1.0927243117802E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 232263819969043 | 0 | Northern Michigan Regional Entity | 120208704833530222 | drugfreenorthernmichigan.net | Contact us | NONE | image | Take The First Step Towards A Brighter Future | Break free from the bet. | https://www.drugfreenorthernmichigan.net/education-awareness/gambling.html | 1712084250 | 2.3226381996904E+14 | Northern Michigan Regional Entity | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434455004_828695165761950_2107849835655896905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6GlKYVV9f4AQ7kNvgF4ashz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYACQGHq5q22rVvT1LADIdgMmkmJ_WhHsRP2zGPt7Rr2Pw&oe=664F0BA2 | person_profile | 0 | Northern Michigan Regional Ent | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434592496_1008484914051427_4155198943189880564_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eer95UZ3-FUQ7kNvgGJlcRB&_nc_oc=AdjB-E-zwJ6t6Fmk6j4ZvC9JMcXxxy6o-GO074mbbHcQQ_vQ9eT4UG7ZE27OEWa14ak&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAyrQJQNCTzJ0BDAw72sugNdX4Ztoo9JzCHxTZt7biWHg&oe=664F2238 | 0 | 3 | Seek help from the MDHHS helpline to quit your gambling addiction. Their dedicated team is here to provide the aid you need! | Northern Michigan Regional Entity | 7 | https://facebook.com/61556001462885 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1712559600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826947 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774014 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826948 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774014 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827009 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774015 | 810 | 216463318195471 | 1 | 3.5079396395983E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1475434976107462 | 0 | Weiss Property Management | 120207717711510579 | weisspm.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Expertise You Can Trust | Enhance your curb appeal | https://weisspm.com/lawn-mowing-and-landscaping/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=sr_transform_your_property_with_weiss_property &utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4656879-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1710771508 | 1.4754349761075E+15 | Weiss Property Management | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433883042_3571553513062526_408461915678430278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jbSa7DEFy_8Q7kNvgH2qOH7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCx9bbWiZNPJxO8sKiYkx6psVUmuL1dFjD76RFij5ysqg&oe=664F2DC7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Enhance your curb appeal | Weiss Property Management | 808 | https://facebook.com/weisspm1 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710831600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826949 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826950 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826951 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826952 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826953 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826954 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826955 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079145 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826956 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774015 | 810 | 302398159575876 | 6 | 7.9376878362617E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826957 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774015 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826958 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774015 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826959 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826960 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827010 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774016 | 810 | 216463318195471 | 1 | 3.5079396395983E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1475434976107462 | 0 | Weiss Property Management | 120207717711510579 | weisspm.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Expertise You Can Trust | Enhance your curb appeal | https://weisspm.com/lawn-mowing-and-landscaping/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=sr_transform_your_property_with_weiss_property &utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4656879-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1710771508 | 1.4754349761075E+15 | Weiss Property Management | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433883042_3571553513062526_408461915678430278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jbSa7DEFy_8Q7kNvgH2qOH7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCx9bbWiZNPJxO8sKiYkx6psVUmuL1dFjD76RFij5ysqg&oe=664F2DC7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Enhance your curb appeal | Weiss Property Management | 808 | https://facebook.com/weisspm1 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710831600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826961 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826962 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826963 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826964 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827011 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774016 | 810 | 216463318195471 | 1 | 3.5079396395983E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1475434976107462 | 0 | Weiss Property Management | 120207717711510579 | weisspm.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Expertise You Can Trust | Enhance your curb appeal | https://weisspm.com/lawn-mowing-and-landscaping/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=sr_transform_your_property_with_weiss_property &utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4656879-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod | 1710771508 | 1.4754349761075E+15 | Weiss Property Management | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433883042_3571553513062526_408461915678430278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jbSa7DEFy_8Q7kNvgH2qOH7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCx9bbWiZNPJxO8sKiYkx6psVUmuL1dFjD76RFij5ysqg&oe=664F2DC7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Enhance your curb appeal | Weiss Property Management | 808 | https://facebook.com/weisspm1 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710831600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826965 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826966 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 315094728299932 | 2 | 4.0432693580309E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 342924965562549 | 0 | Random Reading | 120211511879180002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715765000 | 3.4292496556255E+14 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435922042_247479561755579_3821431404594820167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6hCmjs4oQG0Q7kNvgF0tOBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiz1hXFdQuIEvt7Jkj4yp9b9Jc6QXgMcYOor2npkij4w&oe=664F2F08 | person_profile | 0 | Random Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436197202_765438095699980_1525197823077953944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4sIA6Bt0GoQ7kNvgH8u7aF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9qNunYCZmsxs2vJdFQ0o3WDE3wFILLktLTlZ_26Seaw&oe=664F2961 | 0 | 3 | I had never seen Felix like this - fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. I've known Felix since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and they were trying to pair us up again just now. I had a crush on him, and he always treated me kindly. But now, he glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around! That's why they misunderstood! Stay away from me!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. Both my parents and Felix's parents ceased their conversation about our wedding and future. Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? I'm my own man. I'll never marry her, so you all can just stop trying to pair us up!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mineโฆ My father, usually calm, flushed crimson at Felix's harsh words, his fists clenched. Mom, too, looked angry and embarrassed, jaw agape, her expression one of disbelief. Uncle Austin, Felix's father, slapped Felix, scolding, "You rebellious boy! Who taught you to behave like that?" The impact of slap sent Felix reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the white walls. Aunt Mel rushed forward with concern, "Felix, my son! Are you alright?" Felix shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable crime. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, tears streaming down my face and onto the floor. Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much," I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. I, Luna Lawson, also swear to myself - I won't endure the same humiliation AGAIN! | Random Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61559743679549 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826967 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826968 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826969 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774016 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826970 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826971 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826972 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826973 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826974 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826975 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826976 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 350229604734306 | 16 | 9.8242705956723E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826977 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826978 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826979 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826980 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826981 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826982 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826983 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774017 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826984 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826987 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826988 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826989 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826990 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826991 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826992 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1826993 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826994 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828096 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079229 | 1723773976 | 810 | 250126024823842 | 1 | 1.754798965051E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 389189608613291 | 0 | Eric Knope | 120209687354330709 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2015 Lexus RC ยท RC F Coupe 2D | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/450778217323322/ | 1716066714 | 3.8918960861329E+14 | Eric Knope | regular_page | 1 | Eric Knope | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436255471_465157862737810_4076455228329502105_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VL4opoC5rnEQ7kNvgHrkTEx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDU5uYhemHYF1wz5UTaOXZqTm_yaAol-ZnsoxtJF1sX1Q&oe=664F24E0 | 0 | 3 | 2015 Lexus RC ยท RC F Coupe 2D - $24,500.00<br /> <br /> 2015 Lexus RCF Premium 5.0L V8 in excellent condition, runs like new, immaculately kept, southern vehicle, ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX; no accidents. Lexus dealership has done all the maintenance, has all the option in the Premium Package (heated and cooled seats, parking assist, blind spot monitor, rear auto spoiler, etc..) and also the upgraded Mark Levinson GPS/Audio package. Also has ceramic coat protection and Lexus 3M paint protection film on body.... yes it's fast. <br /> <br /> If the AD is up, It's AVAILABLE, but please feel free to contact us with any questions. Excellent condition and super clean. <br /> Dealer located in Roswell, GA. NO doc fee, you pay for cost of the vehicle, TAVT (6.6%), and $48 for registration, tag, and title. VIN: JTHHP5BC8F5001040<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Eric Knope | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1486566624 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826995 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826996 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774019 | 810 | 478272224667453 | 1 | 9.8867341249763E+14 | 1715497200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120208322655090240 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11222&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715247646 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959051_459948103069197_1403971259308613209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjFfn-L88HMQ7kNvgEk9NnU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-DoPkEALeDr686uM6wN6Pq6ge51sIutfuWzjicv0ZYQ&oe=664F1D1C | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441520392_1857443494727194_4363879934185925189_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Mf8myMnW1oQ7kNvgEWlgxF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWO61J8YEcmcWB7PwYypmOeSv8NHy6J5c1wKYgL5YC1g&oe=664F0BAA | 0 | 3 | Melody Swanson had her cell phone's torch turned on to light the path to a white cottage amidst the lavenders. The night breeze was chilly, but all she had on was a white, sleeveless nightgown and lounge slippers. Her expression lifted when she saw she was getting close to the cottage. But the next second, someone reached out from the bushes beside her and gripped her right shoulder tightly. She yelped in shock, dropping her phone onto the ground. The faint light disappeared. The next thing she knew, she was dragged into a hot embrace. "I'll give you a million for one night!" The man's voice rang out behind her. It was deep and smooth. Melody's heart raced at this plot twist. Before she knew it, she'd been flipped onto her front and pinned to the ground amidst the sea of flowers. She widened her eyes and flailed, trying to escape. "No, wait! You've got the wrong person!" "Stop moving, sweetheart. Or are you that desperate for it?" the man rasped. "Let me go!" Melody struggled harder, but the man's tall and toned figure held her in place as he flipped her onto her back. She started feeling scared. She widened her eyes even more, but all she could see were the stars in the sky behind the man's head. There was barely enough light for her to see the man's chiseled featuresโthe desire burning in his eyes was clear as day, though. It was almost as bright as the stars above. Melody tried her best to escape but to no avail. Pain shot through her; the man leaned down to kiss her and swallow her cries. After a long while, he spoke again. His voice was alluring and hoarse. "You're so sweet, darling. I'll give you a million for another round. How about that?" "You're a monster!" Melody's voice was also hoarse from her crying. How could he do something like this to her in such a saintly place? The wind lifted her dress, stained purple by the lavenders they'd crushed underneath them. The scent was oddly intoxicating. They were in Violetville, which was famous for its sea of lavenders. It was so picturesque that many film companies had been attracted to film there. It gradually turned into a filming base. Recently, John Wales, an internationally renowned director, brought a crew of award-winning actors and actresses to Violetville to film a huge production. He'd happened to catch sight of Melody, who was home from college for the holidays. He'd invited her to play the role of an important side character. Melody hadn't expected her sister, Queenie Swanson, to trick her out of the house in the middle of the night upon hearing the news. Queenie had locked the door and refused to open it no matter how she pleaded. Their parents heard everything but did nothing to stop Queenie. The words Queenie had said not too long ago were still reverberating in Melody's mind. "You were capable of catching that director's eye, weren't you? Is it because you've already slept with him? What are you still doing here, then? Go sleep in his hotel room! I won't open the door for you, so get lost!" With no place to go, Melody had no choice but to take shelter in the white cottage amidst the sea of flowers, which was only meant for sightseeing. She hadn't expected to experience something like this, though. Her family's betrayal and the man's advances made her tears flow. They wet the flowers crushed underneath her body. Melody didn't know how long it would take for the man to be sated; it was as if he would never tire. When the sky started turning bright, he finally stopped. He released her hands, which he'd kept pinned in place. Melody immediately grabbed the nearest object and smashed it over the man's head. He'd been saying, "Tell me your name, sweetโ" Melody smashed a rock on his head before he could finish. He didn't manage to dodge itโperhaps he was too relaxed after having had his fill of her. Chapter 2 The man swayed on the spot from the impact. Melody pushed him away; he lay there, looking up at her blearily. She lifted the rock, intending to strike him again. This was self-defense! But the words echoed hollowly in her mindโshe couldn't do itโshe couldn't take his life. Even of a monster, it would stain her forever. Ultimately, she threw the bloodied rock aside and staggered to her feet. She took a step and happened to kick her phone. Melody picked it up and pulled out the cash tucked underneath her phone case. It was the change she'd gotten after doing some grocery shopping. She threw it at the man and snarled, "Listen upโI bought your services for one night, and that's your fee. Keep the change! And don't think it's too little. That's all you're worth!" With that, she turned and stumbled out of the sea of lavenders. The man's vision was already starting to blur. The blood trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. It dyed his vision red as he watched Melody walk away from him. The color of the flowers' stains on her nightgown seemed to mix with the blood in his eyes, giving him the impression that the flowers were blossoming. He was reminded of the night they'd just had together. "Don't goโฆ" he mumbled, reaching for her. But the darkness overtook him. The luxury watch on his wrist gleamed as his hand fell to the ground limply. โฆ Two months later, there was an uproar at the Swanson residence. "You're expecting a baby before marriage! You're a disgrace to the Swanson family! Get out of here!" Horace Swanson shoved Melody away furiously. "This is a small town, and the people here are all good, honest people. How could you pick up all these bad habits from those celebrities whose private lives are so messed up? Leave now! I'll just act like I never gave birth to you!" Susan Lett waved a hand, looking utterly disappointed. "You should leave, Melody. If the neighbors hear about this, how do you expect Mom and Dad to continue living here? I'm not married yet, you know. I don't want you to affect my reputation." Queenie stabbed an apple slice with a toothpick and ate it. She sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the show. Melody pointed at her. "Queenie's the one who locked me out of the house that night because she wanted to get the chance to be in that film! That's why I ended up getting assaulted. Why do you guys refuse to believe me?" Horace stood up and stormed over to her, giving her a hard slap. "Shut up, you imbecile! You're the one who did something so shameless, yet you're still trying to push the blame onto your sister! Don't ever step foot in here again!" "I raised your sister myself, so I know how kind and loving she is. How can you say that about her?" Susan pulled Queenie, who looked aggrieved, into her arms. She gave Melody, who'd fallen to the floor from Horace's slap, a reproachful look. "Is it really like Madam Williams said, Mom? Am I not your daughter? Is that why you won't believe me?" Melody didn't want to cry, but the tears refused to stay in her eyes. They streamed down her face. "Youโฆ Of course you're my daughter! That's why I know what a bad apple you are! How dare you try to blame me when your misbehavior? Leave! Now!" "Fine! I'll go!" Melody staggered to her feet and walked out the door, looking resolute and lonely. โฆ Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Ford Manor was located among a cluster of villas halfway up a mountain in Tottenstone. Ethan Ford was having the same dream again. The woman in his dream wore a white dress, as usual. She had a long, silky smooth hair. He couldn't see her face, though. She didn't seem to enjoy his ministrationsโshe cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he couldn't stop himself from sinking deeper. He held her close. In the next second, he opened his eyes and woke up from the dream. Chapter 3 It was this dream again. Ethan had experienced it almost every night for the past five years. No other woman had managed to arouse him since that incidentโonly the woman in his dreams could. He'd had the same dream for 1,826 days, including today. Even if he was already used to it, Ethan was still irritated. He wiped the sweat from his face; even his hair was damp. He got out of bed. His perfect figure was like a model's, but his face was more handsome than any model could ever have. His demeanor was cold, regal, and domineering. Ethan took a moment to compose himself. He strode to the bathroom after pushing the steamy images out of his mind. The butler, Bill Jones, heard this and came into the room. He quickly changed the soiled sheets. He'd just finished when Ethan came out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. As soon as he graced the room with his toned figure, the atmosphere turned somewhat sensual. Bill stood there with his head bowed. When he saw Ethan head to the wardrobe, he said, "Ms. Wendy Nielson called to invite you out for dinner, Mr. Ford. Should I make arrangements? It's high time you let loose and have some fun, sir." Wendy was the daughter of a politician and one of the most well-known socialites in the region. She'd invited Ethan out countless times since running into him at a banquet a year ago. Ethan grabbed a black shirt and put it on, his back muscles rolling as he did so. He didn't even turn back as he said, "You're too noisy." Bill knew this meant Ethan was turning down the invitation. He didn't dare say anything else. 40 minutes later, Ethan strode out of the villa. His assistant, James Sawyer, hurriedly opened the door to a luxury car parked outside. Ethan got into the car elegantly. As the car drove past the main gates, Ethan glanced at the rearview mirror to see two bodyguards stop a woman in a cap and tracksuit. She tried to run after the car; her ponytail swung with her actions. Ethan retracted his gaze and said to James, "Tell the bodyguards they're out of jobs if I see any strangers as soon as I leave the house again." Sweat beaded on James' forehead. "Yes, sir." "Have you found anything on that woman from five years ago?" Ethan tugged on his tie, his eyes cold. He didn't even need to look at anyone to make them shudder. James stuttered, "N-Not yet, sir." "I'll give you another month. If you can't find anything, you can get lost, too!" Unbeknownst to Ethan, the woman he was searching for was behind him. Her figure became smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Ford, don't go!" Melody finally liberated herself from the bodyguards, but she wasn't in time to catch up with the car. She wanted to run after it, but the bodyguards stopped her again. Amidst the tussle, she fell to the floor and landed on her arm. Pain shot through her. She raised her head to look at the car, but it was long gone. Oh no! It had already been a monthโshe'd staked out every place that Ethan could possibly be at, but someone had stopped her every time. She couldn't even get close to him. It had taken all her connections to get Ethan's address; she'd waited outside for him from 3:00 am onward for several days in a row. Still, she'd failed to even get close to him, let alone speak to him. "Mr. Sawyer just called us. If you show up here again tomorrow, you'll have to pay!" one of the bodyguards warned. Melody looked back at them and pleaded, "Can you please just let me see Mr. Ford? I only have a few things to say to himโit'll only take five minutes! It's about something important, I swear. This has to do with someone's life!" Chapter 4 "Every woman who wants to see Mr. Ford says they need him to save lives! He's not interested in you, okay? There's no point throwing yourself at him," one bodyguard snapped. "Get lost! Don't come here anymore!" another said. They looked like they would resort to violence if Melody refused to leave. She had no choice but to get up and trudge down the mountain, looking glum. "It's rare to see such a gorgeous woman. I'm sure she'd be set for life if she were to go after some other rich kid. Too bad she's greedyโdoesn't she realize where she is? Even Phoebe Shaw, that award-winning actress, isn't worthy of shining Mr. Ford's shoes, let alone her!" one bodyguard said. "You're right about her not knowing her place, but I have to say that she's a lot prettier than Phoebe Shaw," the other said. They continued chatting as they headed into the villa. โฆ It was already the afternoon by the time Melody returned to the hospital. She saw Clive Zimmerman's attending physician, Tom Filbert, come out of the hospital room before Clive's. She hurried over to him. "Dr. Filbert, how has Clive been recently?" "Oh, Mrs. Zimmerman. I've already made your husband's condition clear to youโwe need to find a matching donor as soon as possible for the bone marrow transplant. Otherwiseโฆ" Tom shook his head. Melody paled. Tom continued, "The hospital's been searching for a matching donor, but your husband's condition is deteriorating too quickly. He's running out of time. "As his family, you need to work with us. Try to think of any relatives he might have and bring them to the hospital so we can check their bone marrow. Maybe one of them might be a matchโฆ" Melody paled even more. Tom continued talking, but she couldn't really hear him anymore. She asked with difficulty, "How long does he still have if we can't find a donor?" Tom shook his head. "The bone marrow transplant has to be done within a month. Otherwise, he'll only have three to five months at most." Melody clenched her jaw; her expression became resolute. "I've already found a bone marrow that matches Clive's, but the person hasn't agreed to become a donor yet. I'll find a way to persuade him! "Please make the necessary arrangements for the transplant, Dr. Filbert. I'll bring the donor over before the surgery!" "That's great! I'll arrange for the transplant to be done in ten days, then. Remember to bring the donor over as soon as possibleโhe needs to be checked before the surgery." "Alright." Melody nodded. But once Tom was gone, she slumped against the wall weakly. What was she going to do? The surgery was in ten days, but she'd made zero progress. She hadn't even gotten close to Ethan, let alone persuaded him to donate his bone marrow to Clive. Ethan was the wealthiest man in Emperia, after all. A hair on his head was worth more than most other individuals' lives. Even if she did manage to speak to him, how was she going to get him to agree to help Clive? What was she going to do? Melody approached Clive's hospital room. Before she opened the door, she heard her children, Jacob and Jamie Swanson, singing. They were singing an Enolian song that had been dedicated to the singer's father. Melody peeped inside through the window on the door. Jacob and Jamie wore identical uniforms as they stood hand-in-hand before the window. The sunlight shone down on them, and they swayed on the spot while singing. Clive sat up in bed, also basking in the sunlight as he clapped his hands to the beat of the song. The hospital gown he had on looked too big for him because of the weight he'd lost, and he looked rather haggard. It didn't take away from his good looks, though. There was a gentle smile on his face. He didn't look like a patient who was on the brink of death. Instead, he looked like a patron of the artsโone who was enjoying a grand musical. Melody's eyes turned red. She turned away to dry her tears. Chapter 5 Five years ago, Melody had been kicked out of her home without a penny. At the time, she'd already carried Jacob and Jamie. When she'd been backed into a corner, Clive had taken her in. Not only had he helped her quit school, but he'd also taken care of her the whole time. Later, he'd even offered to marry her so that Jacob and Jamie wouldn't end up becoming illegitimate children. He'd helped her too many times to count over the yearsโshe had to repay him. His parents and relatives were all dead, and he now had serious disease. If she were to give up on him, he could only wait for death to take him. He was still so young and outstanding; this wasn't the end he deserved! No matter what, Melody had to convince Ethan to donate his bone marrow to Clive. She didn't care how difficult it would be! โฆ That night, Melody hid in a storage room at Privo Country Club, Tottenstone's most exclusive club. An auction was being held there that night, and it had taken her some time to find out that Ethan would be in attendance. Anyone who could get an invitation to the auction had to be a bigwig in Emperia's business world or an influential politician; Melody was neither, so she didn't have an invitation. Fortunately, she'd heard about the organizers of the auction holding something of a show for young women at the very end of the auction. It was supposed to be a show, but it was more like the young women were auctioning off their first time. Like regular auctions, the highest bidder would get. As long as Melody could blend in with them, she would have the chance to get to Ethan. At the moment, the young women who were being auctioned were standing by in the waiting room opposite the storage room. Melody was waiting for a chance to sneak in when she suddenly heard a muffled conversation outside. "Come with me!" "Listen to me, Ned. I came here willinglyโas long as someone bids on me tonight, we'll have money for your mother's medical bills. It's worth giving up my cherry to save her life!" "I don't need you to sacrifice yourself for me like this, Elaine! I love you! I've managed to get the money, so let's go!" "Really?" "Yeah!" "That's great! Let's go!" The footsteps faded into the distance. Melody came out of the storage room. She picked up the clothes and name tag that read "Elaine Johnson" from the floor and smiled as she looked down the corridor. She wished the couple all the best and also thanked them for this opportunity. An hour later, Melody stood barefoot on the marble floor, wearing only a bikini as she waited for her turn. "Next, let's welcome the beautiful Ms. Elaine Johnson, our eighth participant of the night! She's still a college student, everyone." The host's voice rang out on the other side of the curtain. Suddenly, Melody hesitated. She'd never worn anything so revealing in public before. "Get in there! What are you doing?" When an employee saw her standing there dazedly, he pushed her. She was caught off guard and stumbled onto the stage. The blinding spotlight landed on her; she could sense countless men staring at her. Melody stood there stiffly, so helpless that she was unable to move. Ethan wasn't the slightest bit interested in these things. He'd intended to leave immediately after the auction was over, but Wayne Smith of Ditham Corporation had approached him for a chat. He'd answered him perfunctorily while glancing at the stage. Then, he saw Melody. He narrowed his eyes and sat up, the laziness he'd earlier displayed fading from sight. The lights reflected off Melody's fair skin; they made her look like she was almost glowing. She didn't strut and show her stuff like those women before her. Instead, she stood there with her head bowed so no one could see what she looked like. All they could see was her silky smooth hair. But to Ethan, the sight of her was enough to arouse him. It was like a fire had started burning in him. On stage, Melody remained silent, feeling pierced by the men's gazes. They made her feel like she was standing there in her birthday suit. Chapter 6 Melody knew she couldn't act like this. She was here to look for Ethan; she had to save Clive's life! She couldn't act like this! She clenched her jaw and raised her head, revealing her innocent yet sensual face to the crowd. After a round of gasps, auction paddles flew into the air. "100,000!" "200,000!" "500,000!" "580,000!" โฆ Melody couldn't hear the sound of the bidding anymoreโshe was too anxious to track Ethan down. He was the wealthiest man in Emperia and the CEO of Regalia International, so he frequently made headlines. She'd long since committed his handsome face to memory. But before she could locate him, she felt a strong sense of oppression coming her way. She instinctively looked at the direction from which it had come. Then, she met a man's gaze. His eyes were cold and calm, yet there seemed to be molten lava buried within them. She could sense his kingly demeanor as his eyes threatened to suck her in. Melody lowered her head. He was terrifying. When Ethan saw her drop her head to avoid his gaze, he smirked. Wayne noticed this and stopped talking to glance at the stage. Then, his eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "She's a gorgeous one, isn't she? Are you interested in her, Mr. Ford?" Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he lifted a hand. James hurried forward to await his instruction. "I want her!" Ethan said. Then, he stood up and strode off. Several people had been bidding on Melody, but they stopped when they saw Ethan stand up. They got to their feet simultaneously to see him off. James hurriedly held up the auction paddle in his hand. He didn't even need to call out a priceโno one else would dare bid on Melody. Who would dare to do so now that they knew Ethan was interested in her? They'd be getting themselves a one-way ticket to bankruptcy if they were to try to fight him for her. On stage, the host cried excitedly, "Oh! Mr. Ford's won the auction for our lovely Ms. Johnson! Looks like someone's in luck!" Melody didn't know how she was led off stage. She followed the employees dazedly and asked them incredulously, "Is Mr. Ford really the one who bid on me? Mr. Ethan Ford? The CEO of Regalia International?" The employees could totally understand why she was acting like this. Anyone would be out of their minds with joy if Ethan were to pick them. "Would there be anyone else with that name? Congratulations, miss. Come with me, please. I'll take you to get your clothes changed. We don't want to keep Mr. Ford waiting." "She's so lucky!" "It's not like she has such a great figure. She's not even that pretty!" "Why didn't he pick me? That was Ethan Ford! I would've paid to be with him!" "Yeah, keep dreaming. You wouldn't be worthy of him even if you were to give up everything you own! Didn't you hear about the granddaughter of some country's leader trying and failing to spend a night with Mr. Ford? She offered to pay him a hefty sum, too!" โฆ As Melody followed the employees away, she heard the other women participating in the auction whispering among themselves about her. None of their words registered, though. She was still in disbelief that she'd succeeded just like that. Things had gone so smoothly! How was she going to beg him to agree to donate his bone marrow? Would he be moved if she were to get on her knees before him? Ten minutes later, Melody had changed into a white strappy minidress and a matching pair of 4-inch heels. She was brought to the 28th floor. | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827579 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774019 | 810 | 1142122793901988 | 1 | 2.1337302736407E+15 | 1714460400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214395286350151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | carousel | Get best Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714143345 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439908703_429832292966404_5250821419601703774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vTB7mixC00Q7kNvgEWerF9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDquS7aAyg1ByonvVG8_oVHZ928kTa9n1ojyy3mDDrOwA&oe=664F1333 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440186474_731610395802577_6316575703088993370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RsgLKrANg7EQ7kNvgEJ393l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSBYfz4G1SacH4gJgtjy4f0zBvtsZRKdDjc01Dbojgw&oe=664F12CD | 0 | 3 | Click here ๐ | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714114800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826997 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774019 | 810 | 1687081411831650 | 1 | 1.0777107900007E+15 | 1714892400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120207768284090738 | play.google.com | Watch more | NONE | video | ๐นThis series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1714468439 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440403555_1634058157338919_9031291769942722988_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2GNZZomPU_UQ7kNvgEYtTe0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCmPV-kkO5xBEhn2PHdOaOa8S9HgHmzkEPyhkRp3Ngftg&oe=664F229B | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440466030_2282054168654469_2910559909362688042_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mDjwgkZb3rUQ7kNvgGQDQs2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYANhduQzQWPABRRGEK2-XyVJnRHTpA2-6mIaKaUYn7qOQ&oe=664F0D0A | 0 | 3 | ๐๐After humiliated by his bride-to-be on the wedding rehearsal but Adam was soon told his true identity as the heir of the richest family in the US. On the journey of returning as a CEO, taking over his familyโs business, our true heir gradually finds out his true love, who has been by his side from the very beginningโฆ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1714806000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826998 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826999 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827000 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827001 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827002 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827003 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827004 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827005 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827006 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774019 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827007 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774020 | 810 | 293711930460810 | 3 | 1.4895026953017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827013 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827014 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827015 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079147 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827016 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827034 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1457265871529992 | 1 | 1.3897169785739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 294527430678616 | 0 | Servall Martin | 120210487194700370 | servallpestcontrol.com | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Gutter Solutions For Dry Homes | Gutter guard protection! | https://www.servallpestcontrol.com/ | 1710172974 | 2.9452743067862E+14 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432252311_735374178788446_4142605466614271796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hR-Mq_4Hzj4Q7kNvgFLGAqL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDGYNIQqKSqCT5e1dql94bW8i8pqo28p168RRs-1uiF8g&oe=664F1964 | person_profile | 0 | Servall Martin | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432280469_2714175705398879_4118516942423375862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yoQcKkzdf2cQ7kNvgGHox1C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkZ83UZXIBCZ10uaMQX7mYgtgllCohNfSY1gUhVZFAnQ&oe=664F05B8 | 0 | 3 | Gutter guard protection! | Servall Martin | 1237 | https://facebook.com/ServallMartin | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710572400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827017 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827018 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827019 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827020 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827021 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774020 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827022 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1178298606635826 | 2 | 3.6725596631726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120207593746690056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11018&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713931335 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440355662_3626257320975263_3229296293655135604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B9YyE-WUrkoQ7kNvgFn6KX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDfTXCIPZl6Kq0g9Uw-HDSeXa9Xcfz_t6cmZUH7W0BF8Q&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440185024_812172780946882_3941113932380378328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcxd-6FVfwUQ7kNvgG_adb9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPprIpKmAJX94Lu0bp2SMYWvctR1NMtLpSWqcQtOAN8Q&oe=664F2C94 | 0 | 3 | Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly. It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side. "Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone. With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentinโฆ Can you come and get me?" The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying. Yet, there was no response from the other end. Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms. Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames. "Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful. Alas, he never came. Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place. She found herself ridiculous for texting him. After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe. Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell. โฆ It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District. Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then. It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text." He was gentle and polite. Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured. "It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble. Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin. Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze. He asked, "Is something the matter?" Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?" The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her. Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!" Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa. Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million. Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk. Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice." After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him. Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!" Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa. Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it. Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature. It was just the way Quentin liked it. One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones. However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead. Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen. The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up." His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup. It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company. That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs. Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over. Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta. He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!" At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt. Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then. Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown. Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders. Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!" He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust. Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad. Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use. Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today. She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!" Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?" "Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought. Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin. A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!" โฆ Quentin plunged into her harder each time. After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom. Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her. Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted. It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore. Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?" Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs. Chapter 2 Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today. Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!" "Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other. The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by. Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart. As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone. Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury. Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow. The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe. Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully. John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's. Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?" "Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger. "That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit." Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos." John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome." John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag. When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together. That was when a group of people approached them. The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over. Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him. It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person. "Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee. Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place. Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face. John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended. Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle. Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice. He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?" Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him. With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!" Quentin tensed. Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left. A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before. His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him. โฆ Soon enough, it was nighttime. Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City. She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs. That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?" Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk. She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'" Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke. "Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering. Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Threeโoh wait, no! It was two glasses!" She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious. Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before. She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly. Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward. Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over. Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and childrenโ" Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free. Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!" That rendered Quentin speechless. Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs. She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy. โฆ Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements. Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs. A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?" Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty. She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?" Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out. Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that. His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!" He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?" To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away. โฆ. Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin. Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project. Quentin never told Noelle where he was going. Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania. Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him. Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay. Chapter 3 Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered. The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her. Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie. Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?" "Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!" Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands. "Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call. Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone. At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants. He had a mature and magnetic charm. Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him. The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed. "Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately. It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck. A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday. He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night. "You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?" Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!" Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her. "Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside. A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone. Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart." Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!" After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery. Quentin frowned but still chased after her. Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead. Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago. Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!" Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her. All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart." "Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit. Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa. โฆ That night, Quentin didn't come home. Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't." In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my loveโฆ" Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her. Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time. โฆ Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her. Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?" Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them. Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly. "Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't wornโฆ" Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then." That rendered Noelle speechless. Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them? The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion. Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before. Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink. Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood. Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute. Quentin nearly died. Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years. Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle. "I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin. Janet's features softened. "Go on." Noelle left. That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed. Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!" She then headed upstairs. Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom. Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!" Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend. Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?" A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday? "Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?" Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!" Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!" All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant. Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave. Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well. He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down. Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!" Noelle was speechless. Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!" Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around. Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?" Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?" Chapter 4 Noelle was speechless. Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once. Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too. She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes. That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in." Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat. She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin. Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?" "Tell her what?" Noelle was confused. Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday. "It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it." He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother. Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!" If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla? Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!" She said the same thing as Janet. Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving. However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!" Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him. Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression. She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car. Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic. Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road? Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab. โฆ Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer. "He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?" Noelle choked on her drink. "No!" She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men. Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!" Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle. Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!" A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!" She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet. Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter. Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say." Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed. She stayed here for two consecutive days. By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event. Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm." Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends. That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere. Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife." He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once. Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman." Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation. She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship. "Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions. The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face. Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit. A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?" The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!" She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin. Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her. Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's placeโnot even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road. Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply. โฆ The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin. However, he didn't show up, even after an hour. Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer. She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting. At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?" Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one. He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting." A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done." "Got it," replied Martin. Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone." Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip? He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even. Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!" Noelle was speechless. โฆ Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane. Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?" Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?" That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!" Chapter 5 A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!" After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce. "Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking. Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption. Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman. He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him. โฆ Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip. She focused all her attention on work instead. After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal. Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her. The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!" He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand. "What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside. The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him. It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth. "You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again. The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge. Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?" The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up. Her emotions in that instant were indescribable. Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen. "How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?" Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave. Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin. A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe." Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident. โฆ Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District. โฆ A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things. A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over. Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check. Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over. Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing. His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?" Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?" She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent? Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs. The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath. Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush. Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it. Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!" She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him. That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great. Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew. Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted. Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink. Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then. She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly. Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin. Quentin soon gained control over everything. โฆ Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed. Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony. Thunder rumbled continuously from afar. Tensing, Quentin recalled something. Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed. Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep." His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer. That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window. Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed. Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!" Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met. โฆ When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes. Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden. "You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning. Chapter 6 Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation. "I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away. When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins." Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs. She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast. What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce. Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze. Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast. Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin. Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there." Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?" Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?" He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?" The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days. "Get out!" Quentin scowled. The secretary hastily exited the office. Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him. By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink." โฆ Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time. John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated. Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!" "She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked. He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy? Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon." Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them. During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty." Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!" Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened. He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommรฉ. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood." Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin. The vegetable consommรฉ, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clientsโin this case, John. The audacity of him to even warn her about it! Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway." Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite. In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!" Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife. Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look. On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was. "I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room. Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?" She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much. Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence. Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!" She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today." He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all." โฆ After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away. As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now." Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa." Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate? Was she tired of him? When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset. He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?" | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827023 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774021 | 810 | 379270718294139 | 1 | 7.4703713420808E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 241155789412943 | 0 | Inland Valley Recovery Services | 120206695304000591 | www.inlandvalleyrecovery.org | Contact us | NONE | video | Your Road To Recovery Starts Here | Break free from addiction. | https://www.inlandvalleyrecovery.org/ | 1710394723 | 2.4115578941294E+14 | Inland Valley Recovery Services | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431869361_348072008207042_2220250795207324178_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bR6GBAaZ8C0Q7kNvgHUBr1t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB87rVH1MhugBU39l-iJ52hq1DIlpQ9DlhyZaNTKLXM1A&oe=664F317B | person_profile | 0 | Inland Valley Recovery | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430738651_330975669947882_1433483430364268567_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hoYJq427qgwQ7kNvgHKWAhn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBjyyiCv_s4cycvbr3rr1eMQwhS1nFQjGlIacOkhrh8-w&oe=664F16F3 | 0 | 3 | Are you or someone you love battling a fentanyl addiction? You're not alone. We are ready to help you. | Inland Valley Recovery Services | 2176 | https://facebook.com/InlandValleyRecoveryServices | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1710486000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827024 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827025 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827026 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079148 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827028 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827029 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774021 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827031 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774022 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827032 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774022 | 810 | 1361528064521212 | 1 | 7.4287710132688E+14 | 1715410800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120208075188720056 | beokn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11230&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715224592 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422079631_823590829824839_4719608256142825580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oZYaufYhaQUQ7kNvgFzR4b0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD-axJTxpHcI4D5f7seUzcLJ8rJ-8FC9ZvZNoy24Kb2JA&oe=664F3286 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441057328_1702104656985535_4588455529970348064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SmPBlN8mZ1MQ7kNvgGswHJc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDillNdtf_Qeue5kHSf5GIpvlv2LLYxfYTwOeXO2Pcx5w&oe=664F2E0A | 0 | 3 | Yvette Snyder stood at the entrance of the hospital, her body frail, clutching a report in her thin hands. Three words on the report stood out: "No conception detected". "You've been married for three years. How are you not conceived?" Her mother, Yara Cadwell, demanded, jabbing a finger in Yvette's face disappointedly. Yara was dressed lavishly and wore high heels. "Why are you so useless? If you don't get conceived soon, the Lanes are going to kick you out of the family. What's going to happen to our family then?" Yvette looked at Yara blankly. She had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. In the end, all she could manage was, "I'm sorry." "I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to give birth to Xavier's child. Do you understand me?" Yvette's throat felt tight; she didn't know how to answer Yara. In their three years of marriage, her husband, Xavier Lane, had never slept with her. How could she ever have his child? Yara stared at Yvette. The latter's weak demeanor was so unlike her own. Finally, she said coldly before leaving, "If you really can't give him a child, then find him a woman who can. At least he'll appreciate you for that." Yvette stared after Yara's retreating figure in disbelief. Had her own mother just told her to find another woman for her husband to sleep with? ... As Yvette made her journey home, she couldn't stop thinking about Yara's parting words. Suddenly, a loud ringing in her ear drowned out her thoughts. She knew that her condition had worsened. Just then, she received a message on her phone. It was from Xavier, and the content was the same as always. "I'm not coming home tonight." In the past three years they had been married, Xavier had never spent the night at home before. He had never so much as touched Yvette either. Yvette could remember their wedding night three years ago. He had told her, "Since your family is bold enough to trick me into marrying you, you'd better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness." Three years ago, the Snyder and Lane families had decided to form an alliance through marriage. Both families had agreed to mutually beneficial terms in the agreement. But when the day of the wedding came around, the Snyder family went back on their word and transferred all of their assets away, including the billions that Xavier had paid to marry Yvette. Yvette's eyes dulled at the memory. She replied to Xavier's text with her usual response: "Okay." Without her realizing it, the report she was holding got scrunched up in her hands. When she got home, Yvette tossed the report into the trash can. Every month, around this time, she would feel unusually lethargic. Yvette didn't prepare dinner for herself. She just leaned back on the couch, blearily drifting in and out of sleep. The rumbling in her ear persisted. That was another reason why Xavier hated herโshe was hard of hearing, which, to the rich and powerful, was no better than being crippled. Xavier would never allow her to carry his child. โฆ At 5 o'clock in the morning, the pendulum clock on the wall chimed dully. Xavier would be home in an hour. Yvette realized too late that she had fallen asleep on the couch. She got up hastily and went to the kitchen to prepare Xavier's breakfast. Xavier was a meticulous man who was strict about punctuality, not only with himself but also with the people around him. He arrived home at six o'clock sharp. Xavier was a tall and handsome man. Clad in a smart tailored suit, his demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet undoubtedly masculine. However, to Yvette, he was cold and distant. Xavier didn't even look at Yvette. He walked right past her to look at the food on the table and said with a scoff, "You do this every day. Are you a nanny or what?" Over the past three years, Yvette had been doing the same things over and over again. She wore the same dark clothes and replied to his messages with the same singular word. If it hadn't been for the business alliance and the Snyders' deceit, Xavier would never have married a woman like Yvette. At the word "nanny", the rumbling in Yvette's ears returned. She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat, and said bravely, "Xav, do you have someone that you like?" Her sudden question surprised Xavier. His eyes darkened. "What do you mean by that?" Yvette raised her head and stared at him, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. "If you love someone else, you can be with herโ" Before she could finish, Xavier interrupted her. "You're mad." ... After Xavier left, Yvette sat on the balcony alone, staring out into the cold rain. The sound of the raindrops drifted in and out of clarity. She took off her hearing aids, letting the world around her fall into silence. A month ago, her doctor had told her, "Ms. Snyder, there's been a pathological change in your auditory nerves and some of your cranial nerves, causing your hearing to worsen. If this goes on, you may lose your hearing completely." Not used to a silent world, Yvette went to the living room and turned on the television. She turned up the volume to the max, which allowed her to hear some sound. By coincidence, the television was showing an interview with Daphne Reyes, an internationally renowned singer known for her love songs. Yvette's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the remote control. Daphne was Xavier's first love. It had been a long time since Yvette had seen her, but Daphne was still as pretty as ever. She was confident and relaxed in front of the cameras, unlike the shy and frightened young woman who had begged the Snyders for sponsorship in the past. When the interviewer asked Daphne why she had returned to her home country, her answer was bold. "I came home to get my first love back." The remote control slipped out of Yvette's hands. Her heart also fell to her stomach. Flustered, Yvette turned off the television and went to the table to clean up the uneaten breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found that Xavier had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up and saw the unread messages on the lock screen. "Xav, you must have been unhappy over the past few years, right?" "I know you don't love her. How about we meet up tonight? I've missed you." Yvette stared blankly at the messages until the screen went dark again. Then, she called a cab to Xavier's office. On the way, she stared out of the window. The rain fell incessantly. It felt like it would never stop. Xavier never liked it when Yvette visited him at his office, so whenever she was there, she would take the service elevator from the loading bay. When Xavier's assistant, Mark Xyrax, saw her, he just greeted her impassively, "Ms. Snyder." No one around Xavier considered Yvette his wife. She was nothing but a smear on his reputation. When Xavier saw Yvette bringing him his phone, he frowned. She was always like this. No matter what he forgot, be it his lunch, his documents, a shirt, or even an umbrella, she would bring them to him. "I thought I told you that you didn't need to deliver my things to me yourself." Yvette froze. "Sorry, I forgot." Since when had her memory been so bad? Maybe she had panicked after seeing Daphne's message and became afraid that Xavier would disappear from her life suddenly. Before she left, she looked back at Xavier. Unable to help herself, she blurted out, "Xav, do you still like Daphne?" Xavier thought that Yvette had been behaving rather strangely lately. She kept forgetting things and asking weird questions. How could a person like her be his wife? Impatiently, he replied, "If you have so much free time, go find yourself something to do." Yvette had tried getting a job before, but Xavier's mother, Shannon Guetta, had reprimanded her without holding back. "Do you want the whole world to know that Xav married a disabled woman with hearing issues?" Therefore, Yvette had given up on finding a job and focused on her fruitless life as "Mrs. Lane" at Dewberry Estate. โฆ At home, she sat alone until nightfall. She couldn't sleep. Just then, the phone on her bedside table rang loudly. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. Yvette picked up the call. A familiar voice, yet one she dreaded, sounded from the other end. "Is this Yvvy? Xav is drunk. Can you come pick him up?" When Yvette arrived at Sternhow Club, she heard loud coaxing and jeering from the wealthy heirs inside the private room. "Daph, didn't you say you came back to get our dear Mr. Lane back into your arms? This is your chance now. Go on, tell him how you feel!" Daphne was a pretty woman who was popular wherever she went. She was also Xavier's first love, so the rich young men of the upper crust were happy to push the two together. Daphne wasn't shy at all. She turned to Xavier and said without any reservations, "I like you, Xav. Please be with me again." That was what Yvette heard when she arrived at the door of the private room. Inside, the other people were urging Xavier to answer Daphne. His best friend, Tristan Shaw, was the most vocal among them. "Xav, you've been waiting for Daphne for three years. She's back now. So, go on, answer her!" Yvette stood frozen outside the door. Her heart was pounding. Just then, one of the men pulled the door open. "Ms. Snyder?" Chapter 2 Everyone in the private room looked over at the door. For a moment, the room was eerily silent. Yvette immediately caught sight of Xavier in the middle of the room. His eyes were clear and bright. He was clearly not drunk. She knew that she had been tricked by Daphne. When Xavier saw Yvette, his pupils constricted. Everyone else in the room looked awkward, including Tristan, who had been the most vocal in getting Xavier to accept Daphne's confession earlier. Yvette shouldn't have gone there. Daphne was the first to break the silence. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Yvvy. Tristan was joking. Xavier and I are just friends." Before Yvette could answer, Xavier stood up impatiently. "There's no need to explain it to her." Then, he stalked over to Yvette. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you were drunk, so I came to take you home," Yvette answered truthfully. Xavier scoffed. "You really didn't retain anything I told you, did you?" Lowering his voice, he said softly so that only she could hear him, "Are you here to remind everyone that I was tricked into marrying you three years ago? Did you think they forgot?" Yvette was stunned. Xavier gave her a cold look. "Stop seeking attention. You're only making me hate you more." With that, he turned away, leaving Yvette standing alone. Yvette stared after his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her shock. None of the other scions in the room took pity on her when they saw Xavier ignoring her. Tristan even had no qualms in telling Daphne, who was feigning distress, "You're too kind, Daphne. You didn't need to explain anything. "If Yvette hadn't scammed Xav, he would've married you in the first place. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad as well." Despite the constant ringing in her ears, Yvette could still hear every word clearly. She knew better than anyone that even if Xavier hadn't married her, he wouldn't have married Daphne. Daphne was a nobody with no background, after all. Daphne was well aware of this as well. That was why she had chosen to break up with Xavier and leave the country. How had everything turned out to be Yvette's fault? When Yvette left Sternhow Club with her umbrella, she felt as if she had been enveloped by darkness. Just then, a lithe figure appeared beside her. It was Daphne. She was decked out in fine clothes, complete with high heels. She looked smug. "It's a cold night, isn't it? So, how does it feel to get scoffed at by Xavier after you came all the way here at this time to get him?" Yvette didn't answer her, but Daphne didn't mind her silence. She just continued speaking. "I do pity you, you know. You've never experienced true love before, have you? "Do you know that when I was with Xav, he would cook for me himself? When I was sick, he would drop everything and stay with me. "Has Xav ever told you he loves you? He used to say that to me all the timeโฆ" Yvette listened to Daphne's rambling quietly, her mind going over the past three years she had been married to Xavier. He had never so much as stepped into the kitchen during that time. When she had gotten sick, he had never comforted her. He had never told her he loved her either. โฆ That night, Yvette couldn't fall asleep. She had only just found out that the man she had loved for the past 12 years had once loved another with all his heart, in the spectacular way that only young people could. At that moment, she realized that it was time for her to give him up. She had a sleepless night. The next morning, Xavier returned home. The glare he gave her was cold. "How attached are you to the Lane family's money, to me, your money-making robot?" he demanded. Yvette was stunned. She didn't know what had gotten into him so early in the morning. Instinctively, she said, "I never wanted your money." She had only ever wanted Xavier. Xavier laughed in disdain. "Then, why did your mother come to my office and beg me to give you a child?" Yvette was stunned. She stared into Xavier's eyes. It was only then that she realized that he wasn't angry about what had happened last night. Xavier had no desire to waste his breath on her. "If you want to continue staying with me and keep your family afloat, tell your mother to behave herself!" ... In the end, Yvette didn't need to look for Yara. Yara found Yvette instead. She was no longer cold and distant; she gripped Yvette's hands and said gently, "Yvvy, you should ask Xavier to give you a child. He doesn't have to do it biologically. He could do it through scientific measures." Scientific measures. Yvette stared at Yara in shock as the latter continued, "Daphne told me that Xavier hasn't slept with you in the past three years." That was the last straw for Yvette. She didn't know why Xavier would tell Daphne about that. Maybe he really loved Daphne a lot. With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. "Just let it go, Mom." Yara paused. She frowned. "What?" "I'm tired. I want to get a divorceโ" Before she could finish, Yara slapped her hard across the face. The kind, motherly facade was gone in an instant. She jabbed a finger at Yvette and gritted out, "You have no right to ask for a divorce! "Without the Lane family, what do you think you're going to do? Who's going to remarry a disabled divorcee like you?" Yvette felt her body go numb. Yara had never liked Yvette, even when the latter had been a child. Yara had been a famous dancer. The fact that she had given birth to a daughter with hearing issues was one of her biggest regrets. Therefore, she had sent Yvette away to be taken care of by a nanny. She had only allowed Yvette to return home when the latter started school. People used to tell Yvette that every mother loved their child. So, she had done everything she could to excel at everything in hopes of making Yara happy. Despite her hearing issues, she had been at the top of her class in dance, music, and art classes. But no matter how hard she tried, Yara still didn't consider her a good daughter. In Yara's words, Yvette wasn't "complete". Not only physically, but also in love and familial relationships. After Yara left, Yvette used some makeup to cover up the red print on her face. Then, she packed her bags quietly. Even after three years of married life, all her personal belongings fit into a single suitcase. After she finished packing up, she gathered her courage and sent Xavier a message. "Are you free tonight? I need to talk to you." Xavier didn't reply to her. Yvette's eyes darkened. She knew that he didn't want to reply to her messages. All she could do was wait for him to come home in the morning. She had thought that he wouldn't come home that night, but he got back at midnight. Yvette wasn't asleep at the time. She went up to him and took his coat and bag from him with familiarity in her actions. It was as if they were a normal married couple. Xavier's cold voice broke the peace. "Don't send me inane texts again." As Yvette held Xavier's coat, her hand trembled slightly. "I won't do it again," she mumbled. Xavier didn't notice anything wrong with her tone. He went straight to his study. Generally, if he came home, he would stay holed up in his study. He probably thought that someone who was hard of hearing would live in a silent world. Either that, or he simply didn't care about Yvette. That would explain why he got straight to discussing his acquisition of Snyder Group in his study as if nothing was wrong. When Yvette brought him some soup, she heard Xavier animatedly discussing work with his employees. He was talking about the acquisition of Snyder Group, her father, James Snyder's company. She didn't know how to feel about that. She knew that her brother, Terrence Synder, was useless at running a business, so it was only a matter of time before Snyder Group fell. However, she had never thought that her own husband would be the first to cause Snyder Group's downfall. "Xav," she interrupted. Xavier was slightly startled. Out of guilt, or maybe some other emotion, he quickly hung up the phone and closed his laptop. Feigning ignorance, Yvette walked into the study and placed the bowl in front of him. "Have some soup, then get to bed soon. Your health is more important than work." For some reason, Xavier felt himself relax when he heard her soft voice. She probably hadn't heard anything. Feeling conflicted, he stopped Yvette before she could leave. "You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?" Hearing this, Yvette turned back to look at him. Softly, she said, "I just wanted to ask if you're free in the morning so we can go and file for divorce." Chapter 3 Yvette's voice was calm and impassive, as though divorce were a menial matter to her. Xavier's pupils contracted. "What did you just say?" Over the last three years, no matter what he had done, Yvette had never brought up divorce. In truth, Xavier knew that Yvette loved him. Her eyes, which were usually dull and empty, were clear and bright now. "I'm sorry for being a burden over the last few years, Mr. Lane. We should get divorced." Xavier clenched his fists unconsciously. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you? Snyder Group was already failing; it won't matter whether I buy it or someone else does. What are you trying to do by bringing up divorce? "Is it because you want money? Or a child? Or do you want me to leave Snyder Group alone?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threats won't work on me!" At that moment, he seemed like a stranger to Yvette. A lump formed in her throat as her ears began throbbing. Even though she was wearing her hearing aids, she could barely hear what Xavier was saying. She could only answer his last question. "I don't want anything." Afraid that he would notice something wrong with her, Yvette left the study in a hurry. As he watched her leave, Xavier felt frustrated for some reason. He had never felt like this before. Not one to hold in his emotions, he flipped the table over. The bowl of soup that Yvette had brought him spilled all over the ground. ... Back in her own room, Yvette forced herself to swallow a handful of pills. She reached up to touch her ear. As she retracted her fingers, she saw crimson blood on them. Thanks to the medicine, her hearing recovered a little by the time it was dawn. Yvette stared blankly at the soft rays of sunlight streaming from the window. "The rain has stopped," she said quietly to herself. Xavier didn't leave the manor that day. He was in the living room bright and early, settled on the couch, waiting for Yvette to apologize and express her regret to him. This wasn't the first time Yvette had lost her temper with him. However, after every tantrum, she would apologize to him before long. Xavier figured that it would be the same this time around. Soon, he saw Yvette coming out of her room, all freshened up. She wore her usual dark-colored clothes. She dragged a suitcase with one hand while holding a piece of paper in the other. She handed the paper to him. It was a divorce agreement. "Let me know when you have time, Xav." With that, she left the manor, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was bright and sunny outside. Yvette felt as if she had gotten a new chance at life. Meanwhile, Xavier sat frozen on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement in his hand. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. It was Saturday. Usually, around this time of the year, Xavier would take Yvette back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. During this time, they would have to endure strange looks from his extended family. However, he was alone that day, which made him extraordinarily happy. At Lane Mansion, Shannon and the rest of the Lanes were surprised to see him alone. In the past, Yvette had always been the first one to turn up every year and the last to leave since she had been trying to please everyone. Why wasn't she there today? Shanon frowned and asked Xavier, "Where's Yvette, Xav?" Xavier's expression turned cold. "She wanted a divorce and left me." Everyone fell silent in disbelief when he said that. Shannon was shocked. She knew that Yvette probably loved Xavier more than anything in the world, only surpassed by his own parents. Seven years ago, Yvette had even protected Xavier with her own body when someone had attempted to stab him. Four years ago, not long after the two had gotten engaged, something had happened to Xavier while he had been on a business trip in Dibay. Everyone had been convinced that he was dead, but Yvette had refused to believe that. She had dropped everything and gone to the foreign city just to look for him. Then, after they had gotten married, Yvette had taken care of almost everything in his life with meticulous precision, including being polite to everyone around him, even his secretaries. She had always been afraid of offending them. Yvette clearly couldn't live without Xavier. So, why had she suggested getting a divorce? Shannon had no idea, but she was glad that Yvette had finally decided to let Xavier go. "She's not worthy to be your wife anyway. It's a good thing that you're divorcing her. She doesn't deserve you," she said The others immediately chimed in. "Yeah, you're young and handsome, Xav. You're in your best years now. Yvette's been dragging you down all this time!" Instantly, the gathering turned into a slander fest. They spoke of Yvette as if she were an unforgivable criminal. Xavier should have felt happy that they were defending him, but for some reason, he found their words too sharp and crass. He left Lane Mansion earlier than usual and made his way back to Dewberry Estate. The sky was just starting to darken when he arrived home. He opened the door and entered the manor. When he saw nothing but darkness, he remembered, with a start, that Yvette had left. He changed into his house slippers and tossed his coat into the washer. For some reason, he felt unusually exhausted today. He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine so that he could celebrate Yvette's leaving. However, when he got to the wine cellar and saw the locked door, he realized too late that he didn't have the key. He didn't like strangers in his house, so there were no maids or servants at Dewberry Estate. Ever since he had married Yvette, she had been the one taking care of the household affairs. He could only go back to his room. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his messages only to find work-related texts. Yvette hadn't called or texted him to apologize at all. Tossing his phone aside, he got up and headed over to the kitchen. When he opened the door of the fridge, he was stunned. Apart from food, there were also a lot of supplements. He picked one of the bags up and read the instructions on it. "Take five times a day for incapable of conceived." He took a whiff of the supplement. It smelled disgusting. He recalled that Yvette always smelled strange. So, this was why. He scoffed silently. They had never slept, so no matter how much medicine she took, she would never have gotten conceived. ... Meanwhile, over in a dark and dinky hotel, Yvette opened her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding. The world was silent. She knew, then, that her condition had worsened again. Before this, she had still been able to hear some sounds, even without her hearing aids. She pushed herself up and felt around on the bedside table until she found her medicine. She popped the pills in her mouth, tasting their bitterness. The day before, she had left Dewberry Estate, which had been her home for the past three years. At first, she had gone to her parents' house, Snyder Residence. However, at the door, she had overheard Yara and Terrence discussing how they would marry her off to an old man if the Lanes kicked her out. Yvette had blanked upon hearing that. It was then that she finally realized that she had no place to call home anymore. Even though she hadn't eaten anything in two days, she still didn't feel hungry. However, it was too quiet. The silence scared her. It had been raining more frequently in Tirion this year than it had in previous years. Yvette stared out at the passing pedestrians. Most of them were paired up or in groups. She was the only one alone. She bought a bus ticket heading out of the city. She decided to go to her nanny's house in the countryside. Viola Xenos, her nanny, had taken care of her when she was a child. It was already 9:00 pm when Yvette got there. When Viola saw Yvette, she looked pleasantly surprised. Yvette teared up when she saw Viola's warm smile. She reached out to her and hugged her. "Viola." Due to health issues, Viola had never married and didn't have children of her own. Yvette was closer to her than she was to her own mother. That night, Yvette cuddled up in Viola's embrace, just like she had when she was a child. Viola wrapped her arms around Yvette, only to realize that the latter was very thin. She pressed a hand on the Yvette's bony back, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked cautiously, "Has Xavier been treating you well, Yvvy?" Yvette felt a sharp pain in her throat when she heard Xavier's name. She wanted to lie to Viola and tell her that Xavier had treated her well, but she knew that Viola wasn't silly. Since she had already made up her mind to leave him, there was no need to lie to herself or to the people who loved her any longer. "The person he loves has returned. I've decided to let him go and divorce him." Viola was stunned. She couldn't believe her ears. Yvette had told her multiple times before that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Xavier. Not knowing what else to say, she comforted Yvette by telling her that there were plenty of other fish in the sea. There was bound to be one who would love her. Yvette just nodded silently. The buzzing in her ears drowned out Viola's comforting voice. That night, she managed to get a good night's sleep, which was rare. However, when she woke up, she was greeted with the alarming sight of blood staining the spot where her head had laid on the pillow. Yvette touched her right ear. Her fingers felt sticky. She looked at her hand. It was covered in blood. Chapter 4 Even Yvette's hearing aids were stained red. Her pupils contracted, and she quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she stripped the bedsheets and washed them. She was afraid that Viola would worry about her if she found out that her illness was worsening. So, she cleaned up the mess and found an excuse to bid goodbye to Viola. Before she left, she placed a part of her savings on the bedside table without telling Viola. Viola walked Yvette to the bus stop and waved goodbye reluctantly. โฆ After Yvette left, Viola couldn't stop thinking about how thin the former was. Unable to just sit by, she called Lane Group. When the secretary heard that Viola was Yvette's nanny and wanted to speak to Xavier, she transferred the call to Xavier's line. It was the third day after Yvette had left Xavier. It was also the first time in three days that he had received a call about her. Sitting behind his desk, he felt exceptionally pleased. Just as he had expected, Yvette wouldn't be able to last more than three days without himโor so he thought. Viola's voice came through the other line, sounding weighed with age. "Mr. Lane, I am Yvvy's nanny. I've been taking care of her since she was a baby. "Please, I beg you, treat her well. Don't hurt her more than you already have. She's not as strong as she seems on the surface. "When she was born, Mrs. Snyder left her in my care because she didn't like that Yvvy is hard of hearing. Yvvy only returned home when she had to start going to school. "The Snyders have never treated her as one of their own. Apart from Mr. Snyder, everyone else treated her like she was a maid. "You and Mr. Snyder are the most important people she has in this world. I'm begging you, please. Please be kind to her." Xavier's mood darkened when he heard what Viola said. "Did she tell you to give me this sob story because she didn't want to face me herself?" he asked coldly. "Why should I care about her life? If you ask me, she deserved everything she got!" That said, he hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. Viola had heard Yvette gushing about how nice Xavier was to her. So, it was only then that she realized the truthโXavier wasn't a good man at all. He wasn't a good husband to Yvette. ... Yvette sat on the bus, heading home. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Xavier. "You said you wanted to get divorced, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow." Yvette stared at the text blankly for a while before replying, "Okay." Just one word. It infuriated Xavier and completely ruined his mood. Unable to work anymore, he called up his friends and invited them out for drinks. Daphne was also at the club when he arrived. "I'm not going home until I'm drunk!" she declared. Tristan sat down beside Xavier. He couldn't help asking curiously, "How's Deaf Yvvy?" Xavier raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no need to talk about her ever again. We're filing for divorce tomorrow." Tristan was stunned. He couldn't believe his ears. "Really?" Beside them, Daphne brightened. She poured out a shot for him. "Congrats on getting back your freedom, Xav!" Xavier drank a lot that night. Daphne offered to send him home, but he rejected her suggestion. "No need. It's not appropriate." If he and Yvette were going to get divorced tomorrow, she might come home that night. Daphne wasn't happy about the rejection. "Why? You're divorcing her anyway. Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Are you still scared that she might find out about our relationship?" Their relationship? Xavier narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this." He got into his own car. Out of consideration, he also called a cab to send Daphne home. On the drive home, he kept unlocking his phone to check if Yvette had sent him any messages. She hadn't. When he reached Dewberry Estate, it was dark. With a stormy expression, Xavier opened the door and turned on the light. Yvette was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come home. The manor was left exactly the way it had been when she had left. Still feeling the effects of the wine, Xavier threw himself heavily onto the couch and soon fell asleep. In his nightmares, Yvette was covered in blood, but there was a smile on her face. "I don't love you anymore, Xav," she said. When Xavier jolted awake, the sky outside had just brightened up. He rubbed his forehead and went to the bathroom to freshen himself up. Then, he changed into a smart suit and made his way to the courthouse. At the entrance of the courthouse, he spotted Yvette standing under a tree not far off. As usual, she was dressed in dark-colored clothes. From the distance, she looked incredibly frail and thin as she stood amid the drizzle. It was as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. Xavier could still remember how young and lively she had been when they had first gotten married. She hadn't been as thin and gloomy back then. Holding an umbrella, he walked toward Yvette. It took her a few moments to notice him. Xiaver hadn't changed much over the last three years. He was as handsome and as confident as ever, with the added hint of matureness that came with age. Yvette was a little dazed. The last three years felt like a blink in time to her, yet she also seemed to have exhausted a whole lifetime. Xavier stalked over to Yvette and gazed at her coldly. He was waiting for her to apologize to him. She had been sulking enough. It was time to put an end to this. However, Yvette just said, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your work. Let's go in." Xavier stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Don't regret this." With that, he turned and headed into the courthouse. Yvette stared after him sadly. Would she regret this? She didn't know either. In the courthouse, the judge asked them if they were sure about going through with the divorce. Yvette's answer was firm. "Yes." Her determined expression frustrated Xavier. After filing for divorce, they still had to return to the courthouse in a month. If they didn't show up, then the divorce would be considered null. As they left the courthouse, Yvette looked at Xavier, her expression unusually calm. "I'll see you next month. Take care." With that, she stepped out into the rain, hailed a cab, and left. Xavier was left standing on the spot. He didn't know how to feel as he watched her car leave. Relieved, probably. Relieved that he wouldn't need to put up with her any longer or endure others' ridicule for having a disabled wife. ... In the cab, Yvette leaned against the window and stared blankly at the rain droplets on the glass. In the rearview mirror, the driver suddenly saw blood dripping from her ear. He was shocked by the sight. "Miss? Miss!" Yvette didn't answer him. The driver hastily stopped the car. Yvette was confused. They weren't at her destination yet. Why had they stopped? She looked over at the driver and saw him mouthing silently. She realized that she had gone deaf again. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. What are you saying?" In the end, the driver had to type out what he wanted to say on his phone so that he could tell her about her bleeding ear. Yvette reached out belatedly and felt the warm sensation in her ear. She was used to it now. "It's alright. This happens all the time. I'm fine." She was hard of hearing, but her ears hadn't bled like this before. Two years ago, at a gathering, Tristan had pushed her into a swimming pool. Yvette didn't know how to swim, so she had almost drowned. At the same time, her eardrums had also expanded due to the pressure. She had been sent to the hospital, but the damage had been done. At the time, she had been told that everything was fine. Why was this happening again? The cab driver was still worried, so he dropped her off at the hospital she told him. After thanking him, Yvette went into the hospital on her own. This time, she saw her usual doctor, Tom Jensen. "Dr. Jensen, my memory has been rather bad lately. I kept forgetting what I'm doing," she said. When she had woken up at the hotel that morning, it had taken her a long time to remember that she had to file for divorce with Xavier. Tom looked at her latest report worriedly. "Ms. Snyder, I think you should consider getting tested for other things. Specifically, mental health issues." Mental healthโฆ Following Tom's recommendation, Yvette went and got a psychiatric diagnosis. She was diagnosed with depression. It turned out that patients with severe depression often experienced memory loss. Before heading back to the hotel, Yvette stopped and bought a notebook and a pen. She wrote down everything that had happened lately. She placed the notebook right beside her bed so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up in the morning. News of her and Xavier's divorce spread quickly. That night, Yara called her multiple times, but she didn't hear anything. โฆ When she woke up the next morning, she saw a barrage of texts from Yara. "Where are you?" "Who do you think you are? Even if you're getting a divorce, Xavier should have been the one to ask for it!" "You're such a jinx! Back when you got married, your dad got into a car crash and died. What's going to happen now that you're getting divorced? Do you want Snyder Group to go bankrupt? Is that it?" Yvette stared at the messages. She was used to the verbal bully by now. She typed out a reply. "Mom, it's time that we live by our own merits. We shouldn't depend on others so much." Yara's response was swift. "You're such an ingrate! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!" Yvette didn't bother replying to that. She placed her phone aside. She just had to wait a month. Once the divorce was finalized, she would be able to leave Tirion and start a new life. โฆ Yvette's health worsened over the next few days. She often found herself completely deaf. Sometimes, it took a very long time for her hearing to go back to normal. Her memory was deteriorating too. On the bright side, even though her hearing loss was incurable, at least she could do something about the depression. She tried everything she could to keep herself happy. She busied herself by registering as a volunteer online. She spent time taking care of abandoned old people and orphans. Helping them made her feel like she had a reason to continue living. A few days later, Yvette woke up in the morning and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head out to the orphanage. When she picked up her phone, she saw several unread messages. There were messages from Terrance and Yara, as well as Daphne. She opened the texts one by one. Yara: "As you wished, Snyder Group is no more." Terrence: "Keep hiding. You're the most cowardly and cruel person I've ever seen." Daphne: "My condolences, Yvette. Actually, I think Snyder Group would thrive better under Xav." Daphne: "Since your family has helped me so much in the past, do let me know if you need anything. I'll help you if I can." Yvette had no idea what was happening. She closed the messaging app. Almost immediately, she got a notification about the latest news. Chapter 5 Yvette watched the news and saw the press conference held by Lane Group. It was an announcement that Xavier had successfully acquired Snyder Group. James' company no longer existed in the world. โฆ Things on Xavier's end had been extra pleasant lately. He had acquired Snyder Group and gotten his revenge. "The Snyder family finally got what they deserved for tricking you into that marriage three years ago." Tristan chuckled. Yet, he changed the topic in the next instant. He asked Xavier, "Xav, has Deaf Yvvy approached you during the past few days?" Xavier froze halfway through signing a document. He didn't know why, but people around him kept mentioning Yvette these days. "No," he replied coldly. That shocked Tristan. After all, how could Yvette not do anything when something this massive had happened to her family? With that in mind, he spoke again. "Could it be that she's finally come around? I heard her family has been looking everywhere for her. Nobody knows where she's goneโ" He kept blabbering on. Xavier frowned, feeling utterly annoyed. "Get out!" Tristan jolted. That was when he realized that Xavier was furious. Not daring to say another word, Tristan bolted out of the CEO's office. Once outside, he took his phone and called his assistant, Avery Fitzpatrick. "Have you found Yvette?" "Yes, she's in a small hotel in Hexim Pass," answered Avery. Tristan had Avery send him the location before he drove there. He refused to let Yvette off the hook so easily. So what if she was willing to divorce Xavier now? She had already prevented Xavier and Daphne from being together for over three years! Besides, Daphne had saved Tristan's life once, so he owed her. It rained outside. Yvette finished her volunteer work and picked up her medication from the hospital. Then, she held an umbrella while walking back to the hotel. There were very few people on the road. Tristan drove his car but kept his eyes on Yvette's slim back. He deliberately sped up as he drove past her, sending a puddle of rainwater splashing onto her. Yvette shot him a blank stare. Tristan happened to meet her emotionless gaze through his rearview mirror. He didn't know why, but he felt inexplicably nervous. Yvette recognized Tristan's luxurious, dark gray Bugatti. Yet, she retracted her gaze and pretended not to notice him. Even so, Tristan refused to stop there. He deliberately slowed his car and followed her. "Hey, Deaf Yvvy. So, you have a temper now, huh? "You're not even going to greet me now? Didn't you used to love greeting me? Didn't you enjoy tickling my fancy?" Yvette remained stoic while the former mocked her. She used to do everything to win over those around Xavier, including his friends. It was all because she liked him. She had figured that Xavier's family and friends would one day accept her. Alas, it seemed she had been too naรฏve. At the previous gathering, Tristan had declared that he was Daphne's friend. He couldn't care less about maintaining his gentlemanly, upper-class image when siding with Daphne. He had insulted Yvette and called her shameless. In the end, he had also thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die. Since then, Yvette had steered clear of him. Upon receiving no reaction or response from Yvette, Tristan stopped the car, opened the door, and strolled toward her. He grabbed her arm and asked, "What stunts are you planning to pull this time?" Yvette's arm hurt, so she looked up at him. "I don't know what you're saying." She wanted to pry his hand off her arm, but he flung her aside. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Tristan bellowed. Yvette stumbled backward before falling to the ground with a loud thud. Tristan froze on the spot in slight disbelief. It baffled him to see Yvette resorting to such tricks. He had only pushed her with a slight force, so how could she fall like that? Seeing people looking their way, he nervously got back into his car. Still, he gave her a warning before driving away. "Don't mess with Daph just because you're a disabled person, Yvette! "She's different from you. It's taken her a lot of effort to get to where she is now, so you'd better not disrupt her and Xav's relationship again!" After driving away, he even told the Snyder family where Yvette was staying. Yvette's hands and knees were scraped when she fell. It hurt so much that she couldn't stand for a long time. Deep down, she didn't understand why Tristan was so blind to what was right and wrong. She recalled risking her life to rescue him from a car that had been about to explode four years ago. His face had been covered in blood, and his eyes hadn't been visible. However, he had spoken in the warmest voice. He had said, "Thank you. I promise I'll repay you someday." Yvette couldn't help but bitterly wonder if this was his way of repaying her. โฆ Once Yvette returned to the hotel, she took a shower and applied medication to her scraped skin. Then, she lay down in a daze. The fall hardened her determination to leave Xavier for good. โฆ The sun was shining brightly outside when Yvette woke up. She got up and headed to the living area, only to see Yara sitting on the couch, wearing a formal dress. Yara didn't seem to care one bit that Yvette had just woken up. She picked the document off the coffee table and handed it to the latter. "Take a good look at this. It's the backup plan I've selected for you." Yvette accepted the document but saw the title "prenuptial agreement" on the cover. She flipped through the pages while reading the contents aloud. "Ms. Yvette Snyder will marry Mr. Liam Lorimer. As his wife, she'll devote herself to him and look after him until the end of his life. Liam will look after Yvette's family, which includes maintaining their quality of life. He'll also provide 300 million as funds for the Snyder family." Following that, the document stated Liam's details. He was an entrepreneur from the older generation in Tirion. He was 78 years old that year. Yvette's mind tensed. At that moment, Yara spoke up again. "Mr. Lorimer has expressed that he doesn't mind that you were married before. "He'll help revive our family's reputation from the ashes, as long as you marry him. Come on, dearest. You wouldn't let me and Terrence down, right?" Yvette's face paled even more. "I can't agree to what you're asking of me." Yara had never imagined that Yvette would reject her so candidly. She blew up in a fit of rage at once. "What right do you have to refuse? I gave you life!" Hearing that, Yvette met Yara's gaze. "How about I return my life to you? Would that mean I no longer owe you?" "What did you say?" Yara shrilled. Yvette's pale lips moved as she said, "If I returned my life to you, would it mean you'd no longer be my mother? And I'll no longer be indebted to you for giving birth to me?" Yara sneered, not believing Yvette would dare do such a thing. "Okay, then. I won't force you to marry Mr. Lorimer if you give your life back to me. But the question is, do you have the guts to do it?" "Give me a month." Yvette seemed determined. In Yara's eyes, Yvette seemed like a crazed person. She warned, "You'd best not threaten me by only saying you'll end your life. We're not that close, so I don't care if you die. However, you must sign this document if you're too afraid to end your life." โฆ Yvette had suppressed all her emotions to the brim and needed to vent somewhere. So, she went to a bar. She sat in a corner, drinking and watching the crowd happily dance in a daze. That was when a dashing man with striking eyes noticed Yvette, who was all alone. He approached and asked, "Yvette?" Yvette stared at the man but didn't recognize him. Still dazed, she asked, "Do you know how one can achieve happiness?" The man was confused. "What did you say?" Yvette continued drinking as she spoke. "The doctor says I'm ill and should try to be happier, but I can't make myself feel happyโฆ" That sparked discomfort in the man, Claude Lander. He wondered if Yvette had forgotten about him. Also, he was confused by what she saidโsomething about being ill and needing to be happier. "You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy. Why don't I drive you home?" Claude spoke in a gentle tone. A smile curved across Yvette's face as she looked at him. "You're a good person." Complex emotions stirred in Claude when he saw her bitter smile. He wondered what she had been through these past few years. Why did she seem so sorrowful? Meanwhile, Xavier was also at the bar. After settling the divorce papers, he had let himself loose every night. On top of that, he hadn't returned to Dewberry Estate in a long time. It was getting late. When the crowd was about to leave, Daphne noticed a familiar figure in a corner of the bar. She exclaimed, "Isn't that Yvvy?" Xavier glanced in the direction Daphne was staring in and saw a man merrily chatting with Yvette. His expression soured at once. He was disappointed in Yvette for getting drunk at a bar and chatting up another man. He felt like he had thought too highly of her before. "Should we go and check up on her, Xav?" asked Daphne. "No," was all Xavier said before speedily leaving. On the other hand, Yvette declined Claude's offer. "There's no need to trouble yourself. I can go home on my own." Claude was still worried about Yvette, so he ran after her when he noticed her leaving the bar. "Do you really not remember me?" Yvette gazed at him but couldn't recall who he was. "It's Chubbs. Have you forgotten?" Claude reminded her. Only then did Yvette remember her friend, Chubbs, whom she met when she had been living with Viola in the countryside. Back then, Claude had been chubbier and nowhere near Yvette's height. Yet, his six-foot-two-inch frame now towered over her. He had even grown to have handsome features. "I remember now! You've changed so much. I didn't even recognize you!" said Yvette. Meeting an old friend away from home was a pleasant thing. But only a slight smile curved on Yvette's face. That upset Claude. "Come on. I'll drive you home," Claude stated. When he dropped her off, he was shocked to learn she lived in a run-down hotel. Yvette shifted in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's not a glamorous place. Please don't tell Viola I'm living in such a place. I don't want her to worry." Claude nodded. Since it was getting late, it was unwise for him to stay longer. So, he left after telling Yvette he would visit her the next day. He didn't notice the matte black car lingering in a dark area beneath the hotel as he walked out. Now that Claude had left, Yvette felt dizzy and had an upset stomach from drinking too much. That was when someone knocked hard on the door. Yvette had just opened the door when Xavier grabbed her wrist. He exerted so much strength on her slender wrist that it felt close to snapping in half. "You've made me look at you in a new light, Yvette!" Xavier snarled while shutting and locking the door. He then forcefully led her to the couch. He sneered with words as sharp and lethal as a blade, "So, you've already settled on which family you'll marry into next, huh? I knew you wouldn't be so willing to let me go for no reason!" Yvette didn't know why he had come over, nor did she know how he had seen Claude. She was only briefly dazed. Once she snapped out of it, she shot a furious look at Xavier and didn't bother explaining herself to him. The rims of her eyes reddened. "You and I aren't that different from each other." The Snyder family had tricked Xavier into marrying Yvette. However, Xavier had treated her coldly for three years while remaining entangled with his first love. Neither Xavier nor Yvette was a better person than the other. Xavier had also drunk some wine, so he reeked of it. Eyes reddening, he pinched Yvette's chin and spoke with a dangerously low voice. "Who is he? When did you guys meet?" That was the first time Yvette had seen him behave like this. She suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?" Xavier's gaze grew tense as he scoffed. "You're unworthy of such a reaction." Yvette became choked up. That was when Xavier leaned in domineeringly and continued interrogating her. "Has he already touched you? Huh?" In her three years of marriage, Yvette had given up on her work and declined to meet her friends whenever they had occasionally invited her out. She had done so to obey the Lane family's rules. But now Xavier was suspicious of her. Relief washed over Yvette just then. She questioned him back, "What do you think?" That utterly angered Xavier, and his heated hands started travelling down her body. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827043 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774022 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. I am never going back to that sad reality. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714806000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827044 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079149 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827046 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. I am never going back to that sad reality. | Read freely | 15 | https://facebook.com/61557986570531 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714806000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827047 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827048 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827049 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827050 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827051 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 1649214825814541 | 1 | 9.748784076486E+14 | 1714978800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 250753834794512 | 0 | Read freely | 120211565986950196 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11204&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714661788 | 2.5075383479451E+14 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255115_1177880883571742_5075201022874715379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2WQvdPpauCcQ7kNvgHOYR29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeMICY040oOM_UH6bwVUYNap1wKXDX_09x-mwGRiyDXA&oe=664F0473 | person_profile | 0 | Read freely | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441055224_676099334622461_3142011906559831658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YgVhILIEakEQ7kNvgHa2h0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkibCoMhXq1e0Q6Llu_yuKrGEb5_dToCo1vBziQHjSOg&oe=664F12B9 | 0 | 3 | My husband and boss Adam, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meetings for the day like I have done for 7 years as his secretary but since Sophiaโs arrival, I have been unable to get any work done. I feel a pang in my chast every time Adam laughs, almost tearing up at the thought that he has never laughed like that around me. I stare at her slender frame, her lush black hair that bounces back into place even when she throws her head back in laughter and the grace in every of her movements. Sophia is an epitome of feminine grace and every of her features is proof of why Adam has been hung up over her even though they separated years ago. Even though he married me. The dark binds of his office are brought down abruptly, blocking my view of them both and now all I can see is black. It is as if Adam is trying to prevent me from prying even though I am his wife and privacy shouldnโt be a thing between us, especially when it comes to a woman he used to love so much. I still remember how shocked I was when she walked up to me earlier, heels clicking ever so sophisticatedly on the office tiles. I saw the feet cladded in shiny red heels before I raised my head to look at her. โAria, I didnโt know you still worked here! I canโt believe Adam is still making you work even after you both got married. That man is something, isnโt he?โ She said, smiling sweetly with blood red lips that would look horrifying on me if I dared to try that shade of lipstick. I couldnโt speak, caught in the shock of staring face to face with her after all these years, especially as she still had the same aura of wealth and confidence that I have always known her to possess. For a split second, she made me feel insecure in my gray office wear and my tight bun hair and the fact that I wore little to no makeup. โSophia!โ Adamโs voice was what broke me out of that trance I was stuck in as he stepped out of his office and there, right in front of me, he hugged her ever so tightly like an old time friend before he led her back into his office without sparing me as little as a glance. Now, they are alone together in his office, the blinds of his office pulled shut so that I canโt see them but can only hear their muffled voices and his own laughter every now and then. I squirm in my seat uncomfortably each time they laugh, gripping the edges of my table tightly and too destabilized to get any work done while they are both holed up in there. I stare at the calendar on my table. Todayโs date is marked with a red marker and I sigh deeply. Does he even know today is our third wedding anniversary? Every year, it seems like I am the only one who remembers it and now with Sophiaโs appearance, I can already tell that today will pass by like itโs just another day. I knew she was coming today. Being his secretary is the only reason why I knew the things Adam would rather keep from me. He already briefed me about a new business partner that just returned to the country two months ago and will be at the office at any time. What I didnโt know or should I say, what he purposely kept from me was that the so-called business partner was Sophia Bradley and perhaps the reason why he has been more cold and indifferent than usual, ever since her return. My heart aches at the realization but it aches even more because there is nothing I can do about it. I have never had a place in Adamโs heart but he has been the only one in mine. I loved him from the very moment he saved my life years ago but I can say the same for him. He always reminds me even without speaking, that our marriage is nothing but an attempt at fulfilling his grandfatherโs wishes and I knew if he had gotten his way, he would have never looked at me twice, not to talk of getting married to me. Grandfatherโs love for me is perhaps the only reason I am still sane in this loveless marriage. The old man never ceases to show how much he cherishes me but when has that ever been enough? I am married to Adam and not his family. The clock ticks endlessly, yet Adam remains in there with her. Their laughter dies down all of a sudden and I can barely hear a word they are saying. Unable to hold back anymore, I stand before the restlessness kil ls me. I am his wife and I deserve to know what is going on. To look natural, I quickly make two cups of coffee. After all, I am his secretary and this is a part of my job. Nervous sweat breaks out on my forehead as I make my way to his office with unsure steps. Inhaling sharply, I open the door and step in. My heart clenches at the sight of them both, relaxed in each otherโs company as they sit so close to each other on one of the couches in his office. I swallow hard and try to walk over to the table with the best confidence I could muster. โI made coffee.โ I say but they donโt even acknowledge my presence, lost in each other and whatever they were discussing. I study Sophia for a moment, watching as she twirls her cherry blonde hair with a finger while seated with one leg crossed over the other to reveal a prov0cative amount of thi9hs, smiling so brightly that I canโt tell if sheโs faking it. I want to turn around and leave but my feet fail to move. I canโt just leave like this. For how long will I keep quiet and svck it up? โSir,โ I call, looking directly at Adam. We are married but he never fails to remind me that I address him as my boss at work. Adam doesnโt even make a move to look at me and anger rises inside of me, slowly boiling. โSir,โ I call again and that is when he finally regards me with a cold look that almost deters me but I remain firm under his gaze. โThere is something I need to talk to you about, itโs important.โ I lie right through my teeth. I can feel Sophiaโs gaze burning through me but I try not to look at her, for the fear that my confidence would slip away if I do. Adam just waves me off. โIt can wait. As you can see, I have a guest.โ โIt canโt wait.โ I say, even more firmly but he is already back to smiling and listening to Sophia speak like a lovesick teenage boy. I call him a few more times and unable to hold back any longer, I call him by his name instead. โAdam!โ They both look up at me with a mix of expressions. That of Adam is pure anger while Sophia is obviously irritated. I know she has never liked me and back when I was just his secretary and she was his girlfriend, she complained about every single thing I did. โAdam, what is this? Is this how you let your employees disrespect you?โ She says it with absolute disgust and disrespect. I am stunned at her words, so stunned that I scoff. Employee? She dares to talk down on me like that even when she knows fully well that I am not just an employee. Adam stands, his tall frame causing his shadow to sweep over me while I grip the tray of coffee tightly in my hands. โAria, out. Now.โ He commands and I am filled with so much hurt that my hands shake and my lips quiver. โWhy should I? I have every reason to be in this room and I have every right to speak for you to listen to me.โ Sophia stands at once. โIt seems as though your wife has a bone to pick with me and I will not sit here and take such insults.โ She begins to walk away and of course, Adam follows her. I try to move out of her way but my attempt fails when her shoulder heavily bumps into mine in a way that is too fierce to be considered unintentional. I lose grip of the tray and stagger forward and just like that, the hot coffee spills all over her very expensive looking dress and mine. She shrieks, backing away from me only to glare at me the next second. โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ She yells. Adam rushes to her side in less than a minute, fussing over her stained dress and even offering her his handkerchief while I stand there, drenched in coffee as my husband takes care of another woman. I feel the tears prickling at the corner of my eyes but what does crying in front of this woman make me? โI canโt believe you! What did I ever do to you? Go ahead and dislike me all you want but there is a limit to how far you can go and you just crossed that.โ She says again, seething in uncontained anger. Adam turns to me, eyes dark with rage. It makes me shiver. Makes me feel unimaginable pain to know he is mad at me because of another woman. โApologise right now!โ He commands and I scoff. How can he stand there and take her side when I did nothing wrong? โWhy should I do that? I have done nothing wrong. She bumped into me!โ I defend myself, my voice breaking. Lips quivering. โI did no such thing!โ Sophia says defensively but her eyes tell a different story. โYou heard me, Aria. Apologize to her right now.โ Adam says again, still intently looking at me. I almost laugh at the fact that the only time he is looking me directly in the eyes after three years of marriage is when another woman is involved. I shake my head, finding all of this hard to believe. โSo you believe her over me? You take her words for it but mine does not matter? I am your wife.โ โA wife I never wanted to marry!โ He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. Chapter 2 I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesnโt happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. โAdam, howโฆhow could you say that to me?โ I say, my eyes crossing over to Sophia who is now hiding her own frame behind his tall, muscular one, โIn front of her?โ โBecause itโs the truth!โ He yells again, startling me into making a small helpless sound. Adam has never yelled at me. And even though it hurts me to admit that he is truly saying the truth, he has never said it to my face and I never really thought he would. I have always known it yet it hurts to hear it come from him. It feels like a thousand needles are pricking my heart and making me bleed out with so much pain. He runs his fingers through his hair, seeming frustrated. Like he would rather not have this conversation with me. And just when I think it is over, he continues to speak, breaking me even further. โYou were nothing but a mere secretary who wormed her way into my life. If you hadnโt forced yourself on me that night, none of this would have happened! This marriage would have never happened and you know it.โ He brings up the past. Our past. The night that meant everything to me but clearly means nothing to him. I swallow over and over again till my throat and mouth become dry. I canโt cry. No, I canโt appear weak. Not in front of Adam and definitely not in front of Sophia so I keep my tears at bay, urging them to return before they spill down my cheeks. โI never forced myself on you, Adam. Why wonโt you believe me?โ I manage to say but he raises a hand to tell me to stop talking and I clamp my lips shut. โDo not stand there and try to look innocent, Aria because that is far from who you are. I simply said the truth and I do not care if you cannot take it.โ He says and stares at me intently. โDo not let what happened today repeat itself again. Know your place and I will not have any reason to talk to you like this. Do you understand?โ He lays emphasis on every word of warning he is giving me and turns his back against me before I can even open my mouth to speak again. โAre you okay?โ I canโt believe how his voice goes from hard to soft in the next second as he fusses over Sophia. Sophia makes a face that has me balling my fingers into a fist. A face that clearly says she is not okay. โThe coffee was hot and I think I might have to visit the hospital to prevent the burn from leaving a scar.โ She says in a quiet voice. I look down at my own body that is also drenched in the same coffee. The coffee wasnโt hot enough to cause a burn but Adam believes her instantly. He pulls her into a hug and embarrassment washes over me like a bucket of ice. โIโll drive. Wait here, I will get my keys.โ he says as he pulls away, rushing to his office table to grab his car keys before coming back to her side. He takes her purse from her and leads her out. They both seem so lost in each other that they forget my existence totally, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room. Silence falls over me and I am left with my thoughts, licking the wound that his words caused. I have never been able to convince Adam that I didnโt force myself on him yet till this very day, he still believes I drugged him into sleeping with him on the night we were having dinner with his family three years ago. I can never forget the pure look of disgust and shock on his face when we both woke up in each otherโs arms the next morning. I knew since then that Adam would never love me, yet I was hopeful. As the years go by, the hope keeps dwindling with his grandfather, being the only support system in everything. Sighing, I return to my office and pick up my phone. My eyes widens when I see that a number has called my phone repeatedly all the time I was in Adamโs office. The dread that fills me stems from the fact that I recognise the number as the hospitalโs number. I call back instantly, my heart racing. They pick up on the second ring. โMrs Miller, we have been trying to reach you all afternoon!โ A female voice says. โWhy? Is something wrong? Is my grandmother okay?โ I ask, rushing my words as I am filled with dread and panic. โYou need to be at the hospital, your grandmotherโโ I donโt wait to hear the rest of her words. I race out of the room and call on a taxi to drive me to the hospital. I go straight to her hospital room but the sheets and blankets are already being neatly arranged and the bed is empty. More panic. More dread. โWhere is my grandmother?โ I ask, โWhere is she?โ The nurse cleaning the room gives me a look of pity that nauseates me. โI am sorry, Mrs Miller but your grandmother died ten minutes ago and has been moved to the hospitalโs mortuary. I am sorry.โ She says. The world around me stops and I donโt know how I am able to walk on my two feet to the mortuary where the Nurse leads me. She stops at the door and points to my grandmother laying on a table in the room, her body covered in a white sheet from head to toe. I walk to the bedside with shaky legs and the moment I take the sheet off and set my eyes on her pale face, I burst out into a loud sob, wishing I could go back to a month ago so I can prevent that accident that made her this way. The accident that took my only living family away from me. โGrandmaโฆโ I call in a broken voice as I reach for her hand. They are too cold, so lifeless and the tears begin to leave my eyes in torrents as I remember how warm these hands used to be when they held my face. โIโm sorryโฆIโm so sorry.โ I cry, holding tightly unto her and hating myself for not being there in her last moments. I should have been there with her but I was too busy worrying about my place in my husbandโs life. The nurse comes into the room and says, โShe asked us to give you this.โ I wipe my tears, sniffling as I take what seems to be a key chain from her. I couldnโt think of a reason why grandmotherโs parting gift to me would be a key chain but I canโt seem to care. Her cold hands slammed me into the reality of what had happened. Grandmother is dead. I fall to my knees by the bed and weep, muttering and calling for her to return to me. โAria.โ Adamโs voice calls from behind me. I am both surprised and relieved to find him there. He must have been contacted by the hospital as well and stopped by since he already came here with Sophia anyway. Sophia is standing in the room with us but I ignore her. I focus on Adam because I need him. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything will be fine. โAdam.โ I cry as I walk over to him and hug him without a second thought, my tears gathering and falling again. His body stiffens at my touch but I donโt let go. I need his warmth. I need him because he is really all that I have left and I canโt bear to lose him too. I expect him to push me away but he doesnโt. He doesnโt hug me back too but I canโt find it in me to care as I sob uncontrollably. My tears subside and I sniffle repeatedly and slowly let go of him. He clears his throat and takes out his phone, saying; โIโll place a call to start making preparations for her funeral.โ He turns around to leave with Sophia also following him but I canโt bear the sight of him turning his back to me and leaving. I grab his hand. โStay.โ I sound so weak and helpless but I do not give a damm, โPlease, donโt go. Stay with me.โ I beg. Adam opens his mouth to say something but a sharp cry stuns us both. We spin around at the same time to the source of the cry and she is crouching, holding her stomach with an expression of pain. Adam rushes to Sophiaโs side in a heartbeat and my heart sinks further down my stomach. โSophia, are you okay?โ He asks with concern ringing high in his voice. She shakes her head, โThere is something Iโve been wanting to tell you but didnโt know how.โ She says, holding her stomach as she looks directly at me. โWhat is it?โ Adam asks, still very much concerned. โAdamโฆIโฆI am pre9nant.โ Chapter 3 Grandmotherโs funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel duped standing by grandmotherโs grave with the sky covered in clouds that only worsen the dark and depressing feeling that has settled in my guts since her death. I have cried so much that I have no tears left to shed at grandmotherโs grave and now have to wear dark sunglasses to hide how red and puffy my eyes are rather than to complement my black dress. There are a few people hanging around the other graves in the cemetery to pay their last respects to their loved ones and at each grave, there are at least two people; couples holding each other, families comforting each other and even church processions. I am alone, with no one to comfort me since no one else bothered to attend my grandmother's funeral. With her gone, I realize how lonely I actually am and the thought deals another blow to my already damaged heart. I try hard to get the heartbreaking events of the past few days off my mind and when I finally succeed, I turn my focus back to my grandmother. Sheโs smiling in the framed picture placed by her tombstone and I force a smile as well as a fond memory of her slips into my mind. โAria, my child, you canโt frown like that everytime or youโll get wrinkles like me before you are even my age!โ She would say and then go ahead to spread my lips into a smile with her fingers. Grandmother was a cheerful soul who would tell me stories, mostly the ones about my birth and how she knew from the very first day that she set her eyes on me that I was going to be a really beautiful and amazing child. I shared everything with her and talking to her about my marriage was one of the things that made it bearable. I donโt know what Iโd do without Grandmother. Tears start to gather in my eyes again and I take off the sunglasses to wipe them off before they start to fall. I already promised myself not to cry anymore; Grandmother wouldnโt want that. Sniffling, I begin to place the things I brought with me by her grave; Tulips, which were her favorite flowers; Peaches, her favorite fruit and finally some sweets because grandmother had a really sweet tooth and never listened to me whenever I told her they were bad for her age. โThere are no sweets in heaven, Aria. Itโs only right that I take as much as I can down here before the big guy calls me up there.โ She would say at the same she unwraps another candy and tosses it into her mouth. She would talk on and on about โThe big guyโ and โUp thereโ like she was always prepared for the day she would die. I canโt help it anymore, I burst into tears, falling on my knees by her grave as it dawns on me fully that she is really gone. โI should have let you have all the candies in the world. I should have been there with you at your dying moment. I should have held your hands and told you itโs gonna be okay. Iโโ My voice breaks, the deep regret and tears choking me and making me lose my train of thoughts. I canโt think of a thing to say anymore and so I just cry, sobbing so hard my body shakes. I hear confident footsteps approaching me and feel a presence behind me that causes my sobs to come to a pause. My heart races and hope swells inside of me when the person puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip my head around, expecting to see Adam but my hope quickly shatters when I see that it is Adam uncle, Regis. โRegis.โ I say, sniffing and wiping my tears in a rush. โHere,โ He hands me his handkerchief, stuffing it in my hand and closing my palm around it before I can even refuse. I say a barely audible thank you before I dab at the tears with the hanky that smelt like him. โI came as soon as I heard, Iโm sorry about your Grandmother, Aria.โ He says in a sincere and kind voice. Regis has always been kind to me even when I was just a secretary. Whenever he came to visit his nephew at the office, he would stop to say hi and hand me a canned coffee with a smile on his face. However, he left the country to study a few days before our wedding and only returned not too long ago. This is the first time seeing him since his return and the kind look in his eyes assures me that if he had been around, I would have had another person rooting for me just like Adamโs grandfather. โYou didnโt have to.โ I say quietly, trying to downplay how much it actually means to me that at least, one person cares enough to be here with me. Regis looks around as if searching for something and then he frowns when our eyes meet again. โYouโre alone? Where the hel is Adam?โ He asks, his voice a little hard. My cheeks redden in embarrassment. Regis has only just returned and probably doesnโt know anything yet. I am not willing to talk either. I force a smile and begin to pack the excess things I bought for my grandmother's funeral. Regis joins me wordlessly and I sigh in silent appreciation of how he doesnโt ask anymore questions. He takes everything from my hands even before I can protest. โDid you drive here?โ He asks and I shake my head. I came here in a Taxi. โCโmon, weโll take my car.โ He says and walks in front of me. I have no choice but to follow him. We have just gotten outside of the cemetery when a car drives into the parking space right beside Regisโ car. The car is familiar and I keep doubting who it belongs to until Adam steps out of the car, eyes trained on me as he walks over. The first thing I notice is his Royal Blue suit and I feel the slow brewing of anger inside of me. How could he show up wearing that? It is like a blatant disrespect of my Grandmother and I canโt stand to watch her get disrespected even in her death. It is clear that he came from the office; little surprise there and it would have been better if he didnโt come at all as I now realize how looking at him only infuriates me. He had managed to avoid me in the past three days since the hospital incident. Three days since Sophia announced that she was pre9nant and shook my world. I didnโt need anyone to tell me who the baby belonged to as he walks towards me now, I feel nothing but resentment for him. โIs it over? Crap, I must have lost track of time.โ He says before turning to his uncle and giving him a tight smile of appreciation that I find nauseating. โThank you for being here with her, uncle.โ Regis merely crosses his arms, staring back at his nephew, โCare to explain why you are only just coming?โ Regis thows the question at him and I face Adam too, crossing my arms. โYes, Adam. Tell me what was more important than being at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I already know the answer but I still wait to hear him say it so I can have a reason to hate him even more. โI really wanted to be here, Aria but you knowโฆโ He trails off, running a hand through his hair, โI had to be with Sophia.โ The sound of her name is what does it for me; the same woman who is the reason I wasnโt around to witness grandmotherโs dying moments. โDid you really come all the way here to tell me you were with another woman you slept with and impregnated?โ โWhat?โ Regis is the one who speaks, his voice echoing his shock as he looks from me to Adam. Adamโs usual blank look remains as if he is unaffected by my words and the pain he has caused me. โLetโs not do this here, Aria. You know I canโt just leave her.โ I scoff. โI never stopped you. You know what? You should have never come here. You should have stayed with her since that is where your loyalties lie now and I am no longer in the picture.โ Adam frowns, moving closer and intimidating me just a little with his height and muscular frame, โWhat does that mean? You are my wife.โ โEx-wife,โ I say the words without even thinking. I didnโt think any of this through but I donโt care because my entire being seems to agree that this is whatโs best for me, โI want a divorce, Adam.โ His eyes grow wide, unable to contain the shock at my words and I am proud of myself that I finally got a reaction that isnโt anger or coldness from him. โBoth the divorce papers and my resignation will find their way to you soon.โ I add before he can get over his shock and I donโt wait for him to reply as I turn to an equally stunned Regis. โTake me home, Regis.โ Chapter 4 Adamโs POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shets I have had the pleasure of hearingโand trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEOโAria asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and ability to handle situations no matter how unexpected they are. It comes with the job, yet for some reason, I am unable to utter a single word or move my feet until she gets into the car with my uncle. When I finally come to my senses, she is long gone, leaving me to drown in the pool of shock she created. I am shocked at her audacity; the way she looked me in the eyes as she hit me with those words. Ariaโs cold hazel eyes totally betrayed the meek and timid trait that I have only ever known her for. I am equally shocked at myself for actually being affected by it when I shouldn't have batted an eyelash, after all, I never wanted to marry her. The three years of living with Aria felt like I was in bonda9e created by her own deceit and my grandfatherโs overbearing attitude. I never cared about Aria yet the sound of divorce numbed me completely that I am unable to think straight until the door to my car opens and reminds me that I am still standing still in front of the cemetery. My personal assistant steps out of the car and speaks. โSir, your appointment with the Taylor Enterprises is thirty minutes from now. Itโs more than an hourโs drive from here, we should leave now ifโโ โCancel it,โ I say, heading back to the car, not quite in the right mind to process anything, not even a meeting whose outcome was worth millions of dollars. My assistant follows behind me in a hurry, obviously confused. โBut sir, that isnโt the only appointment for the day. You also haveโฆโ He starts to read out my packed schedule for the day as I finally get into the car. โCancel them all!โ I say, settling into the leather seats of the car and loosening my tie at the same time as it feels like I am slowly losing the ability to breathe, โGet in and turn the dann AC on.โ I command him, unable to prevent my anger and irritation from reflecting in my voice. Finally noticing the negative emotions rolling out of me in waves, he mutters his response before getting into the driverโs seat and pulling the car out of the cemeteryโs parking lot. We get to the highway, air is emitting from not only the AC in the car yet I feel heat rising from inside of me and not even loosening a few buttons on my shirt helped. All I can think about is Aria and the dammed divorce. My shock is long gone and I am now stewing in nothing but anger, bordering on rage. Who the hel does she think she is? What gives her the boldness to think she makes the call for divorce? If anyone should be asking for a divorce, It should be me. I am the one who married her against my will. Sheโs the one who found me so irresistible that she went as far as dru9ging me just to have me. If anyone deserves to slam divorce papers in her face, it is me but the thought never crossed my mind. Sheโs a good secretary, dutiful, efficient and always at my beck and call. She also doubles as a good wife, never getting in my way or needy for attention. Aria takes whatever I give her; the little time, the irregular sax and the little communication, all that I deemed appropriate for our kind of relationship. The sudden switch has me racking my brain, thinking of different possibilities and all the things that could have gone wrong. A thought crosses my mind and it intensifies my anger in a way that I canโt even understand. โFind out if Aria has been meeting anyone lately. Men in particular.โ I say. My assistant meets my eyes through the rearview mirror. His eyes fail to hide his surprise that I am asking him to look into my wife and the possibility that sheโs been seeing other men. I canโt rule out all the possibilities and if Aria has really been cheating on me, I swear to Godโ My phone vibrates beside me on the leather seats. Sophiaโs name pops up on the screen in a message notification. Sheโs asking me when next I would be available for an appointment at the doctorโs office. Seeing Sophiaโs message douses my anger but leaves me with a far more disturbing emotion. I thought of all the reasons why my quiet wife is suddenly asking for a divorce but it never crossed my mind that impregnating the woman I once loved could be the reason. I think back to that day two months ago when yet again, I let drinking lead me into making the worst decisions. All I had to do was pick Sophia up at the airport, drive her to her hotel and return home. Instead, I took the invite to have a drink in her hotel room; for old timeโs sake, she called it. We did more than just have a drink that night and the outcome is the baby growing inside of Sophia. I canโt call it a mistake yet deep down, I know it should have never happened. I should have never let myself get tempted by the thought of how being inside of Sophia will feel after three years. I want the child. Itโs my baby and I donโt plan on losing it but it comes at a price that I never thought would be a problem which is the divorce with Aria. I canโt let Aria divorce me. I need her. At the office and in my home. Sheโs been my secretary for seven years and no one can do her job like her. I also pay her well and make sure she doesnโt need anything as my wife. How does she plan to survive without me anyway? Does she think that by asking for divorce, she has put herself on a higher level than me? What game is she playing with me now? Ha! Women thinking that they can live without a man and his support. As I think deeply about these things, I also think of a way to remedy them. I just need to do something to appeal to her. โWhat do women like?โ I asked my assistant. He hesitates at first, surprised by the sudden question before he clears his throat and answers, โErm, designer bags I guess and oh, flowers.โ I am already scrolling through an online store on my phone, clicking away at every expensive bag that catches my eyes until I have already ordered a number to last her an entire year. Then we make a stop at the flower shop on the way home. Turns out there are more than a hundred thousand flowers and I canโt even decide which one to get for Aria because apparently, women have favorites when it comes to things as trivial as flowers as well. In the end, I pick Lilies because the attendant at the flowershop claims itโs most womenโs favorite. I head home after that with only one single thought at the back of my mind; I wonโt let Aria divorce me. Chapter 5 Iโm thankful that Regis doesnโt ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant they hear the door open but I raise a hand to stop them all from coming close to me. I am no longer the mistress of the house. I walk past them all to get to my room. Adam and I only share a room when he is looking to satisfy his saxual urges. He crawls into my bed and peppers kisses all over my body till I give in and that is the only time I ever feel wanted by him. As I walk into the room, I refrain from staring at the bed for longer than I should, afraid that the memories of us tangled up in sheets with him buried deep inside of me will break my resolve. And right now, I have only one resolveโto leave Adam for good. I begin to pack while that resolve is still strong, not even stopping for one moment to think about the fact that I have nowhere to go. I canโt bear to stay one more day under the same roof with Adam, knowing how deeply his betrayal cut. I only pack a few things that are important, assuring myself that I will come back for the rest of my things later when the divorce is finalized. I am only halfway through packing when I hear the sound of a familiar voice that never fails to send chills down my spine and even right this moment, I can already feel the chilling crawl of dread and it makes me stop packing immediately. Adamโs mother, Elodie and his sister Eva are here. I exhale sharply, trying to keep my breathing under control and to also keep the terrible memories of them from flushing into the forefront of my mind. A few more deep exhales and I finally get a hold of myself, resuming packing my things. Once I finish packing, I haul the heavy suitcase out of the room and walk into the living room where Elodie and Eva are seated on one of the couches, legs crossed over one another like they owned the place. Elodie has her signature scowl on her face that doesnโt fade even when I bow to greet her. โWhy are you here?โ Elodie asks, standing. I am confused by her question and my inability to give an answer makes her scoff, her face contorting into the ugliest form annoyance can take. โI almost forgot how dumb you are.โ Elodie says again. Dumb. Her favorite word to throw at me the way she pleases and of course, it doesnโt hurt less today. In fact, it is even more painful now that I realize that besides having to live with Adamโs indifference, I have also had to deal with his motherโs hatred and utter disrespect for me and all along, my response has either been silence or an apology that she never deserved. โWhy are you here instead of the office, huh?โ She sneers and continues, โMy son works tirelessly day and night just to make money for someone like you to leech off him, all he asks of you is to do your job as his secretary and yet you canโt even do that one thing? Do you think you are entitled to his money just because you are his wife?โ Her words are like hard blows to the chast, every single word that strung her sentences together hitting nerves and breaking right through them. I feel something rising inside of me. It has always been there but I have always managed to control it. To top it all, Eva, Adamโs snobbish sister had to chip in, โSheโs a trickster who duped my poor innocent brother and I wonder why isnโt she at the office! Such a lazy bumm! I donโt even know how Grandpa accepted such a penniless betch to be part of our elite family!โ โI had to be at my grandmotherโs funeral.โ I respond simply, hoping the scowl on her face will disappear but it gets even more profound and she adds a scoff for good measure. Did Elodie and Eva not know that my grandmother died? โIs she dead for real? Or is it just an act?!โ Eva has the guts to ask me and I glare at her. Elodie continues, โOf course, thatโs your excuse for being a lazy gold digger. Tell me, did that grandmother of yours teach you to go after other peopleโs money instead of working for your own?โ That very thing that has been rising inside me since I saw Adamโs mother reaches its peak. Itโs anger. It is red, pure and fiery and controls my whole being that I can not even bring myself to care about anything other than keeping my grandmotherโs name from being soiled. โDo not talk about my grandmother like that!โ I yell and she jumps slightly, startled by my outburst. โDid you just yell at me?โ she says, taking a step forward but I donโt flinch as I stare back into her eyes. Eva approaches me and she lashes out, โDid you just shout at my mother?!!!โ Eva has always tried to demean me and every possible way at every chance presented to her. She grabs my arm, presses it harshly, making me wince in pain. Elodie smiles and as usually, she is greatly entertained. I push Eva with the other hand and she tumbles on the sofa. She remains shocked for I have always allowed them to bully me and this time, I retaliate. โDid you forget your place? You are nothing but aโโ โGold digger who married your son for his money, yes, I get it!โ I snap at her, having had enough of the name calling every damm time, โBut you donโt have to worry about that anymore because I already filed for a divorce. I am leaving your son so you can go ahead and swallow all of his money for all I care.โ I turn around to leave, huffing as I drag the heavy suitcase with me but then Elodie clamps her hand down on the suitcase to stop me. She looks at the suitcase in amusement. โYou are really leaving!โ Elodie canโt even hide the joy in her tone. โYes, so please just stop and let me go.โ She shakes her head, โNot so fast! You canโt just leave.โ And then she signals to two of the maids who have been standing, watching the whole exchange. โSearch her!โ She orders when they come forward. They hesitate and she glares at them. โDid you not hear her? She is no longer the mistress of the house. Search her right now.โ I am too stunned to react when the maids finally snatch my suitcase from me. Eva tries to hold me preventing me from snatching back my bag from the maids. โWhat do you think youโre doing?โ I say, my voice shaky. โI canโt just let you leave. Who knows what valuables you have stolen from my son inside that germ ridden bag of yours.โ My mouth opens and closes several times at her words as I canโt even come up with a single string of sentences to say to her. I just watch as my things come tumbling to the ground in the rough search. Tears of humiliation burned at the back of my eyes. I donโt struggle any more from Evaโs grip and she stares at me triumphantly. โWhat is that? Hand it over.โ Adamโs mother says when one of the maids found a gold bracelet I had lodged into my case. Grandmotherโs bracelet, the only thing I have left of her. โNo!โ I rush forward to stop her from handing it over but I am too late. Adamโs mother is already holding and inspecting the bracelet. โOh, wow! Mom, you finally found something she stole from Adam!โ Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon saying those words, she drags me and throws me onto the marble. I hit my nose. As I touch it, blood is coming out. I wipe it quickly and spring up to my feet. โI knew it! You took something. Did my son buy this for you? What gives you the right to think you can walk away with something he got for you after filing for a divorce?โ Elodie snaps. โThat doesnโt belong to your son! It is mine and I will appreciate it if you give it back.โ She does the exact opposite and only continues to accuse me of being a thief until the door opens and Adam walks in. I donโt feel relief at his presence like I usually do when his mother treats me this way, instead, I feel nothing but resentment for him. I want to scream how much I hate him to his face. His face twists into confusion when he sees the situation. โWhat is going on here?โ He asks, walking further into the house and looking from his mother to me. โThank goodness you arrived, son. This leech was about to leave with something that clearly doesnโt belong to her.โ His mother responds. โAnd she hit me!!!โ Eva adds, almost in tears, complaining to Adam. This time, Adam is too shocked to ask me why I hit his dear sister. I thought,as he did in the past, he would force me to apologize, but this time, he did nothing. I wonder why. My eyes are starting to water for some reason and I am confused as to why Adamโs appearance suddenly triggered them yet I smile through the tears. โAdam, will you please tell your mother that I have never gotten a gift from you?โ Adam falters, seemingly speechless for a second as he stares at his hands. I also look down at his hands and I finally understand why my eyes sting with tears and why I am sniffling in preparation of a sneeze that rocks my entire body. Lilies. I am all ergic to them. Despite the tears rolling down my cheeks, I start to laugh. I laugh so hard, ignoring the burning gazes of everyone present in the room who probably think I have gone crazy. I sneeze in between laughs, yet I donโt stop laughing as I turn to Adamโs mother. โI have been married to your son for three years and he doesnโt even know I am all ergic to lilies, yet you think he is capable of getting me a bracelet?โ I shake my head at my sad reality. Chapter 6 Adam hands the flowers over to one of the maids, asking her to put it in a vase or whatever. He clears his throat, trying and failing miserably to hide his embarrassment in front of his mother, his sister and the maids. โThe flowers werenโt for you.โ He says, voice hard as he stares at me for a brief second. I barely even feel anything when he says that because I genuinely donโt care anymore, I just want to get the hel out of this house and never return. I donโt even care about the rest of my things which I am yet to pack, I just want to turn my back on this horrible life already. I hear Eva sniggers. Adam seems like he wants to say something to me but then he decides against it and turns to his mother instead. โMum, please return the bracelet to her.โ She snorts and shakes her head stubbornly, โI am not letting her leave with it.โ Adam grunts, a sign that he is slowly losing his patience, โ I have never seen that bracelet mother, it belongs to Aria. Please, give it back.โ Adamโs mother doesnโt immediately move to do as she is told but the moment she does, it is with an annoyed huff as she tosses the bracelet at me. I catch it in my palms while she heads back to sit in the same position as earlier when I first walked into the living room. I fall to my knees by the mess the maids made out of my clothes and then I begin to arrange them again, rushing through the process so I can get out of here fast to stop the repeated sting of humiliation. Adam standing there and just watching me clean up his motherโs mess without as much as an apology from either of them only adds to the rising level of humiliation. Once done, I stand and face Adam squarely, taking in the same clothes he wore to the cemetery earlier and getting reminded of all the reasons why I am making the best decision of my life. โAs I said before, it is over between us. The divorce papers and my resignation letter will find their way to you soon.โ I say, ignoring the way his face twisted, โGoodbye, Adam.โ I turn around before I can even hear his response. I donโt want to look at Adam, not anymore. I walk away from him, going straight for the door and turning its knob for what I hope is the very last time. I have barely taken a step outside the door when Adamโs strong hand grabs my upper arm and twists me around to look at him. I have worked with him for seven years, four of which I was just his secretary and that was enough for me to know the kind of man Adam Miller is. He is usually composed with a blank expression that shows how in control he is. Right now, Adam is neither composed nor in control. He seems like he has lost grip of it and the meaning of those words donโt even matter to him anymore as he holds my arm in a tight grip. I struggle to break free of his hold. โLet me go.โ I snap at him but Adam only narrows his eyes at me, his anger burning past his blue eyes. โYou canโt just leave, Aria.โ He growls. โYou canโt tell me what to do, Adam. At least not anymore. Let me go!โ โDoes this even make any sense to you!โ He yells in my face as he lets go of my hand to run his hand through his hair, โ You canโt just spring this kind of shet on me.โ โItโs not springing if we have both had it coming from the very moment we shared our vows which you have already broken. We both know this marriage should have never happened so cut the crap and let me leave.โ I say, practically fuming before turning around in another attempt to leave. โWhat about grandfather? You are taking such a big step without talking to the old man who set it all up anyway. The man who has been nothing but good to you.โ I turn back to face Adam, hating his attempt at making me feel guilty. My thoughts go to his grandfather momentarily and I try to imagine the old manโs reaction to me filing for a divorce when he cares about me so much. However, I donโt waver. I refuse to let those thoughts come between me and my freedom. I refuse to put the wish of another over my own happiness. โI will talk to grandfather. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.โ I say and make another attempt to leave but of course, Adam doesnโt give up as he speaks again. โI wonโt sign it Aria, I wonโt sign the goddamm papers!โ โWhat the hel is wrong with you?โ I yell out my frustration, โWhy wonโt you just let me go?โ He stares me down, eyes burning stubbornly, โI wonโt sign the papers and I wonโt accept your resignation either. The company has rules you have to follow and you canโt just decide to resign without prior notice especially when there is a lot of work at the office which I pay you to do!โ I scoff, unable to believe his nerve. Unable to get over his selfish thinking and absolute lack of remorse for the things he has done. โYou have Sophia, donโt you?โ I shoot at him and his brows furrow. โWhat does that even mean?โ โEveryone adores Sophia. She is smart, beautiful and can get your work done for you and oh, donโt forget the fact that she is also pre9nant with your child! How perfect is that?โ Adamโs mother springs up, surprise evident in her features. Clearly, she is just learning about her coming grandson. โAdam, is what she says true? You have a child on the way?โ Eva asked excitedly. Adamโs expression donโt give anything away and he doesnโt even spare his mother or sister a glance. He is still looking straight at me. โAria, what happened between Sophia and I wasnโt intentional, it justโโ โDonโt you dare make excuses for her! Who cares what she thinks? Sophia is who you have always deserved. The only woman who actually deserves to be my daughter-in-law.โ Adamโs mother cut in while making sure to give me a nasty look that doesnโt even surprise me anymore. I shrug at Adam, a way to show him that I was right. Everyone wants Sophia, including him and he canโt even bring himself to deny it. He continues to ignore his mother. โAria, it was an accident.โ He says again and I nod, like I am agreeing to his words. โThree years ago, you didnโt think the same way. You didnโt think you accidentally slept with me but instead believed I had gone as far as dru9ging you to sleep with you. What changed, Adam? Because all I see right now is a bloody hypocrite and a coward who would rather blame others for his mistakes.โ When I turn my back to him this time, I donโt stop walking. I donโt turn around. โAria! Aria, get back here while I am still being nice. Aria, I swear to God if you walk out that door, I wonโt take you back even if you go on your knees. You need me, Aria. You canโt survive without me!โ Adam yells after me but I donโt stop walking as his arrogant words only fueled my desire to get away from him as fast as I can. I block out the rest of his words as I open the door and welcome my peace and freedom. 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| 1827052 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079150 | 1723774023 | 810 | 387072690725868 | 3 | 3.871744639565E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1985698018394105 | 0 | Horbaach | 120205822830450525 | horbaach.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Search: 5 results found for "nitric oxide" | Count on us to bring you products that are formulated with care, tested rigorously, and backed by decades of expertise. | https://horbaach.com/search?q=nitric+oxide&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ecommerce&utm_content=nosimage1 | 1708023235 | 1.9856980183941E+15 | Horbaach | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426513719_3590945641147342_7517592862440309833_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ossw82GOvp8Q7kNvgEnkirD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCvFQkI7rQ79QS8lpUgvTQ_WYEMIgsQqSPhfaTWhL-NzQ&oe=664F164B | person_profile | 0 | Horbaach Health | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426526585_1330967624277560_7147559842765520453_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M8gVOB-_ob0Q7kNvgGiie63&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCq5F7K9XVFK1PeWw_fppNxWLlBWSP-kTBZXdUcQ0QYvw&oe=664F18B8 | 0 | 3 | Shop Horbรคach Products | Horbaach | 11311 | https://facebook.com/horbaach | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1707984000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828291 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 4:16 PM | 1716079233 | 1749244587 | 810 | 348933601169285 | 6 | 1.105674660518E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103747482007443 | 0 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 120209464085190270 | itunes.apple.com | Download | NONE | video | ๐ 20% off the first ride๐ | http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1635915914 | 1716065725 | 1.0374748200744E+14 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445186707_823681579118247_6294223722126178933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VMnio-XiZ7gQ7kNvgFrBCsD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDdSw7R2kMQMbGAmz0tumYtEbBNSMHgSFA_M9q7Bod0pA&oe=664F2CDF | person_profile | 0 | DRODE | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445185624_2835348169951083_6976934252330108756_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vx8707965bgQ7kNvgEydiXb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDV7D1RztJUj_MtlkPMkpxaEtXPjpORayRX3mF4x2uZQg&oe=664F109A | 0 | 3 | ๐ DRODE: professional driver in your car! Safe Rides for Every Journey!<br /> <br /> Looking for a way to just make your life easier? DRODE is the ground breaking answer.<br /> <br /> ๐น Driver on Demand: Get a driver anytime, anywhere.<br /> ๐น Advanced Booking: Plan your ride ahead of time.<br /> ๐น Your Safety First: Enjoy your night without any worries. Professional, highly experienced, background checked, insured drivers!<br /> ๐น You choose your driver based upon their skill set and availability.<br /> ๐น Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy the ride in your own car.<br /> <br /> Join others who love the convenience of DRODE. "I've always wanted an app like this!"<br /> Get 20% off your first ride too!<br /> <br /> ๐ Swipe up to download DRODE now! | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 53 | https://facebook.com/100022768995175 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828412 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 6:00 AM | 1716079235 | 1730458832 | 810 | 464522445948814 | 1 | 1.0996020680012E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 257517820773350 | 0 | Updates Realm | 120211002689260090 | juu.sdklcksdk9.store | Learn more | NONE | image | FOR MEN OVER 40๐ | https://juu.sdklcksdk9.store/dqjTvS5F | 1716064994 | 2.5751782077335E+14 | Updates Realm | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440960992_1038138354319258_4040598880746611041_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5bSl2QfXsbYQ7kNvgHEorjo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA93ictX3GrtQQAhknBoteNd2StVDWc5mPwqJF8HT0ulw&oe=664F07CF | person_profile | 0 | Updates Realm | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438259489_325432577076453_3786547387117014930_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=InpiAm-n4NoQ7kNvgFQfzdw&_nc_oc=Adh8XAjJy1T0KYWlq0U1C9ox38eeWlbBmHGDuMluEtE3QGA5HFK0yaho2LsnaoFZgGA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDRQKuqWIfiLTLocTdA8_nGwRr0p8jGUezd9SFH08a_OA&oe=664F29FD | 0 | 3 | Updates Realm | 0 | https://facebook.com/61557055223718 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828181 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/19/25, 9:12 PM | 1716079231 | 1752977527 | 810 | 295800563589327 | 1 | 7.6980482602873E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102034845143680 | 0 | Honker Co. | 120211956325740242 | honkerco.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://honkerco.com/ | 1716066158 | 1.0203484514368E+14 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475586_439286098703835_5515553847268329050_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QGAdJss5pUUQ7kNvgHC192z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC99QrjHqfi991I1ejV61IVWcj5ZTHHrRGNTOOjMjHv7g&oe=664F0B37 | person_profile | 0 | Honker Co. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469340_263212860152578_9014011626494122387_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qjTuaswDF6EQ7kNvgEuiKsj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2RvcYVdalEjvzh72Grh8VmSrYQVqmIs7AW_c8gjwwRA&oe=664F0E1B | 0 | 3 | ๐ข UP TO 50% OFF<br /> โ๏ธ FREE SHIPPING OVER $100<br /> โฐ LIMITED TIME OFFER | Honker Co. | 8415 | https://facebook.com/100065140416752 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827851 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 4:59 PM | 1716079224 | 1749247193 | 810 | 938219071371753 | 4 | 1.0971565846864E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 245170729526481 | 0 | Dreamchat | 6544617811763 | tapgeolink.org | Learn more | NONE | image | I'm completely free tonight! | https://tapgeolink.org/3jtN4nr1?t1=K_619&t2={{ad.name}}&t3={{adset.id}}&t4={{placement}}&t5={{ad.id}}&fbclid={fbclid} | 1716055937 | 2.4517072952648E+14 | Dreamchat | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441637897_2117299665301515_3874505739831809211_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z_61ilwDCj8Q7kNvgF686KH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDj7ptR1q3AGUnlxqh5MyXhX9keSAr6SrBL6b2U8_-ZRA&oe=664F2FDC | person_profile | 0 | Dreamchat | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441550160_1196931918341033_7101619967576128506_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XYjYOn1C950Q7kNvgHqFfHP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBaYOHObLhaCjmwbZfao9nny-frgy6OupfHuERbDDCbbw&oe=664F2C4F | 0 | 3 | Dreamchat | 0 | https://facebook.com/100064620825278 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827968 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/13/25, 7:55 PM | 1716079226 | 1747184121 | 810 | 972939141034042 | 1 | 2.1381051399385E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108316717769089 | 0 | Barajas Landscaping | 120209489755630193 | Get quote | NONE | image | Barajas Landscapig | 1716067872 | 1.0831671776909E+14 | Barajas Landscaping | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441315976_1139211453895590_2153668236227398671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6ye2dgYMo7sQ7kNvgEgpoE4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBrKhjccM9q4Es4_mDEqWi7UnEOkWnNcaksPxu4G_wuHQ&oe=664F1470 | person_profile | 0 | Barajas landscaping LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442393417_1639792433508060_436025158064581815_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Xq_YFT9TGvgQ7kNvgHqkoXi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCYb2QrSJd7aHnYacEO0HMIULMj25XTAN24_ywGekV0JA&oe=664F1950 | 0 | 3 | Get the Lawn of Your Dreams Today!<br /> <br /> At Barajas Landscaping, we believe your yard should be a reflection of your style. From expert lawn care to creative garden designs, our team is dedicated to making your outdoor space beautiful and functional. Book now and get a free quote! Our satisfied clients in San antonio can attest to our commitment and excellence. | Barajas Landscaping | 115 | https://facebook.com/100063894949150 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828218 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/27/25, 10:35 AM | 1716079232 | 1751038525 | 810 | 1178874196608378 | 1 | 8.1686043035032E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103656796045284 | 0 | Megan Horvath Beauty | 120210194197770594 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/marketing.with.meg | 1716066047 | 1.0365679604528E+14 | Megan Horvath Beauty | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436282420_1155443132164212_8704508378013452987_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YZiCG4fDMrcQ7kNvgF07tqS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCer2pbG2DghGhkHJGCcXQBtrte20W6pe5nfcjd8Ihx0w&oe=664F3540 | person_profile | 0 | Megan Horvath | Digital Marketing | Passive Income | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428353308_433130752802051_3928924322017478553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QXh7ggLtxnAQ7kNvgGnvSlM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCQdyHVPivfMH0sSYk2Oxqn6ZW5MW6htma-_xCd61Ci2A&oe=664F2D2F | 0 | 3 | I donโt think people understand how simple it is to start a business on social media these days! <br /> <br /> Because letโs be honest even a trip to Costco these days is $500โฆ Moms everywhere are searching for an out of the box way to help the family income. <br /> <br /> If youโre looking for a business that allows you: <br /> <br /> โค๏ธslow mornings<br /> โค๏ธprioritizing and being present with your kids<br /> โค๏ธself care & personal development <br /> โค๏ธflexibility of setting your hours and letting your biz run in the background while you are wrangling up your crazy kids<br /> <br /> All you need to make this work for you is:<br /> <br /> ๐ฑ your phone <br /> <br /> ๐ WiFi <br /> <br /> โฐ 1-3 hours a day<br /> <br /> And letโs be honest too- Iโm sitting in the Costco parking lot with my kids being wild in the back seat typing this up!<br /> <br /> I have a free guide that is for busy mamas just like us who are looking for something extra income- Costco purchases, pampering time, saying yes to more things, vacation money. <br /> <br /> ๐breaks down what digital marketing is<br /> ๐ 20 trending digital items people are searching for <br /> ๐discovering your niche<br /> ๐how to automate your biz to work in the background during your busy day. <br /> <br /> Comment ME and FOLLOW & Iโll DM you the guide <br /> <br /> @marketing.with.meg ๐ซถ๐ป<br /> <br /> #mompreunership #mompreunerlifestyle<br /> #stayathomemom #stayathomemomlife<br /> #stayathomemoms #onlinebusiness #passiveincome #homeschoolmama #sidehustle #boymom #christianmom | Megan Horvath Beauty | 91 | https://facebook.com/100091880113121 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828245 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/4/25, 3:29 AM | 1716079232 | 1746347350 | 810 | 1551301885732006 | 1 | 1.119766899252E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 281610501710900 | 0 | Tastye Recipes | 120208480257530703 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Tastye Recipes | https://www.facebook.com/281610501710900 | 1716065948 | 2.816105017109E+14 | Tastye Recipes | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417390573_310505132095191_4247866890541784134_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=otN2cfIQYFcQ7kNvgFFdbBi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHAVdkr3xZct_wHMH-mEiOKYNA2UqXjpaMwCRhUZCRKA&oe=664F0792 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Eat like a boss! Follow us and never wonder what's for dinner again. ๐คค | Tastye Recipes | 5314 | https://facebook.com/61559019277595 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827979 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 7:40 PM | 1716079227 | 1749256822 | 810 | 1937993806672865 | 1 | 3.2111440418308E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102590904421413 | 0 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | 6619586115804 | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Guiding your every step! | 1716067727 | 1.0259090442141E+14 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230929_1164793317867582_1635267509182036374_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p7XZVra86ZwQ7kNvgEzio1D&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQCC1amthFftI_dfGHK762t1rrdv-L4488Fe4Ypdm9MQ&oe=664F3263 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Rei Freedom Real Estate Coaching | 0 | https://facebook.com/ReiFreedomRealestateCoaching | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827805 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/13/25, 10:32 PM | 1716079224 | 1747193563 | 810 | 770927898359042 | 1 | 1.4269936546014E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100115005825456 | 0 | Absolute Brush Cutting and Beautification LLC | 6579067710839 | Send message | NONE | video | Call or text 912-214-9957 | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716070355 | 1.0011500582546E+14 | Absolute Brush Cutting and Beautification LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442488772_1004150041146125_5061992299846878383_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mazGIrWabMUQ7kNvgGu_0Nx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCuwfwJVQvTC1Ep6wcGq0X7Ba4bnndKS1pH7LzY8EDYyQ&oe=664F21A6 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Free estimates for Effingham County. Residential brush clearing. | Absolute Brush Cutting and Beautification LLC | 104 | https://facebook.com/absolutebrushcuttingandbeautificationLLC | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828011 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 8:45 PM | 1716079228 | 1749260753 | 810 | 466522865859962 | 1 | 4.127899216681E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1672123229685289 | 0 | My Medic | 6608326539768 | mymedic.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Stay Alive | Free Shipping + Lifetime Guarantee | https://mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits | 1716067487 | 1.6721232296853E+15 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405923_1415416482448217_8649424139770443887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K5UUf302Wb8Q7kNvgG0jmkn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBEyNMx28lpw8_ZPo_BvFJ3mRBunrh6pEHiBjvBC3W__g&oe=664F338D | person_profile | 0 | My Medic | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436202488_1778986465926374_8793004989724471100_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TL3VBoGixjUQ7kNvgGT7wFO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxuY0vrE6ZTi22YmJ5UCbOpfq3kkAi7y_ylzTZyT1iHA&oe=664F1634 | 0 | 3 | The life-saving first aid kits EVERYONE is talking about. ๐ฅ | My Medic | 227705 | https://facebook.com/mymedicofficial | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827469 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 9:28 PM | 1716079212 | 1749263287 | 810 | 2229812660705210 | 6 | 7.7734785040841E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 862189923914381 | 0 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 6562002686571 | injectneedlefree.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Needle Free Injections > | https://injectneedlefree.com/ | 1716053590 | 8.6218992391438E+14 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442506437_1202852131073871_9191839955338746804_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xit91vETFf4Q7kNvgGk3_-Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZ4_jnUUXG2s1opuZ6JOlb8DRlfzHeLceA5hZ7S28y8A&oe=664F0BC8 | person_profile | 0 | Comfort-In Needle Free | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436299243_766640621943140_6883556895643985721_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HatWwEwbsC4Q7kNvgEmtsWf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCo8JfFgEWSfd4NqSZWGFhpfaFm83o05AOfAd5pRXUzrQ&oe=664F0335 | 0 | 3 | Pain should not take a main part on your daily life!<br /> <br /> The Comfort-inโข๏ธ is a spring operated needle free injection system. <br /> <br /> This system is a type of a medical injecting syringe that uses a high-pressure, it uses the narrow jet of the injected liquid instead of a hypodermic needle to penetrate the epidermis (skin).<br /> <br /> โ Gentle and Comfortable Injections<br /> โ Variety Of Medicines. Vitamins, Insulin and more!<br /> โ Reusable Technology (Up to 10,000 Injections)<br /> โ Certified and Registered Medical Device<br /> <br /> Contact us for more information and a life changing solution! | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 4609 | https://facebook.com/needlefreedelivery | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828193 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/3/25, 4:46 PM | 1716079231 | 1748987176 | 810 | 435817329186601 | 1 | 3.490128024622E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100110119551019 | 0 | tromโs | 6577463920238 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716066105 | 1.0011011955102E+14 | tromโs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444190714_974904160577185_533749744982237569_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xVqe_Tkf24IQ7kNvgGby5_t&_nc_oc=Adh3zkX4Tx38kuLxmK5nnW7U2qQ9gG9sik26HgtTk_oe24USzw-3s1_6sBtCxO8rE0I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBKaaM9n3SMXgz-smVEnaYDhyqNrpXbqQ18RDXTcZQ2ng&oe=664F0F06 | person_profile | 0 | tromโs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441192158_1021369966249699_1730225736806249082_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R0zowPoCTGkQ7kNvgExV9fN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCEGUueLp91MmrkSUoyx2Jfyvkl6wctPTR_0ZhyilK8OA&oe=664F0EF4 | 0 | 3 | Okay folks, since we were unable to open yesterday as planned, I'll share the menu with you now. | tromโs | 1130 | https://facebook.com/100086118530606 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828165 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/6/25, 10:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1749265732 | 810 | 1374324926588301 | 1 | 3.9815148655115E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1388140591319760 | 0 | WrapsRusfl | 6584899480945 | Send message | NONE | video | Free Quote | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I get a quote on a wrap?"},{"title":"Do you do commercial wraps?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting_text":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting_text":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you.","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting_text":false}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"786955732832385"} | 1716066381 | 1.3881405913198E+15 | WrapsRusfl | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443714089_409409992008228_383361583782364395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d7tX7CcGJJUQ7kNvgFMe9y_&_nc_oc=Adje2Yi_LtVBBofX-t69puvlcic-IL2YNOeZouPZoUvm5J7BlPBiH6ioUoOsOOS-t3s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA0NS3RrWNgl2Ip-LxwRO_kzWOQTeaD09KhCMXl2s8aNg&oe=664F1F28 | person_profile | 0 | Wraps R us Sarasota | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428370012_373248248502859_8283558883927162715_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XpWHBeQl_3YQ7kNvgG3npDP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCIdwm1KqEQpnJpeem_yAq1CHO4MLNHMVEq6rbiX_p8vg&oe=664F15F1 | 0 | 3 | Need a look that helps you stand out from the crowd? Catch attention and turn heads with a cool and creative wrap from Sarasota's 5 star wrap shop.<br /> <br /> Need ideas? that's what we do!<br /> <br /> Message us today. | WrapsRusfl | 852 | https://facebook.com/Wrapsrusflorida | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826869 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/14/25, 9:10 AM | 1716079143 | 1747231805 | 810 | 1165370734481934 | 1 | 3.8050258494838E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059993350618 | NONE | video | 1716056739 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239060_421177070707245_1668016826148215883_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qq_bIANB2qoQ7kNvgHTnADB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAqZ62wj9BLE6nFoRUjaNmFWMbot8f6uet9022vGUpEbw&oe=664F0CB2 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445445861_1123414115768426_8845562557981496901_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uW3hPTDN9j8Q7kNvgGS3JDD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnwDIW8DjDs7Dc6esdb97yMmIuOAtHHZUYXHWIslGF_Q&oe=664F05FF | 0 | 3 | Alcohol is tricking your brain!โ <br /> โ <br /> Alcohol jacks up dopamine levels in your brainโs reward center. You experience the same pleasure as hanging out with friends, going on vacation, getting a big bonus at work, and taking certain substances.โ <br /> โ <br /> This tricks you into thinking that alcohol makes you feel great. So you keep drinking to get more dopamine release. โ <br /> โ <br /> Over time, with more drinking, the dopamine effect diminishes until itโs almost non-existent. โ <br /> โ <br /> Thatโs why many excessive drinkers say drinking eventually stopped working. They no longer got the euphoria from drinking. โ <br /> โ <br /> Thatโs why drinking is addictive. Youโre chasing euphoria. And when you quit drinking, it takes the brain some time to begin naturally producing dopamine againโ <br /> โ <br /> Video by @doc_amen โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828189 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/4/25, 2:00 AM | 1716079231 | 1743750042 | 810 | 461249256574229 | 1 | 1.1537961224401E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209995822760603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066176 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436301097_1637384123745401_1776240268625625246_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yuSK4eVBaksQ7kNvgFuKCKG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDzTx7AMHz1jVmqD6zKX0wzf64lQmB1VnR24T1rnXw-eQ&oe=664F1401 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436392572_768305808616829_1557200682333743636_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U899Ao0sjbwQ7kNvgEmJjh5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAA2cCM5ttZKnCF9QHfpY6gUEsQaT3_DNxUklVJ4mKY3g&oe=664F257A | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826888 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/7/25, 1:04 AM | 1716079143 | 1749276281 | 810 | 408664698800461 | 1 | 1.4152103860236E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059990430618 | NONE | video | 1716056740 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445241740_1154676382394150_4931046454026294040_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c4JzC2QwEWgQ7kNvgEQs6eV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeymsEqfxdDaIDRo1m6_k6nKvlgkdYABW_e_3E4k9iKw&oe=664F1C5F | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482233_1739956303080230_7447758903003633600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NRk8TAVojdYQ7kNvgGmiRj3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBbbKQBCLQI3ArZQGNJI_PPq8w3PR3ZtY1qEdtDUyJGxA&oe=664F1818 | 0 | 3 | The most effective way to stop drinking long-term is to commit to at LEAST 90 consecutive days.โ <br /> โ <br /> โ <br /> PS. If you'd like to quit drinking or need help to take back control over alcohol, I've got some great resources in my bio! โ <br /> โ <br /> Download my 'Alcohol Freedom Formula' or schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with one of my expert coaches. โ <br /> โ <br /> #sober #sobriety | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827480 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/4/25, 1:26 PM | 1716079212 | 1746383190 | 810 | 792876232799944 | 1 | 7.5552053005782E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570889340341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009289 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442478096_464048246078865_4895264463957283129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gYPkv1BaoX8Q7kNvgGqjkn9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBlG2vFNQ7LIJ-6KOHFyiKXWx4ZP2Vz8M_zmIJ-8Iwfvg&oe=664F2A90 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441973365_408209412053709_7498355273293539254_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xd1ozAT2D6QQ7kNvgGY-W5k&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDNQj-6MsnLqIFCC3TyD2e5xtDkVhPBg6HupKCDBnLBKQ&oe=664F29F9 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827920 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 2:11 AM | 1716079226 | 1749280272 | 810 | 1606264306829803 | 1 | 9.8134985667202E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952395530737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067685 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139368_963305738444280_7132887583104320980_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uq_5gng7ZnwQ7kNvgGrLk5Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC1sc4tovgo0pLX64jaVFwG8_KDrD2rzpnRc4X90mc_uQ&oe=664F2F36 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828183 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/4/25, 4:46 PM | 1716079231 | 1746395215 | 810 | 359977750423556 | 1 | 4.3287112946199E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 253962291137950 | 0 | Faceless with Julia | 120207982418240482 | instagram.com | Learn more | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/facelesswithdigitaljulia | 1716066185 | 2.5396229113795E+14 | Faceless with Julia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442437465_289322787584741_4707624755669375151_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKSs5zrPIwUQ7kNvgGCZeKD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9EHAFejVwpQy9N5Cg28F_qAyPQ9Gv3cQ9kAkREQPXvg&oe=664F2886 | person_profile | 0 | Julia | Faceless Marketing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318123_1173070317182068_1952610129023658176_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qdelWposoe4Q7kNvgH3AyOE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDdUN4Tk1D1AtRwLSuvVPDiM2nLFyKsyokunJYVzQXkAg&oe=664F1228 | 0 | 3 | So, you're considering getting into the world of digital marketing, huh? I get where you're coming fromโthere's a lot of folks out there doing it already. But you know what? There's always room for someone with fresh ideas and a unique approach. It's like joining a bustling party; sure, the room might be packed, but there's always space to carve out your own spot and shine. Don't let the crowd scare you off; instead, let it inspire you to bring something new to the table! Here's what you need to know โ<br /> <br /> I totally understand your concern about digital marketing seeming oversaturated, but here's the scoop โ it's actually the opposite! Let me break it down for you:<br /> <br /> Endless Opportunities: Yeah, the digital world is buzzing with activity, but that's because there's a crazy demand for online stuff โ from content to products and services. With e-commerce, social media, and remote work blowing up, businesses are desperate for smart marketers who can help them shine. So, instead of feeling like it's too crowded, think of it as a playground full of potential clients just waiting for someone like you to make a splash.<br /> <br /> Always Changing: Digital marketing is a wild ride that's always evolving. New platforms, tech, and strategies pop up all the time, creating fresh chances for creativity and innovation. By staying in the loop and sharpening your skills, you can carve out your own space in the market. And with things moving at lightning speed, there's always room for newbies to shake things up and leave their mark.<br /> <br /> Keepin' it Real: Authenticity is where it's at in today's digital scene. People want real connections and genuine experiences with brands. As a digital marketer, you can create content that speaks to your audience and builds trust over time. By injecting your personality, values, and stories into your marketing, you'll attract loyal fans who believe in what you're all about.<br /> So, don't let the fear of saturation hold you back.<br /> <br /> Comment/DM GUIDE to get my FREE guide, and letโs see if this is for you or not.<br /> <br /> #onlinemarketing #digitalmarketing#digitalmarketingforbeginners #facelessdigitalmarketing #facelessmarketing #masterresellrights #digitalproducts | Faceless with Julia | 0 | https://facebook.com/61557787586010 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827902 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/29/25, 3:47 AM | 1716079225 | 1751186846 | 810 | 1817847115351122 | 1 | 9.0337112147803E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101529064720008 | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | 120208300980850426 | begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | Learn more | NONE | image | Free STD Quiz - Find Out If You Need A Test | https://go.begoodatstuff.com/std-quiz | 1716068639 | 1.0152906472001E+14 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442404449_469124209011379_2711810184069587386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H4oIE9iLiBAQ7kNvgGppZXk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFzko-PvCiPFyL_0pVgEtbt83FuOHoHIK0lxmjawyxLw&oe=664F1648 | person_profile | 0 | Be Good At Stuff | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442437424_1378810632810726_3509569933789734954_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ash3_KaTvl4Q7kNvgECe2x-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCbZevt9njI_fMUCEGQ7XlQOH63CHWYk_xPgRYqW3Y2KA&oe=664F1386 | 0 | 3 | Attn: Sexually Active Individuals,<br /> Take our FREE quiz now to assess your risk for STDs!<br /> <br /> ๐ Discover Your Status: Answer a few simple questions <br /> <br /> โ Peace of Mind<br /> <br /> ๐ Confidential and Convenient: Your privacy matters. Rest assured, all information provided is kept strictly confidential.<br /> <br /> Don't leave your health to chance.<br /> <br /> Take control today with our quick and easy quiz.<br /> <br /> Click below to get started!<br /> <br /> *Please note, the information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. | Be Good At Stuff | 141 | https://facebook.com/begoodatstuff101 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827982 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/4/25, 8:11 PM | 1716079227 | 1746407461 | 810 | 1163890861406892 | 2 | 4.1996582429678E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 44130041766 | 0 | Ten One Design | 6570293142052 | tenonedesign.com | Order now | NONE | video | Tired of sharing your Wi-Fi password out loud? Say hello to Wifi Porter! Simply tap or scan for instant access. ๐ถ #NoMorePasswordShouting #WifiPorter | Make life easier for your guests and yourself with Wifi Porter! Say goodbye to Wi-Fi setup headaches. ๐ซ๐โโ๏ธ #EasierWifi #WifiPorter. Wifi Porter is: ๐ฅ Easy to setup ๐ฅEasy to manage ๐ฅ Effortless to Keep your home clutter-free and your Wi-Fi access hassle-free with Wifi Porter! Stylish, seamless, and oh-so-convenient. ๐ซ๐ | http://tenonedesign.com/porter.php | 1715982956 | 44130041766 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494180_3916054901948777_6690297892483569429_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hUevl9Q_mxYQ7kNvgGxo4p-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCss5YUL0dUXuAqRSwyfS9DCQ05_itLVf7-Ig4s-p31TA&oe=664F21AA | person_profile | 0 | Ten One Design | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442466365_1108318453611355_3205757532804830133_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pnVU2h79krMQ7kNvgEBUlCD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVqI-xZa9zUbW8-pyGTlR7qcu0L0wniieJRa7Dsk48ig&oe=664F3219 | 0 | 3 | "I absolutely love my Wifi Porter! It's such a game-changer for guests connecting to our Wi-Fi without any hassle. Plus, it looks sleek and matches our home decor perfectly. Highly recommend!" | Ten One Design | 3485 | https://facebook.com/tenonedesign | 0 | ORDER_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827826 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/15/25, 10:32 AM | 1716079224 | 1747323139 | 810 | 411795951667543 | 1 | 8.0381881827813E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777092120068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713825309 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438204887_884028596825209_4275595687852746931_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y84DRZ7LOpEQ7kNvgFkb-rq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAC1nwkZlLP9jNyDX2nNkpFH38HhUGWLPKTRXFd6DWI6A&oe=664F03AE | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438197068_348436858210135_7308862232044220394_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GHPSkTAnuf4Q7kNvgGiAx8L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcDiSuQGiyqGJbLKifWaqq7doE_bUmIjmrKt-GFE45Tg&oe=664F0560 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827973 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/4/25, 8:59 PM | 1716079227 | 1746410357 | 810 | 988818366185571 | 1 | 1.0238556190992E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109029552186203 | 0 | Graystone Trading LLC | 120209732029090078 | mt.graystonepremiumteam.com | Learn more | NONE | video | An "Emotion-Less" Trading System | https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2 | 1716067860 | 1.090295521862E+14 | Graystone Trading LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407379_1113082599970082_160513315682687420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lfl2Uh04kn0Q7kNvgF57NcQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCbScnUTMfQm8pyomjMhfC2bMG6I0SsDGTCJr6IBw3EAA&oe=664F1D4E | person_profile | 0 | Andrew Antiles | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444166855_7665752610176483_6398687776796284610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nv7TNqi1n5UQ7kNvgEBRl32&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBBrxHtfi0fl-vOExO0IgoOqHgjvZ_XH9uwE9EQNySiZQ&oe=664EFF6B | 0 | 3 | Discover how you can follow in the footsteps of a successful trader who made seven figures in the stock market. <br /> <br /> Get insights into the key strategies and lessons that will help you succeed in your own investment journey. <br /> <br /> We guarantee results or you donโt pay. <br /> <br /> No tricks.<br /> <br /> Click the "LEARN MORE" button to see how. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmt.graystonepremiumteam.com%2Fopt-in-2&h=AT256BiyRF08yKkfG09vc73GxNgPyXWj0teKRnzfEqMT2kAz5CgpiSwclYYsAO-QIW3531bmjJHAwH19G4_ezDxkjErsfwIcLMrh4IjYbHMiUUnuYVmJNQYXwtzRpKSe33IYz1EXDo5H8A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2</a> | Graystone Trading LLC | 271 | https://facebook.com/100092287217015 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828440 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/9/25, 5:50 PM | 1716079235 | 1746831016 | 810 | 7762865887109738 | 1 | 2.5785213408007E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 292143937897864 | 0 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 120208851426030499 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | AfroVibesCLT SAT, 3/2 | https://bit.ly/3V39fCk | 1715979267 | 2.9214393789786E+14 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159750_1176457073544832_3496984326676614408_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5PMSsZN7uGYQ7kNvgFOCdg8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhnskCmAPMCZgGhyzOjm0p7CweSqt5EjB53i3GfMD0-A&oe=664F04C0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 676 | https://facebook.com/djkatobeats | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827956 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/15/25, 1:39 PM | 1716079226 | 1747334359 | 810 | 295557856945707 | 10 | 7.0460441831008E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1731149377151424 | 0 | Lance Mikkel | 6615713886920 | webinar.refocusonhappiness.com | Learn more | NONE | image | These phrases are the beginning of the end of a relationship! | https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ | 1713403186 | 1.7311493771514E+15 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438681724_3387840211361693_5892690473559331965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PaVXAMnwCrsQ7kNvgGWgqu_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnlwAKL3kViSAuXtG9AnFzzRiZZ8LMyTY-0hOv9kZWlQ&oe=664F2DB6 | person_profile | 0 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437850542_1514792929067114_5958016903353996906_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NqKovcNT78cQ7kNvgG_8jPC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC3pmBGNf9cSPjH_m-HvaoKR8PiQuRmklp7aAnm-HfZDw&oe=664F15A1 | 0 | 3 | If your partner has recently said to you "I need some time to myself" or "I need time to figure out what I want", you better listen carefully!<br /> <br /> The decision to be in or work on a relationship is emotional, NOT logical! So if they need more time to themselves and are looking to spend less time with you, don't ignore the signs!<br /> <br /> So if you are dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge you want to get back to being a rockstar in your professional life / business, the time to take action is NOW! As in life, the best defense is a great offense!<br /> <br /> My clients are proof that it's possible for men and women to get their confidence back within days, even if they feel beaten, downhearted, and worried they'll never be the same person again.<br /> <br /> They get over the past hurt and disappointment, even if they secretly didn't think they never would. And when you feel great you radiate! When you feel great, you finally stop the pattern of sabotage at the emotional core! And that is when the tide starts to turn and a relationship can be seemingly be resurrected from the ashes.<br /> <br /> But to do this within days requires you to do something very unconventional. It requires you to do something that you probably never thought was possible. It requires you to get over your ex within days rather than the conventional wisdom that tells you that it takes weeks, months or even years.<br /> <br /> To do this requires you to rewire your brain to get out of the sadness, anger, and fear you are currently feeling.....and back into happiness, gratitude and power.<br /> <br /> The good news is that science shows reality is the brain can be trained just like a muscle, and Iโll illustrate step-by-step how to get that mental-six pack within days.<br /> <br /> If this โcrazy ideaโ that you can actually control your brain sounds even a little enticing, you need to check out this free training:<br /> <br /> "10 game-changing insights to reclaim your power when dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge!"<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwebinar.refocusonhappiness.com%2Fs%2FaW7ICQ&h=AT1r8IBihOPoAf9INDPUzPbd3sDHY5ZMHIjZX6R2jo9Udd39ClKTtCDTFKY1I3zGDeH2Yhtl_ByVR7lQ-MrDpCnqOnlBwvPEKCeWeW2Y2fOvROUf6j3tWji3X-wOv0_uNfGl3Gll3YGkEw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ</a> | Lance Mikkel | 7165 | https://facebook.com/LanceMikkel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828473 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 7:23 PM | 1716079235 | 1730507034 | 810 | 1237429777222534 | 1 | 8.4445620750305E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10477767586 | 0 | SKECHERS | 120214288690270011 | skechers.com | Shop now | NONE | image | https://www.skechers.com/ | 1716064829 | 10477767586 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422596626_952321063099405_1260124183904915979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-ery2I84kkcQ7kNvgF-ieNY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAqPMi-djbxKXPPOuzruv45vB8f_IXuhjiqHTDdAPB3Ig&oe=664F342C | person_profile | 0 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499052_25584825567830483_2493016496752182529_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8u6XD1eI06cQ7kNvgHo9lm5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAOf8GnXsIKVjBFlhESfRUEVxWdoO61QBjkvDKoybrG3Q&oe=664F36FF | 0 | 3 | NEW Skechers X Snoop Dogg mens neons! 3 COLORS AVAILABLE NOW ๐ฅ๐ฅ#skechersxsnoopdogg | SKECHERS | 7780870 | https://facebook.com/SKECHERS | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827477 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 1:25 PM | 1716079212 | 1749320705 | 810 | 694675226053734 | 3 | 9.5331078967057E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570923840341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009306 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475588_805288868207681_7319951365658688623_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uzOU-0Vw1pkQ7kNvgETitmJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYApTiRejkYWXupggQclWxyGx2sT9YNXqlNQiIxPiy6ZAA&oe=664F0049 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441355524_3784722615145702_1389790536302982406_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1Wq62XNudc8Q7kNvgF2IczU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBpIDJG021DM2101t67U37S0Y42PhfzGrdT6eYfPcd5Cg&oe=664F14E0 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828119 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/16/25, 11:22 AM | 1716079230 | 1752682934 | 810 | 466753989134011 | 1 | 4.8009170770686E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 148022665226100 | 0 | Hardcore Hammers | 120211390878000294 | hardcorehammers.com | Shop now | NONE | image | 100% Made in the USA | Hardcore Hammers | http://Hardcorehammers.com/ | 1716066544 | 1.480226652261E+14 | Hardcore Hammers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316117_988811886583103_6100320777289679783_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JanhWpTKbvoQ7kNvgEKKaFQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCWH0UattPNeAGBRtzxEVWzJaSWZ3SY9YTaPvfNcWhcrw&oe=664F0289 | person_profile | 0 | ๐จ Hardcore Hammers ๐จ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436253810_7444120432372505_2907220244616341850_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NoVHN7U2K-wQ7kNvgHslDYV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeZ5Q5Iy61rOhiXwzBl4TE4rzhB-J4RjGwz0gt0Odnmg&oe=664F245D | 0 | 3 | Free Domestic Shipping on orders over $100 | Hardcore Hammers | 46721 | https://facebook.com/HardcoreHammers | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826891 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/7/25, 12:59 PM | 1716079143 | 1749319152 | 810 | 1429943667632267 | 2 | 9.7938338698388E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059981750618 | NONE | video | 1716056718 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444486387_973421547338232_7622219616439773312_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N9zWMch5zF4Q7kNvgFVCjwk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDI91_H8All2Bf4HJGDOtggJ7rw5KV7c824ZxTkKAmtcQ&oe=664F0AAA | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444444097_467550682318806_3313326130714733658_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H06vSgHzviIQ7kNvgEWEVBr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_fH6AxvHGqEil5jeRGA7pw7udwAwpnKWnrShLlYcUXQ&oe=664F1AF4 | 0 | 3 | I nearly had a celebratory drink for going 90 days but then I remembered all of the remarkable things I achieved while being sober.โ <br /> โ <br /> I haven't touched a drop since. โ <br /> โ <br /> Video from my talk with @omar_therockstar (TT)โ <br /> โ <br /> What have achieved since going alcohol-free?โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #sobercuriousโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #sobergramโ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827932 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 12:59 PM | 1716079226 | 1749319165 | 810 | 2319051548440005 | 3 | 4.5982506674133E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952379050737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067621 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470502_415520621286325_2579909333630499690_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QjN2dOqfsIsQ7kNvgGXa1NG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAh5s5yuIBygRHx6vco-xjmtcUkpzekQ3bLsKK5Tv6ZgQ&oe=664F17DF | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827475 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 1:55 PM | 1716079212 | 1749322526 | 810 | 465591446148117 | 2 | 4.7072763539184E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570886670341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009267 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501726_789551722891037_3964114144800636281_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=msTGnIxg6q0Q7kNvgG6DYev&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD5uKSHwmZio6afU_UFru5a4NuRo19H8Bx98CBLU2QwVw&oe=664F19F5 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471300_443933604914843_3692982186149358035_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LyHire7R7dcQ7kNvgFdQdvG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBLmbf_wuIqreLJutroQS5Czc9Bko3P3-3OJQWDAclOfQ&oe=664EFF7F | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827972 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 1:55 PM | 1716079227 | 1749322535 | 810 | 1910450292722965 | 1 | 1.144680863512E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109029552186203 | 0 | Graystone Trading LLC | 120209732030040078 | mt.graystonepremiumteam.com | Learn more | NONE | video | An "Emotion-Less" Trading System | https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2 | 1716068053 | 1.090295521862E+14 | Graystone Trading LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443930219_1392591008080074_6249020329971992244_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lz6lzo5oeAAQ7kNvgGtfsIx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA_tPdh2V8YBPci_Vxl3vLMl71lr232UOONxiNOekRAFw&oe=664EFF47 | person_profile | 0 | Andrew Antiles | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441205857_1183316759328049_2097629175127558125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JuUgyz_FeYwQ7kNvgGTrE5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5H9htjw-nPOiwgvX0l5sodxGOYIxj_lUotFA-5Kdh8g&oe=664F1C62 | 0 | 3 | Discover how you can follow in the footsteps of a successful trader who made seven figures in the stock market. <br /> <br /> Get insights into the key strategies and lessons that will help you succeed in your own investment journey. <br /> <br /> We guarantee results or you donโt pay. <br /> <br /> No tricks.<br /> <br /> Click the "LEARN MORE" button to see how. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmt.graystonepremiumteam.com%2Fopt-in-2&h=AT2Qb2UXrWizXg3xcNAwZGJn1X-ztcza2AK5DCJ82DoWQ1taUs6HGJFlqbhGbESKhQW4Nb3XN2YLRYe60k7Agzu_3n8HxdnMSPg9dEWXMjFbyADK1Lysy6RA5IjU1d5eMVUrZXwA73nlCQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://mt.graystonepremiumteam.com/opt-in-2</a> | Graystone Trading LLC | 271 | https://facebook.com/100092287217015 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828120 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773976 | 810 | 861438585998562 | 1 | 4.0733043221018E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103513945008367 | 0 | Black Lake Outdoors | 120209031241320088 | NONE | multi_images | 1716066522 | 1.0351394500837E+14 | Black Lake Outdoors | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441323392_1485728292359137_5585650602076615513_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x9zshXPuS7QQ7kNvgGU-Nwi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA9YQoaV8x-chUlKONavzqNHD6bEivjphmqmYwnzQBQ3A&oe=664F01A1 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | โก๏ธIn Stock Inventoryโก๏ธ<br /> <br /> All of these buildings are on the lot and available for purchase. โ <br /> <br /> (There are more available here not pictured) <br /> <br /> All the sizes are below each photo. ๐๐ป<br /> <br /> We have more inventory built at our plant and ready to be delivered to our lot. <br /> If you donโt see something here youโre interested in, we can always order you a custom order and save you 5% in the month of May! <br /> <br /> โ๏ธ 601-433-3558 <br /> ๐ 2711 MS-15 Laurel, MS. <br /> (Across from Legacy GMC) | Black Lake Outdoors | 1965 | https://facebook.com/blacklakeoutdoors | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828139 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079230 | 1723773976 | 810 | 978364090659928 | 1 | 3.6243178969614E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442109132656470 | 0 | Sing in the coconut | 6619578658604 | etsy.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Koala Has 2 Peaches Magnet | By Koala Castle | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1719069690/ | 1716066361 | 4.4210913265647E+14 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444783859_344039552117005_7219734946841018943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1HhcRfkBSgEQ7kNvgEp6V5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD_IkEYbeAieXVUGDugdrsCW7AHZxBprzMeU-K1J-80mg&oe=664F207C | person_profile | 0 | Sing in the coconut | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468020_1185514462477497_4960798894575047397_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cYjAfExg2mkQ7kNvgFHgzid&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWawkxyrun77Lvxl_pwxG6_pDq1r_lp6frUfM64K21Pw&oe=664F1AC5 | 0 | 3 | By Koala Castle | Sing in the coconut | 310 | https://facebook.com/coconutsing | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828214 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/16/25, 5:00 AM | 1716079231 | 1747389609 | 810 | 1157372862057524 | 1 | 1.1118750134364E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 137033809700575 | 0 | The Volstead | 6562067098771 | NONE | multi_images | 1716066069 | 1.3703380970058E+14 | The Volstead | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438255149_420258804256504_4017395406044352890_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=794xTMd_PDYQ7kNvgGKlU5K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBIGsjeuy4z6-8jgqMKnpjNMsEWTb9hGIKnrTUN9M14oA&oe=664F2EC4 | person_profile | 0 | ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436209659_1173977977287897_4314218963699962415_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MJo5WurVODwQ7kNvgEERDrw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPh_LEaXSuUeSVVqmNtlDTso7tlmMJfaDlha5JZLcqng&oe=664F2D46 | 0 | 3 | THIS FRIDAY AT VOLSTEAD LOUNGE<br /> <br /> Weโre throwing a party to celebrate ๐ญ๐ญ years of ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ฒ at Volstead<br /> ๐๐ชฉ๐ฅณ<br /> Join King Louie with friends, ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ & ๐ผ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ง this Friday, May 24th.<br /> โญ๏ธ The party kicks off at 7pm with a HOTEL PATIO Pre-Party ft. ๐พ๐๐ก๐ก๐ฎ.<br /> <br /> Get here early and stay all night! ๐๐ชฉ<br /> <br /> No cover | 21+ | The Volstead | 7669 | https://facebook.com/volsteadlounge | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827400 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 5:33 PM | 1716079211 | 1749335607 | 810 | 474582568254877 | 1 | 1.1547319723902E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 317122008148506 | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 120210175531180219 | www.medicalspapromos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | ๐ช๐ปFree Emsculpt Consultation + $500 Gift Voucher | https://www.medicalspapromos.com/mbeauty-studio-and-spa-03-optin | 1715875947 | 3.1712200814851E+14 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441336670_439846738744350_6712375264595413412_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vqjzyZRQqb8Q7kNvgH-K5TP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCMI8i1Vx_WmzJGakxaOVJnPuhHqmsFb8c5hny2BRDPqg&oe=664F323F | person_profile | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New Yor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441319597_1224961081999318_8463756333809509473_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fmi1SvsLp7cQ7kNvgGcnaps&_nc_oc=AdhrGIcSoAqALtgEa7O3H9NvOoPokSG3nLjUOkrds6GYBlYLPpjaTlmXH6hrbLWW1x0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCyppLoguBw79CrEAVk64pMHrgscn5tzQSz8HTcEu9dNw&oe=664F172B | 0 | 3 | ๐โโ๏ธ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ!<br /> <br /> One 30-minute ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป treatment is the equivalent of doing 20,000 SQUATS or CRUNCHES, all without breaking a sweat! ๐๐ป<br /> <br /> ๐Grab this amazing ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป gift voucher to get our best offer ever, ๐ธ and come learn why ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that can simultaneously BURN ๐ฅ FAT and BUILD MUSCLE on the ABS and GLUTES! ๐ช<br /> <br /> Click [Learn More] to claim this AWESOME offer, then book a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ good towards our most popular ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ treatment packages ๐ฅณ and come visit us at our convenient location!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธOnly 20 spots are available this month so click below to schedule a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ!<br /> <br /> We canโt wait to meet YOU! ๐ | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559355193746 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828507 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/26/25, 4:02 PM | 1716079236 | 1740585722 | 810 | 792275305926827 | 1 | 4.0439801576263E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332143910351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Free w/ Purchase | Unlock the stickers | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375335 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432276989_7575085722554782_6837430716034065618_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IbRA-ulUOicQ7kNvgHQWkNt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBNiiLgji_d43EilwjLqL3n9rUs8qdcaVAxyvgW6-sVKA&oe=664F1265 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432267473_949655886769544_7266596855302437409_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7yBnfZ56qb8Q7kNvgGlaAb6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAQaHWGxf1fG_Ce5RwbgpSH4OWP9zP8T0AqgpqgNLuCCw&oe=664F2D23 | 0 | 3 | ๆญฆๅฃซ้<br /> The rest is here: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.zeeblabs.com%2Fcollections%2Fempire-collection&h=AT3kTuWtezMffq2vnq5pg59ShrZZCYCJLkyXrUfdJj1FiptBoIT0ui3-dR6qknBjK-wsRVr8DSUaatVNDY3MnnInHr4lOLk8dPR2Hh2jTAec_HMA_TwMOfy4PsQk6-YnssYFDIoU4Rcvnw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection</a> | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827929 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 7:05 PM | 1716079226 | 1749341127 | 810 | 752848986737157 | 3 | 7.7484317482586E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952392600737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067682 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436452125_1000831994978623_3801192105345388578_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UJ3pNIr-9qYQ7kNvgGBQN32&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC82QTYijOOsYjUyF0Vt-DR_7DvCJhQvCwZc5SjNq0XdQ&oe=664F304E | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828072 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 7:05 PM | 1716079229 | 1749341130 | 810 | 7789499504438000 | 1 | 4.3531057257373E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 207065642496809 | 0 | New Home Improvement | 120211491348370629 | Contact us | NONE | image | painter_house | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1640179290057487/ | 1716067061 | 2.0706564249681E+14 | New Home Improvement | regular_page | 1 | New Home Improvement | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441165845_806595324762840_1019807770324944924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yGkLtzpJeXkQ7kNvgH2UIRl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD_704hARalc8sFiQMZgI6Zwbo9lFuUivwByn8mAYAYMQ&oe=664F05BD | 0 | 3 | painter_house - $1.00<br /> <br /> Superior quality at incredible prices<br /> <br /> Request more information via messages.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | New Home Improvement | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=61555882058244 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828088 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 7:05 PM | 1716079229 | 1749341134 | 810 | 1153067125847875 | 2 | 9.8052902038373E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 791868770969388 | 0 | Swansong Productions - Wedding Video Specialists | 6608175963657 | luxshoessale.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Sneakersยฎ-SALE 50% OFF ๐ฅ FREE Shipping | https://luxshoessale.com/products/sneakerss | 1716067174 | 7.9186877096939E+14 | Swansong Productions - Wedding Video Specialists | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442445326_802191974870419_4983006002281450361_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yOUhMaLRTFQQ7kNvgHZUlkt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWpoEBhSmUDyjTl5_ZKuR7n0eU17Pykr8ApHrJbt0bxw&oe=664F1785 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Orthopedic Sneakers!<br /> โ Best For Suffering From Bunions<br /> โ Helps With Posture Correction<br /> โ Helps With Hammer Toe<br /> ๐๐๐๐ | Swansong Productions - Wedding Video Specialists | 336 | https://facebook.com/swansongproductions | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828305 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 7:05 PM | 1716079233 | 1749341138 | 810 | 1486223398916754 | 1 | 9.356308883586E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2217121375278538 | 0 | Kris Schade | 6593348314655 | Contact us | NONE | image | 5 Beds 3 Baths House | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1002205438191407/ | 1716065600 | 2.2171213752785E+15 | Kris Schade | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442472947_1241346520180390_3046131598889212278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Di6eEVPSRZ4Q7kNvgFzTlFw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDS26AOeBakyJxw-5SptafYx1iiO1CnIR0s49TqutWvSg&oe=664F34E8 | regular_page | 1 | Kris Schade | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484883_1533820980555056_8769217961013033408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lAUB866L92cQ7kNvgEgBUKZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoyFFTYub0Qw6wF9gsJDa1DPBohe2iVlowZRx_EajHXA&oe=664F28EA | 1 | 3 | 5 Beds 3 Baths House - $759,900.00<br /> <br /> Incredible Opportunity, Pristine and private Cates Lake! Impeccable walk-out rambler- Every extra you could want! New roof, new master shower, maintenance free deck w/ 3-season gazebo among the trees! Huge windows let-in natural light and lake views! Chef's kitchen w/cherry custom cabinetry, huge granite island, walk-in pantry; a sun-lit, stunning separate formal dining room off the kitchen and deck; upper and lower-level family rooms w/gas fireplaces; main-floor master suite w/huge walk-in closet; additional main floor bedroom or office; huge laundry /mud-room area; and a dream garage. Walk-out lower-level features in-floor heat, 3 more large bedrooms; bath w/ separate shower; built-in bar area w/full-sized fridge; play & exercise rooms & extra storage. Cates Lake is a one-of-a-kind spring-fed 30-acre gem supporting an abundancy of wildlife including loons, mallards, herons, cranes, sunfish, crappieโs, and more! Enjoy fishing, boating, ice skating, campfires and more! 719 Schools<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Kris Schade | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100005314560232 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827897 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/25/25, 8:15 PM | 1716079225 | 1745630158 | 810 | 1699254890899403 | 1 | 1.1429551467444E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1392329254334492 | 0 | Cleanfoodcrush | 6542932066915 | NONE | image | 1716068681 | 1.3923292543345E+15 | Cleanfoodcrush | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441165110_978557673948221_662119278336459552_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NrQlhZytm2YQ7kNvgHVoVRt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAM1bKlP35sxPLSCyGWiHHrVKE18wYQ9L-1w4Bxo-RsHA&oe=664F344A | person_profile | 0 | Rachel Maser | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441188317_3713227718914580_8490489520392286710_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A_RkO2skCLkQ7kNvgGs7P-a&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf3BRtduRO3CQgQLnMJ7zKUnW276OJJlyHiWNZXzCUJA&oe=664F16F0 | 0 | 3 | Limited Space: We start Monday!<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FQuitDietingForever.com%2F&h=AT1c4W-iq8NHmCnOzqPcQSOVgAxWTE-CUzhMN9ukKzoiw8j92Mh3RAIjnWxijIE-KBqDO2vZZcjqIruWsbrs6O-wqeLF0X9m_DvRfk-omrKt0B1mzpMzZQuDlsq8Y47zxK7hZw5oX8ZXWA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://QuitDietingForever.com/</a> to learn more. <br /> <br /> Here is what just a few of our 2023 QDF Clients said about the program:<br /> <br /> "This has been a great focus group for me! I immediately signed up for another session! I need this for my mindset change! It has been a real eye-opener" - Cyndi <br /> <br /> "Being prepared is half of the process for me. I have to have some foods prepped for the week and even for the weekend otherwise I get "hangry" and eat quick foods that do not support my health. I love eating a rainbow of colors! There's a special connection with my mind and body when I'm eating nutrient-rich "real" foods. It creates positive thoughts and a better mood. It's more than just eating healthy. It's a whole body uplifting experience!" - Robyn<br /> <br /> "I spent much time and money for 15 years trying to get a handle on my emotional eating. QDF... This is the first time it's finally clicking. I'm finally understanding what my body is trying to tell me. Cannot wait to continue with another session." - Sue<br /> <br /> "We are always looking for a quick fix but in the end, slow and steady wins the race!" - Denise <br /> <br /> Ready to commit to the program and yourself and create your results? <br /> <br /> Quit Dieting Forever is designed to help you find your personal food freedom! <br /> <br /> Our members love enjoying their favorite bliss foods without "cheating" the plan. <br /> <br /> But that's not all... <br /> <br /> My team and I will support you every step of the way through this program for the entire 60 days! <br /> <br /> However, there is a limited time left before we start the only Quit Dieting Forever session of 2024 on Monday.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FQuitDietingForever.com%2F&h=AT0W4Th7giBOfA1QIjSq_hcH0jlgM6SKmhDZh0CHchs4ZHxLN5loQ2C5K23O-5YBJW9gpqKHVvlOouv-q67z6G7YyIfwFEd-m21uIBVWit5JLmEM_IXUJgE2KzsJHiju0nwlo1kbaa5GnQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">http://QuitDietingForever.com/</a><br /> <br /> We will do just one Quit Dieting Forever session this year!<br /> <br /> That way everyone asking to join us has an opportunity to guarantee their spot for this year. <br /> <br /> We created this program because this is what everyone has been asking for... an innovative solution to be free from dieting.<br /> <br /> We use our proven system of backing this product with our CRUSHer team and community so that you get the most value and knowledge out of your program as possible! <br /> <br /> This is very exciting for us because Quit Dieting Forever is filled with actionable steps, clean eating recipes, and a proven meal plan, to help you finally get real results without dieting. <br /> <br /> For the last 10 years, my clients have been telling me that they have been on a lifetime of diets.<br /> <br /> They are exhausted and sick of being "on a diet."<br /> <br /> If you would like to Finally be Free of dieting, heal your body, and not have to do it alone, Quit Dieting Forever is for you! <br /> <br /> This program is designed to help you regain your healthy self, without being constrained to being on a diet ever again.<br /> <br /> During this 8-week online course, my team and I will show you exactly how to escape dieting and make a true lifestyle change. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FQuitDietingForever.com%2F&h=AT37xlflrfthOrqY8SQ8EZi-o3voFkBlejZDg8I680_QRg1f5OJQ0uWlQd6ii5ou5zffbR8XLPgNO43Q1jUcFcPWJy2SxVQl8zqzU4xQGVOGqhevf6-RzSQsIxibZEdLb0CVJfyJCakN1A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">http://QuitDietingForever.com/</a><br /> <br /> When you join Quit Dieting Forever, you will receive:<br /> <br /> - The Quit Dieting Forever eGuide. - 8 weeks of re-learning how we think about food. <br /> - Traditional Recipe Guide for each month. - You'll never run out of meals to cook!<br /> - Vegetarian Recipe Guide for each month.<br /> - Food Diary. - Easily track your daily intake.<br /> - 8 Weeks of Suggested Traditional Meal Plans and Shopping Lists.<br /> - 8 Weeks of Suggested Vegetarian Meal Plans and Shopping Lists.<br /> - Rachel's Quick Start Guide. - I made sure you can take action on the lessons learned!<br /> - Bonus #1 - A Private Online Community to Share Help and Ideas.<br /> - Bonus #2 - 8 Habits for Building Body Confidence eBook.<br /> - Bonus #3 - Daily Lessons and Motivation from Rachel Maser within the Community.<br /> <br /> Everything will be accessible through our easy-to-use online Membership portal!<br /> <br /> What are you waiting for?! <br /> <br /> It's time to start feeding your body the right way, so you have all the nutrients you need for a day.<br /> <br /> Ready for your body to be seen as the amazing machine it truly is?<br /> <br /> Ready to Quit Dieting Forever? <br /> <br /> We have listened to your feedback by keeping QDF as affordable as possible and included a payment plan on the program. <br /> <br /> Think of how much money you will save every month with healthier habits! <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FQuitDietingForever.com%2F&h=AT2vzuG7xmzKpE_JeuMlVFjwfvxgisHlJ6Tu7we_h-IfFjrlyvvDQQIbomejcOSsLXm6n_FtQAa7q4IrFqZFQIr4FniFB3FGsno9gcktkTDQjVSRu1sr6JbjevO2BYge3GJY3yPMVyZBYQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">http://QuitDietingForever.com/</a><br /> <br /> Now for the catch... <br /> <br /> There is only room for 1,000 Members in Quit Dieting Forever for 2024, and CleanFoodCrush is followed by millions of people online!<br /> <br /> So space is limited. <br /> <br /> We want to make sure everyone can get their questions answered and get the attention they require. <br /> <br /> The only way to guarantee that you save your spot for 2024's Quit Dieting Forever Community is to sign up today: <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FQuitDietingForever.com%2F&h=AT3FSjxChVMBu7uj2xATtAJrAY1yvjOkxIWS0h_Xtx29gJK3LMq9sbmriq28v5Ig-CyIK3VZFU7NOnCeMUd0AabkjRC9cGzL1sZ0uIi6bDiIPGC5TXRCQ4wuTNM6S3F-XMs_e1otWW_gKw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">http://QuitDietingForever.com/</a><br /> <br /> I'm so excited for you to join us and work with my team and me!<br /> <br /> Make it a great day!<br /> <br /> โฅ Rachel<br /> <br /> And if you have any questions, just let me know!<br /> <br /> My team and I would love to help you! | Cleanfoodcrush | 2316009 | https://facebook.com/cleanfoodcrush | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827936 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 9:47 PM | 1716079226 | 1749350822 | 810 | 442225655170008 | 1 | 3.3826148320398E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 320000368051385 | 0 | Fredy's Tree Service | 6635158945083 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716068261 | 3.2000036805138E+14 | Fredy's Tree Service | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442487979_1225241878447050_5803495994737485164_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P5MaV2ZD0agQ7kNvgE-qmSX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCUEQVlwGAQkQWOtp__Wr1OOohqz6aUB6jrwfG4MJwsmg&oe=664F044C | person_profile | 0 | Fredyโs Tree Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441497365_435000152605960_3120022282794127392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mmLMy13M6VgQ7kNvgFfAxsh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeixN3jyDPo3Q-7BlU6BtJYTEob1Hp4IB6SNH-Jc0B6Q&oe=664F0B25 | 0 | 3 | Happy Friday ๐ณ, today we brought our spider lift and bucket truck to get this job done fast and efficient ๐ก Call us for a FREE ESTIMATE โ๏ธ<br /> ๐ฒ(609-204-6340) ๐ฒ | Fredy's Tree Service | 660 | https://facebook.com/100051040035916 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827957 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/25/25, 10:20 PM | 1716079226 | 1745637645 | 810 | 1254961462131431 | 7 | 7.5348537692108E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1731149377151424 | 0 | Lance Mikkel | 6615713912320 | webinar.refocusonhappiness.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Break-Up Coach | https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ | 1713403192 | 1.7311493771514E+15 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437937394_803158208532513_5915176261009384746_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fhOpf6zszMoQ7kNvgFgkKQq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD3PurjDzcUbZtkVhcgA5J114jRMRdKDhPWKxMWIAdWYg&oe=664F36A7 | person_profile | 0 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437919333_911578670654579_4132806278675524555_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sr5ysIjo57wQ7kNvgGqFymY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0W1c4Ztk9y0AayuWMc_xp4gJU3e3RkJ7-nJtLMSqepQ&oe=664F28AA | 0 | 3 | If your partner has recently said to you "I need some time to myself" or "I need time to figure out what I want", you better listen carefully!<br /> <br /> The decision to be in or work on a relationship is emotional, NOT logical! So if they need more time to themselves and are looking to spend less time with you, don't ignore the signs!<br /> <br /> So if you are dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge you want to get back to being a rockstar in your professional life / business, the time to take action is NOW! As in life, the best defense is a great offense!<br /> <br /> My clients are proof that it's possible for men and women to get their confidence back within days, even if they feel beaten, downhearted, and worried they'll never be the same person again.<br /> <br /> They get over the past hurt and disappointment, even if they secretly didn't think they never would. And when you feel great you radiate! When you feel great, you finally stop the pattern of sabotage at the emotional core! And that is when the tide starts to turn and a relationship can be seemingly be resurrected from the ashes.<br /> <br /> But to do this within days requires you to do something very unconventional. It requires you to do something that you probably never thought was possible. It requires you to get over your ex within days rather than the conventional wisdom that tells you that it takes weeks, months or even years.<br /> <br /> To do this requires you to rewire your brain to get out of the sadness, anger, and fear you are currently feeling.....and back into happiness, gratitude and power.<br /> <br /> The good news is that science shows reality is the brain can be trained just like a muscle, and Iโll illustrate step-by-step how to get that mental-six pack within days.<br /> <br /> If this โcrazy ideaโ that you can actually control your brain sounds even a little enticing, you need to check out this free training:<br /> <br /> "10 game-changing insights to reclaim your power when dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge!"<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwebinar.refocusonhappiness.com%2Fs%2FaW7ICQ&h=AT3ZEiDrPu7dVhXydYjYCysPEBasQ0-uwII9Z6WF_ebywQrPUOuOcyb9eO2BT3TydppnQgbYUe0vLghazjCqEv1Y9wc64DQEz_j3ec3tl8Xe9lh5ayLoQnApdZvxu0PO3s7GclIDWKOAVQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ</a> | Lance Mikkel | 7165 | https://facebook.com/LanceMikkel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827787 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/1/25, 11:06 AM | 1716079223 | 1751386002 | 810 | 1933306200457034 | 1 | 1.9388557865705E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 105390131212150 | 0 | Stacy Quast | 6625662145180 | Contact us | NONE | image | FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/430817136327636/ | 1716070944 | 1.0539013121215E+14 | Stacy Quast | regular_page | 1 | Stacy Quast | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436403112_1674374873336735_1690690145325140162_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fAvDxGE4PmcQ7kNvgHvRYuE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAN-ip-GNRilF_hwAb4OXYL7mjXCOXcfOo6NbRpx4BrAg&oe=664F163C | 0 | 3 | FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer - $500.00<br /> <br /> Teeter - FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer. An excellent cardio fitness machine that has a low impact on joints. Used two or three times and has been collected dust in the garage. In excellent condition. Purchased originally for $1200. Priced to sell at $500. For $500 a mat will be included to go underneath. Pick up only 78745<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Stacy Quast | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=557788269 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828450 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079235 | 1723773976 | 810 | 889847669495830 | 1 | 4.1661351456497E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 226641653866489 | 0 | Zero Beaufort | 120213302460980054 | mycheaps.life | Shop now | NONE | image | Now we are clearing Amazonโs backlog through online promotions. ๐Free returns and exchanges ๐ Limited online stock! ๐ Donโt miss it! | National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Wreath, Green, Crestwood Spruce, White Lights, Decorated with Pine Cones, Berry Clusters, Frosted Branches, 24 Inches | https://mycheaps.life/category/TODAYS-DEALS.html | 1716064868 | 2.2664165386649E+14 | Zero Beaufort | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442412933_764121245791902_3882589145967560411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kGc28ErBY48Q7kNvgEC1zkX&_nc_oc=Adi5rLgxS0Dpucby92bc0tjNwDQpyXw4QjgTXIrX7R25sEKcgwYBHRBffLkLHLzN-Ik&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDdgNvEj0L_TsnneHzn8CsM9x-fc_Z94j1xgltrCQYmPQ&oe=664F1217 | person_profile | 0 | Zero Beaufort | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441607127_1837347450084966_6801368145934054347_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQDyxrIgtNMQ7kNvgHZ1nnf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDQ7VbyTQS9LuIv0rZMS6NmrIH5uVJ7LtJwDQ9slVSH8Q&oe=664F1A69 | 0 | 3 | All products starting as low as $2, stocks are limited, donโt miss out<br /> ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐จ8๐%๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ข ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐๐ค, ๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ | Zero Beaufort | 0 | https://facebook.com/61556164715954 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827922 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/27/25, 8:45 AM | 1716079226 | 1740645905 | 810 | 8151574644855864 | 1 | 3.3034357302783E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107825739068298 | 0 | Shannon Beck, Accounting Advisor & CFO | 120202031027300503 | theprofitexpertscfo.com | Download | NONE | image | [Free eBook] 7 Financial Strategies for Dentists to Increase Profits and Cash Flow | https://www.theprofitexpertscfo.com/7strategies | 1702244560 | 1.078257390683E+14 | Shannon Beck, Accounting Advisor & CFO | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409204544_2315116785351886_7866394051630011212_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SEUWYUpxMuwQ7kNvgGYSiu-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAqzS4y3Q93ZvLt_hH1f4zVXE8xuElMAOkHGSubNMkupA&oe=664F2913 | person_profile | 0 | Shannon Beck | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409609450_833972528482339_2222355133231667828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1DzKRLDsCroQ7kNvgGcBTPt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-MTCxEo82JxTfS2cYYbbBts8QjE0QarV_MkgOYQiiJg&oe=664F0A1E | 0 | 3 | Dental Practice Owners - Discover 7 financial strategies that successful dental practices use to increase profits and maximize cash flow...<br /> <br /> Get your free copy of my ebook here now:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theprofitexpertscfo.com%2F7strategies&h=AT16WnmTBrXMxpN0B6pilc3T1VRkGRH657Ra7IrUPLjy76jHEPpOmUL4av5Xzsos9vdpN1HI0rg9L8T-l9ehD0pFHkgiqsIol-KStmx6wPKsWMTP4DKJM5U6tgYYmSEH9qfMHuvAx8RgIw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.theprofitexpertscfo.com/7strategies</a> | Shannon Beck, Accounting Advisor & CFO | 12 | https://facebook.com/shannonbeckcfo | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828257 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 10:53 PM | 1716079232 | 1749354801 | 810 | 791555389366566 | 1 | 2.0973641973082E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101622748270980 | 0 | NurseStrong | 120208748014540486 | nursestrong.co | Shop now | NONE | image | Extra 15% Off Today | Free Shipping with minimum spend | https://nursestrong.co/products/nursestrong-sweatshirt | 1716065826 | 1.0162274827098E+14 | NurseStrong | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441501926_3802515373317550_3422676421061778214_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7QOCWIdIIDYQ7kNvgELCoIw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBfmkQjadYFtT0mHOZm0jC68QhzH7Y4JE1ssBGwulXkTA&oe=664F0584 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ Limited Offer: Extra 15% Off today!<br /> โ Plus FREE Shipping with minimum spend<br /> ๐ Use code: IAMNURSESTRONG15 at check-out | NurseStrong | 1609 | https://facebook.com/iamnursestrong | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828166 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/20/25, 12:40 PM | 1716079231 | 1753033229 | 810 | 476663858219577 | 1 | 4.7218019193930E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1483668691846706 | 0 | Dan & Suki of Golden Sun Auctions, Inc. | 6632931836470 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716066287 | 1.4836686918467E+15 | Dan & Suki of Golden Sun Auctions, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443818798_444310744854958_7630777867972268744_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FVp_nCULb08Q7kNvgFyecyM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAifYn9Ye7XIGf-6cNqEUnrNeTCc0EI9KN4h6G3qWMaXA&oe=664F1CF4 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | HELLO FRIENDS.<br /> Online Auction May 26th @ 12pm<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveauctioneers.com%2Fcatalog%2F329446_nasa-toys-pop-culture-space-antiques%2F&h=AT2XiqfyI6QO83hzykJGIL1LcM8wvHWvJl1tP6n_zDV8yqfWroelol0r0klwc2VxSZaF-mX5A6JsiDMVTOyttqVcF4qK5saDhJeWIc4Cl_zPWNUX44O0vJYE5kYelOmESSVO9RuPX9a62w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/329446_nasa-toys-pop-culture-space-antiques/</a><br /> 3...2...1...BLAST OFF ๐ผ<br /> Welcome to a spectacular new edition of Golden Sun Auctions. Where history, adventure, and the thrill of discovery converge under one banner! <br /> <br /> This month, we're honored to present the esteemed collection of a true astrophile, a collector, whose passion for the cosmos and space collectibles was ignited by the viewing of the historic 1969 Lunar Landing. <br /> Dive into a galaxy of space-themed treasures, including NASA collectibles, flight suits, original press kits, autographed space memorabilia, intricate desktop models, model kits, tokens, authentic space patches, and more. <br /> Your journey begins at Lot 15. <br /> <br /> Step into the limelight with an enchanting array of signed black and white photographs from the 1950s, dedicated to the legendary Lady Blythe Marvinโa stellar performer who captivated audiences alongside icons like Liberace and Phyllis Diller. <br /> Discover these timeless treasures starting at Lot 128. <br /> <br /> Toy collectors, fear not, for we have curated something special for you too. From the vaults of our west coast collector, and other aficionados, this auction expands your universe with an extensive selection of vintage Star Wars items including some rare 1977 carded figures. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, Hot Wheels, GI Joe adventures, Marvel Superheroes will be in the mix of these pop culture collectibles. <br /> Embark on this vibrant journey at Lot 177, and also right at the start of the auction. <br /> <br /> In between, uncover dazzling crystal, beautiful artwork, exquisite jewelry, and eclectic knick-knacks that are sure to become the gems of your collection. <br /> <br /> Register today to enter this extraordinary portal of collectibles and happy bidding! <br /> <br /> GOOD LUCK BIDDING....and winning. <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveauctioneers.com%2Fcatalog%2F329446_nasa-toys-pop-culture-space-antiques%2F&h=AT3PqLnvlLua2xKFoSJGUlW7BksdVpWI3n_M_3iDONlJEDCnA-elop2YAdOM8yaVtLjrNjDQBfb1nPeSB7KGKhhDoL2QLIiDgWkQ1gbLolKg9DRWYXvI8J4e1xDLVw2Hoa60dDXIRmcNOw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/329446_nasa-toys-pop-culture-space-antiques/</a><br /> <br /> Dan & Suki <br /> Golden Sun Auctions<br /> <br /> #goldensunauctions #dan_suki #starwars #gijoe #hotwheels #johnnylightning #empirestrikesback #ESB #auctions #fullerton #oc #orangecounty #NASA #space #Apollo #astronaut #Mercury #flight #moon #teenagemutantninjaturtles #tmnt | Dan & Suki of Golden Sun Auctions, Inc. | 2017 | https://facebook.com/dansukiofgoldensunauctions | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828365 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/17/25, 12:15 AM | 1716079234 | 1747458927 | 810 | 430474633047842 | 1 | 3.7007681939857E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 185689791286359 | 0 | The Epic Savings | 6597199806348 | theepicsavings.com | Get offer | NONE | image | YOU SAVE $780 + 2 FREE E-BOOKS | Rate: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5) | https://theepicsavings.com/sugar-defender/ | 1716064307 | 1.8568979128636E+14 | The Epic Savings | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441484317_1490530401874189_6706571706311809129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xL0WFt2FQrgQ7kNvgF594Do&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA6OBSMCZmbsUG92lbZC1xxTszhO_HuCS03qTM9qjbb9g&oe=664F1F05 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441622781_1153084582385900_5467400037032532266_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ucgw0GwKtysQ7kNvgG13CRl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC-4_4IXFI2s4fM83_Bn_2ZdtYncOIpsETVrU6NHSd6pg&oe=664F0914 | 0 | 3 | Do you want to finally gain control over your blood sugar and weight? Sugar Defender offers amazing support for those in their 30s to 70s. Using pure plant ingredients and natural minerals, our formula is gentle yet powerful. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, thousands enjoy Sugar Defender daily with no complaints. Experience less hunger, more energy, and better blood sugar readings. Try Sugar Defender today! | The Epic Savings | 3 | https://facebook.com/theepicsavings | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827904 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/16/25, 7:35 PM | 1716079225 | 1747442155 | 810 | 1600702817391138 | 1 | 3.3702848099379E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30723248618 | 0 | Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau | 120208439746450014 | NONE | image | 1716068614 | 30723248618 | Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428337274_823412106306453_9054121218441310810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0oHf_JsTq0wQ7kNvgH7PNtT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD6wufaqaIPKh6Q4123WJUp82MHFETk1ZNTa6YEaC_9Dg&oe=664F2853 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐๏ธ Ready for summertime fun in the sun complete with lazy beach days and electric summer nights? Start planning your beach escape today! Download a free copy of the Daytona Beach Destination Guide here: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3nIs7mN&h=AT2tgWcsrpk_NtDqdGiKWMoLirYPYQUOKgrn5UDCm-Ca_tGv6j4NHeMARtaQKhi1sY23XMtCbgAKnzHCBTYAO81Cz_O15fxJusUOpP46Qf2mKFz_XFxU3pU1zyQ70Aecmx3Gd-TEXSB8LQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/3nIs7mN</a><br /> #LoveDaytonaBeach๐ <br /> #LoveFLโ๏ธ | Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau | 262229 | https://facebook.com/daytonabeach | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826898 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/8/25, 1:13 AM | 1716079143 | 1749363183 | 810 | 479759574406656 | 1 | 1.0002311515316E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059986330618 | NONE | video | 1716056726 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139508_901474388419199_2605065517696624000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WWi_tI0-ZJQQ7kNvgGMgaEN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAAIBo6znsh77_Vau3juZVOryv3k3YHLOysenMUO-GSsw&oe=664F1DE9 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440938761_963390831993907_405060507734558326_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GS93BreLaGsQ7kNvgFk4gJw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7qmJKpjnQJUxdFxTYML62UAaDp_QMs6AAPLI99mAglQ&oe=664F25B0 | 0 | 3 | Hear me out: You're probably NOT an alcoholic, here's why:โ <br /> โ <br /> Note: I'm not a doctor, but in my experience of coaching thousands of drinkers, unless you have a chemical dependency on alcohol which would require you to be hospitalized if you suddenly stopped, I suspect you simply have a temporary and reversible limiting belief that you'll suffer without it.โ <br /> โ <br /> - With a few simple processes, community, accountability, and ensuring you can have fun, I'm confident almost anyone can rewire their mindset around alcohol so they can stop entirely and enjoy life even more. โ <br /> โ <br /> If you to take back control over your drinking habits, message me '90', and either me or one of my coaches will hop on a free call with you and explain how we have a 98% success rate in helping people quit alcohol.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholic #alcohol #drinking #sober #sobriety #alcoholfree #jamesswanwick #quitdrinking | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827123 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/8/25, 1:13 AM | 1716079153 | 1749363187 | 810 | 1160987811596260 | 1 | 3.0339377614479E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109131014645598 | 0 | Games & fun | 120210865884960723 | apps.apple.com | Play game | NONE | video | https://apps.apple.com/app/id6482996152 | 1715943534 | 1.091310146456E+14 | Games & fun | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441154109_1709262779606732_582007690785983450_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iW4QvpEYCHEQ7kNvgEWgA5E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYABFicjj3LS2TrN0oAmmP3mb_B2LQyFuNYh_QqSk46XmA&oe=664F18F5 | person_profile | 0 | Games & fun | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441177174_854544273150604_4568105404730745617_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mX-9QMLumV4Q7kNvgEcslZF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvyur27plgHaKLbdlerge3S2WzJel11cxw13pwUC2Ing&oe=664F2AFA | 0 | 3 | Games & fun | 3 | https://facebook.com/100065726221756 | 0 | PLAY_GAME | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828324 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/17/25, 9:11 AM | 1716079233 | 1747491116 | 810 | 2209142569434539 | 1 | 8.368348816187E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113842516733680 | 0 | Dale Cintura Party | 120209651418420753 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/reggaeton_dayparty | 1715616137 | 1.1384251673368E+14 | Dale Cintura Party | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441933804_406254115565093_2841293968736614678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iN0r5Fj2LvQQ7kNvgFk1WZu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBLcPCM3Z6uwjHqBwDJ4BTcxVw7KM7QRTh2hNReNDa46Q&oe=664EFFED | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440346015_1166228891483945_6465235733496942285_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z2FiSRT-d4sQ7kNvgELgDIG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYByQLscfEECl_5KLdYsmwvfg7IVx6QhfFE8b9vhX5Qc0w&oe=664F131E | 0 | 3 | NEW DAY PARTY ALERT โ๏ธ๐ฅโ๏ธ๐ฅโ๏ธ๐ฅ<br /> THIS SUNDAY ๐<br /> INSIDE @treehouserooftop ๐ณ<br /> FREE RSVP available in our bio ๐ฒ | Dale Cintura Party | 56 | https://facebook.com/dalecinturaparty | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828006 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/20/25, 2:51 PM | 1716079227 | 1753041091 | 810 | 781825100596864 | 1 | 3.8558089046827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101767749696606 | 0 | Elite Tech Agency | 120208968520270774 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"none","message":{"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"306303735722533"} | 1716067508 | 1.0176774969661E+14 | Elite Tech Agency | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138509_7459273460856035_7502790325302724776_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=groOiV9G_gMQ7kNvgFacaQa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD646YhhUhJQnA2Dbtkw9TVWAxxjYdIQySWL-BANO2oew&oe=664F0D3A | person_profile | 0 | Elite Tech Agency | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444166733_1120302395910026_6300220909320125292_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_pk3oo0NVQ8Q7kNvgGBP5HL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiXib_-yPaHb7sV-rsRTfCFJjlkqiuI5rk3zXkphh7tQ&oe=664F0879 | 0 | 3 | Unlock a premium online presence for just $169! This package includes a 5-page website with 3 years of free maintenance. Don't miss outโclaim yours now!<br /> <br /> ๐ Why Choose Us?<br /> โ Stunning and Responsive Website Design<br /> โ Free Logo Design Included <br /> โ 3 Year Free Maintenance<br /> โ SEO-Friendly Design<br /> <br /> For more info visit: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Felitetechagency.com%2F&h=AT1CS26EvNcQCISOfr-Jt1oma-6iACAQDKWp5fwWM2MlLMFqk4H8rkY8sK6AYZamIRBQKB7OUkXrYHGqjiAQ1VO03ObeURc_TgRBpMOq-dLhG2MFvLd4GESnxWomhmEcRYR6vrpp_p74PA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://elitetechagency.com/</a> OR message us!<br /> <br /> #EliteTechAgency #freelogo #webdesign #websitedevelopment #businesswebsite #professionaldeal #websiteoffer #webdesigndeal | Elite Tech Agency | 3417 | https://facebook.com/61552389655267 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828053 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/17/25, 2:13 PM | 1716079228 | 1747509204 | 810 | 987003479616204 | 2 | 4.5655129372822E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 433240996713460 | 0 | Ezra Firestone | 120212442682890170 | Zipify.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Improve Your Product Pages With 8 Simple Tweaks | https://landing.zipify.com/pages/zp-8-best-practices | 1716067666 | 4.3324099671346E+14 | Ezra Firestone | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444235882_430172263058513_8303816460139533327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FLINEgfjcy0Q7kNvgE8AHSE&_nc_oc=AdgxEK_7kLlhTnmB0nN5aC4oKRvy-UXz5BvD6yfLN4bH82eeekFGu0G70BVOUi-2o4E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAnvne-_q7egbw_dWBPZWd0GK20IbCRqdpRP1LI_IFfNg&oe=664F1D7D | person_profile | 0 | Ezra Firestone | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159805_415800361285137_9164744558266920489_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OZ3XYIu2uFEQ7kNvgH16auU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPTpZbqr6weThNUpXy3lrbDjLoSFlBeC_AlM6M90j05w&oe=664F35F2 | 0 | 3 | These 8 landing page mistakes are killing your salesโฆ <br /> <br /> Hereโs how to fix them: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flanding.zipify.com%2Fpages%2Fzp-8-best-practices&h=AT2dlGzyz0t936AGC4g33IVRyxhdvZNs-vUuP6LeGG7jI_abpvQEITkj23Uu8b_cuS-PWGtxA9PMYk1xWco7O9dDmTIuoxswvzWXuM7Z4FM0QnO4vlBZXdXnh1qS3eGPuGcrAAXHxI-mog" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://landing.zipify.com/pages/zp-8-best-practices</a> <br /> <br /> Itโs one of the saddest stories in ecommerce. You get someone to your websiteโฆ<br /> <br /> You pay for advertisingโฆ <br /> You do the search engine optimizationโฆ <br /> You tell a friend who tells a friendโฆ <br /> <br /> You get someone interested enough in your product to STOP scrolling, and CLICK over to your store. <br /> <br /> And thenโฆ <br /> <br /> When they get there they decide they donโt actually want the thing youโre selling. ๐ข<br /> <br /> ๐ But itโs NOT because your product isnโt good.<br /> <br /> Itโs because you didnโt optimize your page to explain WHY itโs good.<br /> <br /> My name is Ezra Firestone, and Iโm the CEO of a $175 million ecommerce store. <br /> <br /> Iโve been building successful businesses online since 2006 โ Iโve reviewed & optimized THOUSANDS of sales pages over the years. <br /> <br /> ๐And I created a short report with the 8 most-common mistakes brands are making on their sales pages today.<br /> <br /> Itโs totally FREE โ <br /> <br /> And in 5 minutes, youโll learn proven solutions you can do today to increase your conversion and start making more sales. <br /> <br /> Check it out here: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flanding.zipify.com%2Fpages%2Fzp-8-best-practices&h=AT1-0MZmLNi34d9i9i--PYBepuyO35PKg-r0bRsvecG5Xvc9qjDFeQFjuHCRae-y9T3xlMKWNrHZsJC6rdYQiYBxLlIeAOSNF4zBGLeOuW_ifkWYTj-exLyNZdJh73LBYTUKojL108kaCQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://landing.zipify.com/pages/zp-8-best-practices</a> ๐ | Ezra Firestone | 58873 | https://facebook.com/MeetEzra | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827462 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/19/24, 7:32 AM | 1716079212 | 1724070766 | 810 | 654261953543751 | 8 | 1.2088500834138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 862189923914381 | 0 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 6562002889171 | injectneedlefree.com | Contact us | NONE | image | Needle Free Injections > | Discover the future of painless injections with Comfort-inโข . Explore comfort and convenience in our needle-free injection solutions >>> | https://injectneedlefree.com/ | 1716053580 | 8.6218992391438E+14 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441293279_430521093067485_5629680586633761811_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DYaIqpzKkQIQ7kNvgEbzyNv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCp_oiFEGYO93eT4TA5B0bStImjcMWiCwW8vQ3TmCCqDg&oe=664F2B19 | person_profile | 0 | Comfort-In Needle Free | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441655251_797121565675863_3236908340569509110_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H01lfpJtcWYQ7kNvgHIOEwq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBSqY2o5bQAfCAjhGtJuRdoK9kdknJfLUfLWbNyixu5Pw&oe=664F1C0B | 0 | 3 | Pain should not take a main part on your daily life!<br /> <br /> The Comfort-inโข๏ธ is a spring operated needle free injection system. <br /> <br /> This system is a type of a medical injecting syringe that uses a high-pressure, it uses the narrow jet of the injected liquid instead of a hypodermic needle to penetrate the epidermis (skin).<br /> <br /> โ Gentle and Comfortable Injections<br /> โ Variety Of Medicines. Vitamins, Insulin and more!<br /> โ Reusable Technology (Up to 10,000 Injections)<br /> โ Certified and Registered Medical Device<br /> <br /> Contact us for more information and a life changing solution! | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 4609 | https://facebook.com/needlefreedelivery | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827987 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 4:14 AM | 1716079227 | 1745658856 | 810 | 457702359976533 | 1 | 7.7774054449627E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109145048633863 | 0 | DT.renovation | 120209162230180470 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716067681 | 1.0914504863386E+14 | DT.renovation | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444468822_436664215747531_456291486905638494_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XX6E6cXqMT0Q7kNvgGnn-nv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDa-x_uyLjxDmEdMy5rjYzebil86a5_xccfIWxiii6Ihg&oe=664F1F18 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Ready to give your home a fresh modern look? We provide bathroom, kitchen, flooring and residential remodeling services in the Triangle NC area. Contact us today for a free estimate at (984) 319-5350.<br /> <br /> Check out some of our work:<br /> Website: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdtrenovationllc.com%2F&h=AT0H89JNOKRE6Ed2AEcPhjRvtfQiqcNP1i51wVE3fqULmZL-9JGzDBC6lfmZ_UnG53lkNDoylrsm256IgjqX-1EMucHdj4tCTYdP6YmoP54ImvxnQ4KxUqY9LPidzxr1l4oQyP2OsPfTpQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">dtrenovationllc.com</a><br /> Instagram: dt.renovation<br /> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DT.RENOVATION.NC">DT.renovation</a><br /> TikTok: #dtrenovation<br /> <br /> Our experienced team of professionals is focused on quality work as we transform your home into a beautiful and functional living space. We provide design consultations, assist with material selection, and work with you to bring your vision to life. We take your project from the planning phase to the final point of realization.<br /> <br /> โ Kitchen design and installation<br /> โ Full bathroom remodel<br /> โ Tile installation<br /> โ Flooring installation<br /> โ Painting services<br /> โ Trimwork, door, cabinet installation<br /> โ Material selection<br /> โ Design services<br /> โ Room layout transformation | DT.renovation | 100 | https://facebook.com/DT.RENOVATION.NC | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826900 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 2/27/25, 9:43 PM | 1716079143 | 1740714184 | 810 | 306807169031135 | 4 | 3.8416801106502E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108272370946537 | 0 | Fanscustom.com | 23856758333220292 | fanscustom.com | Shop now | NONE | image | FROM $24.99 | Buy Best Cheap Authentic Custom Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys Free Shipping, Womens Youth Mens Custom Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys For Sale, Build Your Own Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys Online. | https://www.fanscustom.com/collections/baseball-gradient-fashion | 1690528630 | 1.0827237094654E+14 | Fanscustom.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/363826097_1535668110584086_8262262699597251274_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XJZtUZ_MbxkQ7kNvgGZpY2e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHMyrCrLCu1rkxLWW--bsBjG9fkKym2gvQ9a2rWaJMVQ&oe=664F1928 | person_profile | 0 | FANSCUSTOM | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/363432872_300505545808979_3034973220938657523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ATDred81cUYQ7kNvgHGHgH8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd9eigaL0LsTnTMLbx41jOci2BF-vdKRDTJoT5QjvHLw&oe=664F2DD2 | 0 | 3 | ๐Customize Your Name/Number/Logo<br /> โกUse code FST10 to get 10% Off on your order<br /> ๐ Order here ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2hnc2t4s&h=AT3L1sPKd8CzcHoTc_Bi99hnktsHLAIKN85NmcLR8TWCg31tJnk425AxBR9esceA90Z6TDiRaaCBrZ2-UOs5mNUyzk3X-wyI9Yjbs5QleUm2JMN06I6Mh5Wh_NlsUoyz-ORKa-7in3p9oA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/2hnc2t4s</a> | Fanscustom.com | 11480 | https://facebook.com/FansCustomShop | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827803 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 11:09 AM | 1716079224 | 1749312557 | 810 | 1188950238927617 | 1 | 7.5908521310091E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 114827526591036 | 0 | Matt Toppen | 6570676912452 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2012 Ford Focus ยท SE Sedan 4D | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/471172605310931/ | 1716070490 | 1.1482752659104E+14 | Matt Toppen | regular_page | 1 | Matt Toppen | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441540211_972213524595350_5030278434492437812_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q7ExPNXxRtAQ7kNvgHdzFF_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAIjM_zrpkAEFjRX3L-_GiXI1Q6fADFxC2TYLk-Ysirsw&oe=664F1C9F | 0 | 3 | 2012 Ford Focus ยท SE Sedan 4D - $5,500.00<br /> <br /> Great fuel economy and fun to drive. Good tires and brakes, super clean interior and clean rust free body. Keyless remote entry, power windows and locks. AM/FM/CD, ABS with traction control.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Matt Toppen | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1424528778 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828232 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 5:06 AM | 1716079232 | 1745662019 | 810 | 431836592938806 | 2 | 1.1215146024052E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 103948259069357 | 0 | Enjoy Read Now | 120208825702320257 | fbweb.moboreels.com | Watch more | NONE | video | Because one segment fell in love with the entire dramaโค | https://fbweb.moboreels.com/12237322-fb-xy1-0509-en-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=230240&accid=345637437958981 | 1716015217 | 1.0394825906936E+14 | Enjoy Read Now | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717574_1014133256744696_3487181305800333312_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ED0ejAYJYR4Q7kNvgGYsZdK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBHIMZ5v35BFg-Okv2UF6Kst4J_lMX7KLuENTiBtZgXEg&oe=664F1515 | person_profile | 0 | ๆข่ฎ็ฑๅ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415294_1420361292693808_4471942864758174587_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E9wZv2iA-_QQ7kNvgHkcrON&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCCXR9vuvaLHXt2lxhFKijhl_1POCYNQ1Mm66c1hPOqLA&oe=664F347F | 0 | 3 | This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching!The next episode is more exciting!๐ | Enjoy Read Now | 14365 | https://facebook.com/100083816409996 | 0 | WATCH_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828264 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 3:59 AM | 1716079232 | 1749373186 | 810 | 2218055371864169 | 2 | 2.7714717872736E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255912070583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974225 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717580_5991730790950607_8174428996934611786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7tCxKgFu68Q7kNvgGZOnjB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCJpzuRATQ4mu7Q6PmsPtz3ymHEvY1ZQr7rwPHTYA4gNQ&oe=664F22C1 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828376 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 5:28 AM | 1716079234 | 1749378513 | 810 | 310414245492163 | 16 | 1.3536540619938E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 308633722332830 | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6558196593214 | abugarciaclearance.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ | https://www.abugarciaclearance.com/collections/best-selling-reels | 1715246676 | 3.0863372233283E+14 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442416319_634606392205022_8460767704463943650_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wgHmj68h1jkQ7kNvgH4qU7m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVMXtKEcF1YMzsgwMIUckALVXsL4My7c9oQ0lGPFauNQ&oe=664F359C | person_profile | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441495862_3357102751256283_8357252265355660066_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yLU2QmDXdYsQ7kNvgGyEknb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBFBHRQx2h6JEc3GacyzzYirZXOa8Utim0S3f5dS657bA&oe=664F21DB | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐น๐ถ๐ซ & ๐น๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ณ&๐ช๐ถ๐ด๐ฉ๐ถ๐บ๐๐ผ๐ท ๐ป๐ถ 90% ๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ.This is a great opportunity to refresh your fishing equipment!<br /> ๐ Donโt miss it! Limited Stock! <br /> โ Package delivered within 7 days.<br /> โ Free returns within 60 days.<br /> โ Authenticity assured.Hurry, these deals won't last! | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6 | https://facebook.com/61559584917442 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828276 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/14/25, 10:42 PM | 1716079232 | 1744688571 | 810 | 466730739149368 | 1 | 1.188180128884E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 296191750246740 | 0 | Suga Pie | 6605417477766 | suga-pie.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Suga Pie. Deliciously Delightful Roll-on Perfume Oils | Suga Pie | Perfume oils that are skillfully created to enhance your natural aroma. Our fragrances allow your individuality to shine. For All. | http://www.suga-pie.com/ | 1716065746 | 2.9619175024674E+14 | Suga Pie | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442482511_1505838620023936_4075685714646765046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=97YT5IbJIdMQ7kNvgEOTqHN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDR-FxyCPerlgJvjvHTyiXfBfYQ4AmWLrr9tO0yS5b45A&oe=664F2ED8 | person_profile | 0 | Suga Pie Perfumes! | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441451224_1620836898681325_5175489661304418339_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qU34cSOrRnUQ7kNvgErDcbY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAn7p59eXN8BcUkXvBqLWRkZjSv5UgE7TTeJKtenEVxZw&oe=664F1385 | 0 | 3 | Receive 10% off your first purchase! Buy 3 Get 1 Free OR Buy 5 Get 2 FREE!! Free shipping over $60! All across the US. <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.suga-pie.com%2F&h=AT13ql-UJdzwwy5DRDEpTAt5tellzHjWb40vZgr4IF4NguAEv9ceBQ2LEqu_KhFX1LIPzNdy1vMp2tJ1PZ3cQeZV8iNXB_jCYs1knPjDYQawFjzn3PEikKOiKIjqLsRjAKo7OmWCbCgOLw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.suga-pie.com</a><br /> Enjoy fragrances like...<br /> Burboned Tobacco (M)- Cedarwood and tobacco blend with blushed rose petals, tonka bean and oak aged bourbon<br /> <br /> Jungle Juice (F, C) Sweet banana blended with sweet citrus, tangy kiwi, smooth coconut, juicy raspberries, sugared strawberries and fresh apples.<br /> <br /> Tropical Spice Type-(F) A walk in the Bahamas, a ride in the rain forest. A warm sip of cinnamon, clove, spiced rum, sweet pineapple, and Tahitian vanilla,<br /> <br /> Sunrise- (F) fresh florals of sea daffodil, water lily, jasmine and sweet rosewater flow with crisp, green cucumber, juicy Valencia orange, soft white musk and driftwood moss. | Suga Pie | 7 | https://facebook.com/61559465091381 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827591 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 10:02 PM | 1716079219 | 1747018921 | 810 | 966602808261059 | 1 | 1.6204086187045E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361380730151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052910 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439446991_365991175822249_1019889769578288950_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K4f7nkCxDaMQ7kNvgFJLV2h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRDRbMxOAuO_1UnttEKjCEfgR93gS0jwX0VkGpEuIU9g&oe=664F030A | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439604829_2891425257674287_8573109848396977422_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4qN4Icn1O1MQ7kNvgH4qwG3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDSB5dsY1hKiEN9MFciHjBlsG6HzzqUs-rBOEeaB_1SfQ&oe=664F3497 | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT1dY7JayY0S8fExbhnl-JFeQTf5FsmZzV_9fvJ3aaFKu07N_8zazUPup2FsEeP4BmVfJgL1azMx37jTrFybtbZ1vKVfG_i7ETr_8uboirC0Dq6KFaxVn9v66uzo0bwKYPrfG8CqvrOSKg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828187 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 7:03 AM | 1716079231 | 1745669024 | 810 | 1508124909774214 | 1 | 1.5091679631403E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 442800775816898 | 0 | Rocky Mountain Con | 6597333383103 | NONE | image | Rocky Mountain Con | RMC in Denver/Aurora Nov. 10th old school comic con. A portion of all proceeds goes to local Charities. www.rockymountaincon.com | https://facebook.com/RMCpromotionsLLC | 1716066137 | 4.428007758169E+14 | Rocky Mountain Con | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438252898_761254279329471_6292062281606713949_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KsV-hAoH0e8Q7kNvgG1BNvO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBBEx5M4V2b6Cb3OV-ZKPr-rNBXgH4VxNtyflBFxjy0cQ&oe=664F12EA | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Looking Forward to seeing all the collectors at this amazing event. | Rocky Mountain Con | 5582 | https://facebook.com/RMCpromotionsLLC | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827590 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 12/17/24, 4:00 AM | 1716079219 | 1734429612 | 810 | 958433659244785 | 5 | 3.3094355632816E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361371500151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052917 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439168372_455346987156385_6862638393535686908_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f323LLvq1xAQ7kNvgGtn98o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCL3Y8smkDGxEXf9QfoyOZhRXciTmEypQUqwp3wSdLT2A&oe=664F1F8C | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439139368_1969951163420299_2242055178781041995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ghKzaW9aLNYQ7kNvgFgKsAh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCocXtOijrFrrA5Tk_TCxMzwnjh9JwdhDK1eFYQ_anb3w&oe=664F102F | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0f9b9wPDas3hiySFNwb8fxRyOP9PxCEZHKXMNb8ZGQNw82zvAK4J_z-P1MqAV4jXn8FiwkHDnXZ62uvZQjtykoluA7teOKsRGlHLNz4XCeioK7vkUQNNKzpFl2AfdioKS_6o0YSQVmrA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828188 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/3/25, 7:50 AM | 1716079231 | 1751547051 | 810 | 3774531676102758 | 1 | 1.4027305004231E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209995822910603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066169 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439259568_792591972839221_1722352701785314307_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ei-3_CjvczQQ7kNvgEr2j6o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD47hDf2-qvOvlE7Co14c69v8Ru4wVyvwPBn2FKDnE4Eg&oe=664F2E21 | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438253697_1128783811767342_546802457958541804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1zHL5lvZFdYQ7kNvgFGnQNa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFitwBzcehQ6vgn1Iox_clwwFPOswrhP7RahFvV2gbog&oe=664F0AD4 | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826918 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/8/25, 7:10 AM | 1716079144 | 1749384644 | 810 | 771650285042697 | 1 | 7.8445179375206E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114588168402434 | 0 | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | 120210241654590312 | l.adbuilder.pro | Learn more | NONE | video | By Lakme Kota | Details and contact info >>> | https://l.adbuilder.pro/HTqppv/25175 | 1716052982 | 1.1458816840243E+14 | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436344054_392577420440399_2243150399079535156_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMnHXLEe-yIQ7kNvgGbe6vD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAdY8Z2m7vdg_KZnUS6yNWD1hjKIDFsmp1_AdsS9jNyKw&oe=664EFDC3 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436465142_413413138264858_277513439317670095_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lF1-C5ThtO4Q7kNvgEX9h86&_nc_oc=AdguGkLFn3cz3YA7MVxtorGDUjHcBr0O_m8BAvSsMkd5fMVnKtcZ4nvgY1kf2oSAQ14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAt3gxeUQIlEh-sVo2PtRjFRMXtHTYcYmBjepED2gTthg&oe=664F27FA | 0 | 3 | Recently sold in 08046! Markets change quickly. Curious what your home's worth? Reach out for a free analysis. | SphereBuilder Community - PHL | 16 | https://facebook.com/spherebuilderphl | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827916 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 7:10 AM | 1716079226 | 1749384647 | 810 | 982516903454826 | 1 | 3.3018929988726E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1210355705648973 | 0 | City of Greers Ferry | 6613363118432 | NONE | image | City of Greers Ferry | Welcome to Greers Ferry! Enjoy over 40,000 acres of crystal clear water that is perfect for fishing, | https://facebook.com/GreersFerryCity | 1716068458 | 1.210355705649E+15 | City of Greers Ferry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442470054_1436588763917079_2443589528103869250_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jmqXsFxM8M0Q7kNvgEXZuED&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDhAOwS6Jwt-uYjwC0bKHlHRNCrYIyrA4aGhtLzDeg-Jg&oe=664F344B | person_profile | 0 | City of Greers Ferry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441350101_1968473960234797_3852214234830088000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lwcc0GcBsWcQ7kNvgE5Dexh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5jc-RZWGQgA901SRSLPDmrabrlJdrZ_lb_BTjUW9azg&oe=664F0FBD | 0 | 3 | ๐ Get readyโLake Fest is just around the corner! Can't wait to see everyone there!! ๐<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greersferrylakefest.com%2F&h=AT3k281VN2jwANGh0OysvflHsxYVEsrcLA3ij92aSSafNwCyikhE7qR_12VUMd4fuhGExLYdXFBQGz4sZeuHFcMG4bB8u9pHO7s7fyCzMdS_7tGaNWVCqcZEIcopnK_q5BusbNdTKGq76A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.greersferrylakefest.com/</a> | City of Greers Ferry | 2939 | https://facebook.com/GreersFerryCity | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827801 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 8:02 AM | 1716079223 | 1749387734 | 810 | 277557315350181 | 1 | 4.5290701065162E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 259621107231779 | 0 | SinkDiscounters.com | 6550712905954 | sinkdiscounters.com | Shop now | NONE | image | SinkDiscounters.com | http://sinkdiscounters.com/ | 1716070587 | 2.5962110723178E+14 | SinkDiscounters.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439702042_846849050600883_187573876108231824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IRUJaPh0hnYQ7kNvgH6Na4t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvIfcSCegCaGzDMqRw0bJZ5mrLT0B697LiwEhTy_kI7A&oe=664F3559 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440877753_2372951882909913_144830483794946064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HyoMa3pLHZ4Q7kNvgHWqUHh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCeRDQiUEkXI-ZTEMC8OISRLY4iI74UtDs8g70wlPQ1bA&oe=664F128C | 0 | 3 | We provide high quality sinks at wholesale prices, always shipped fast and free from right here in the US. | SinkDiscounters.com | 3 | https://facebook.com/61557383960463 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827910 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 10/17/24, 11:04 AM | 1716079226 | 1729181057 | 810 | 1469330777016137 | 1 | 1.1339741844209E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1640213902885088 | 0 | K and K Asphalt | 6624676830788 | kandkasphalt.com | Learn more | NONE | image | K And K Asphalt Asphalt | 360-438-6292 - FREE estimates. Guaranteed asphalt work. Comprehensive asphalt paving and maintenance services at affordable prices. | http://www.kandkasphalt.com/ | 1716068580 | 1.6402139028851E+15 | K and K Asphalt | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440945246_6894845473948866_3895558686617239893_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9hJw3-b0cXcQ7kNvgFZrM-a&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAi79nSbYv6XFhsEgBtTkaiAQEPuRM7pqnsDgGpEZC3_A&oe=664F012E | person_profile | 0 | K and K Asphalt | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445508010_987709695683979_384595139561461197_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pnny5Al-oFIQ7kNvgGkdy7M&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA55DiyIXQg_3GiO15hpvDlQYhepsBHv-jOm8qZcXm8ng&oe=664F0E53 | 0 | 3 | 360-438-6292 - FREE estimates. Guaranteed asphalt work. Comprehensive asphalt paving and maintenance services at affordable prices. | K and K Asphalt | 223 | https://facebook.com/kandkasphaltolympia | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828029 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 9:45 AM | 1716079228 | 1745678735 | 810 | 758426769708109 | 1 | 9.3643905160827E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 490039241028505 | 0 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 120207699781440593 | susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | $10,000 OFF MSRP! | https://www.susanvillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/new-vehicles/dodge/?_dFR%5Bmake%5D%5B0%5D=Dodge&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D=Charger&_dFR%5Bmodel%5D%5B1%5D=Challenger&_dFR%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=New | 1713390254 | 4.9003924102850E+14 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319268_1215394563232785_7877353637961656148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6FD5GzPS9UIQ7kNvgG3ITaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtlBZWl-ZVmlA-q5nh4SJLJ2h4yvMmGvjA9pKHRYMEXw&oe=664F3739 | person_profile | 0 | Susanville Auto Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435785618_1148895566526836_6107895571765352841_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D1WNAhxErg4Q7kNvgEl6gYD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCv2RUrk2wJcIb58r4hCmcuoa1NxgC3o4ste2xFEppdSw&oe=664F2102 | 0 | 3 | Susanville Ford Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram | 3689 | https://facebook.com/SusanvilleAutoCenter | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828364 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 10:36 AM | 1716079234 | 1749396967 | 810 | 1134979471081326 | 1 | 7.6661488194089E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207706591820317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Cat Tree Tower Condo Furniture Scratch Post for Kittens Pet House Play 19.5"L x 19.5"W x 54"H | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/2114689138888706/ | 1716065231 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442478540_465114186016574_4364738528673784046_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J6SkhN4YKMAQ7kNvgHhFz4w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDx3R16OCxZ_25EIpOq0Rk3m8YT_vsU_dNq3LotuKfRUw&oe=664F0CDD | 1 | 3 | Cat Tree Tower Condo Furniture Scratch Post for Kittens Pet House Play 19.5"L x 19.5"W x 54"H - $59.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> ใTop Perches and Sisal Postsใ The three top perches are the ideal observatories for cats to โsurvey their houseโ. Three sisal rope coiled posts at different heights help encourage positive scratching behavior and keep those sharp little claws away from your fine furniture.<br /> ใFluffy Comfy Hideawaysใ Cats are cautious and easily anxious, and you can always find them in nooks in your house. So, in this cat tree tower, we put two cozy fluffy condos with doors and windows for cats to play hide-n-seek and nap.<br /> ใAdorable Pet Furnitureใ The cute cat-ears-shaped raised edge on the top perch reveals the little owners of this tree. Features a variety of neutral hues to ensure it complements your existing color palette.<br /> ใReplaceable Dangling Ballใ The cat condo hangs two dangling balls, which will add extra fun for your furry cats. You can replace them with your catโs favorite toy if needed.<br /> ใNot Easy to Topple Overใ To keep the cat tree upright, a wall anchor strap to attach it to the wall for extra stability, not easy to be knocked over.<br /> Customer ratings by feature<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827778 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 10:08 AM | 1716079223 | 1745680129 | 810 | 354149141011639 | 2 | 4.765590047439E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 143529385507527 | 0 | Shineinsky.de | 120210882078670343 | shineinsky.com | Shop now | NONE | image | All Website 30% off 4 installments interest-free | All Website 30% off,code: SY30 ๐Free Refund! Easy Exchange!๐ฅ4 installments interest-free๐Worldwide Shipping | https://www.shineinsky.com/collections/best-seller-lx?ids=a2b7e6a3-60cd-40e7-bb12-89cf0584ff8a&show_page=first_page | 1716021952 | 1.4352938550753E+14 | Shineinsky.de | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440754281_416926091189156_5261618612133730668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uM0rCMKm6tkQ7kNvgHSyeTa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD1Ypclp4cGzww_jWO0GXRQZWVeYdsZK7mdi2qchbMlNA&oe=664F0218 | person_profile | 0 | Shineinsky.de | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501463_1371068066917117_8823391743837202123_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v88U8O797N8Q7kNvgE6hwVo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBPEG9dU6jIFsBb-d7A3oFXja3NxOcW7z4nmc-pcC6hMw&oe=664F06BC | 0 | 3 | Looking for the perfect dress to wear to your next gala or black-tie event?<br /> ๐Worldwide Shipping<br /> Enjoy All Website 30% off ๐<br /> ๐ฅ4 installments interest-free | Shineinsky.de | 236 | https://facebook.com/61551925927206 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828316 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/24/25, 4:47 PM | 1716079233 | 1745531254 | 810 | 257706184095354 | 1 | 1.5876256684474E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 130097306852502 | 0 | The Holistic Remedy | 120208097425630743 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/theholistic.remedy | 1716065560 | 1.300973068525E+14 | The Holistic Remedy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441189898_363994376673755_7809168640846133060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3u8GyhfNsIcQ7kNvgHigFdp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDnWf5XJoVaQh45i-xrA-ymSx0aERg1uKlvsfPeANd81w&oe=664F3101 | person_profile | 0 | Tanya Ellie | The Holistic Remedyยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443697119_967326511527035_3572432282562540900_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WHlXQSvXrh4Q7kNvgHTzTA2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbDEMfi-jXy-hQ4pfyD-rR5VUmUat8-4zbpyn_wZDGHg&oe=664F19F1 | 0 | 3 | How does deep breathing heal your body ๐<br /> <br /> ๐ฉบ Stress Relief โ Deep breaths are a signal to your body to relax. It reduces the release of stress hormones like cortisol, easing your tension and promoting a calm state of mind.<br /> <br /> ๐ Anxiety Support โ By engaging your parasympathetic nervous system, youโre dialing down your bodyโs โfight or flightโ response.<br /> <br /> ๐ซ Oxygen Boost โ With each deep inhale, youโre increasing lung oxygen exchange. More oxygen in your bloodstream means more energy for your cells.<br /> <br /> โค๏ธ Heart Health โ Deep breathing naturally slows down your heart rate, reducing the strain on this hardworking muscle and contributing to your overall cardiovascular health.<br /> <br /> ๐ฌ๏ธ Pain Management โ When you take those deliberate breaths, youโre helping your body release endorphins, its natural painkillers, providing some relief from physical discomfort.<br /> <br /> ๐ง Focus and Clarity โ The increased oxygen flow to your brain enhances cognitive function, giving you sharper focus, improved concentration, and a more attentive mindset.<br /> <br /> ๐ฝ๏ธ Digestive Aid โ Activating the parasympathetic nervous system through intentional breaths can aid digestion by promoting relaxation of the digestive organs.<br /> <br /> ๐ Detox Support โ By enhancing blood circulation and lymphatic flow, youโre gently aiding the removal of waste and toxins. <br /> <br /> ๐ Emotional Balance โ Deep breaths serve as an anchor in times of emotional turbulence, helping you find your center and restore balance. <br /> <br /> ๐ด Better Sleep โ Incorporate deep breathing into your bedtime routine to signal relaxation to your body and mind. This can lead to improved sleep quality and a more restful night.<br /> <br /> Itโs a natural remedy thatโs always within reach.<br /> <br /> I created a guide to help you explore simple ways you can seamlessly integrate mindfulness into your everyday life.<br /> <br /> ๐ DM or comment โMINDFULโ to get the free guide<br /> <br /> Link in bio for more holistic health resources + info<br /> <br /> โฅ๏ธ Tanya<br /> <br /> #deepbreathing #naturalmedicine #stressrelief #anxietysupport #emotionalbalance #naturalremedy | The Holistic Remedy | 5 | https://facebook.com/61551070426060 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828563 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 11:32 AM | 1716079237 | 1745685161 | 810 | 947552500180345 | 1 | 8.1520926672493E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 245229288672322 | 0 | Mucho Gusto Market | 120207611729140461 | zazabuds.shop | No button | NONE | image | ๐ $69.99 0แดษดแดแด๊ฑ ๐ แดกสษชสแด ๊ฑแดแดแดสษชแด๊ฑ สแด๊ฑแด! | https://zazabuds.shop/product/parma-parlor-palm/ | 1716064776 | 2.4522928867232E+14 | Mucho Gusto Market | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445095784_964952385357058_4812897949009943065_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OM4qnUWMFScQ7kNvgGXhM8M&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDapcfF__P_--E5XI6pXNN1kTehN2o_NIR5U5mDipaiAQ&oe=664F108B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐STOP WASTING MONEY AT YOUR LOCAL STORE๐<br /> <br /> GBO: More Than Just an Online Store, We're Your #1 Destination for Lightning-Fast Delivery and Premium Products, All at the Perfect Price Point.<br /> <br /> โ๏ธShip To All 50 States<br /> โ๏ธ24/7 Customer Support<br /> ๐ฆFree 2-3 Delivery + Discreet Packaging<br /> ๐15% Your first order | Mucho Gusto Market | 42 | https://facebook.com/61556824526417 | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828336 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/3/25, 6:29 PM | 1716079233 | 1748993354 | 810 | 1184503339350476 | 7 | 8.2412520574057E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 104714678183104 | 0 | Carbon Conceptz | 120209201256300776 | carbonconceptz.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Carbon Fiber for your iPhone. | Free Shipping on all orders | https://carbonconceptz.com/collections/forged-carbon-series | 1716009105 | 1.047146781831E+14 | Carbon Conceptz | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438260606_1657881931689670_7439138918832639241_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TizzlMUmYScQ7kNvgESjAGe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBG1og-_3QudbXCUFcITFn2hHu_ZvPm5sKWcnHfhXt9wQ&oe=664F280C | person_profile | 0 | Carbon Conceptz | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444150484_365089696548633_6902300962971460737_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vJNcimRTRSMQ7kNvgETKstD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCU5EabmGNxWYa9P-6QtA1dGWPcUrhbAtrBhxZNnV9eUw&oe=664F19BA | 0 | 3 | Our cases are designed with real Carbon Fiber for the lightweight + sleek feel while offering the maximum protection for your phone.<br /> <br /> Experience durability, connectivity, and sleek design in every grip. Upgrade your protection game today! | Carbon Conceptz | 749 | https://facebook.com/carbonconceptz | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828236 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 2:23 PM | 1716079232 | 1745695424 | 810 | 777356921152875 | 1 | 1.1557782021176E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 102312496099920 | 0 | Fishwishrod.com | 120210965545510361 | fishwishrod.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Electronic Fishing Lure | 30% OFF Today Only | https://fishwishrod.com/products/electric-fishing-lure | 1716043271 | 1.0231249609992E+14 | Fishwishrod.com | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441607136_798582708891030_2679266386193063974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ojFIJcoshKsQ7kNvgFXj-Ij&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQyZ1LTeGorAAo-wUsfxTmMGXhp6Z3EeuMngBYg_CKBQ&oe=664F35EF | person_profile | 0 | FishWishRodโข | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444492710_1449471735959595_1168251187830039124_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RkyoPaa3ZLsQ7kNvgGUKjE0&_nc_oc=AdhvRXiV1v4kwQuTe6bRwmt6Qo6wxG6oob2vBvHyX3Pj8gs4nV93aUD5yhH-HFKmPxY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD4lzmUDgkH2HZC_RfQ6eHDMlfb1g0-oo2r75tAon_f_A&oe=664F1C88 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฃ Revolutionary Fishing Technology: Elevate your fishing game! Our electric fishing lure, with its advanced electric motor and eye-catching LED lights, is a must-have for anglers at all levels. Get ready to attract more fish with ease!<br /> <br /> ๐ Long-Lasting Fun: Fish longer, recharge less! Enjoy over 2.5 hours of uninterrupted fishing with our durable electric lure. Fully charged = more catches and less downtime.<br /> <br /> ๐ Hassle-Free Recharging: Recharge on the go! Our user-friendly design makes recharging simple. Just connect, plug in, and you're ready for your next fishing adventure. | Fishwishrod.com | 990 | https://facebook.com/100089582557958 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828407 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 9:34 AM | 1716079234 | 1749393295 | 810 | 460305039840317 | 1 | 1.2024837407556E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 300784763122313 | 0 | digitalsuccess_michelle | 120209224067130244 | stan.store | Learn more | NONE | video | http://stan.store/digitalsuccess-michelle | 1716065690 | 3.0078476312231E+14 | digitalsuccess_michelle | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/436259709_288888757590086_224028789297746040_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=E5KPMxRdsucQ7kNvgFfm6gE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAR1dCqvD63ZEWauErPUsvMYUUwqdS-RIqLbw0B6muqfA&oe=664F2AA6 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Michelle Escalante | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441312130_1169334867419587_3487578399737187338_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yHaq_IkKhhcQ7kNvgFDfVhP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKkat8qsTOG9NiGxYJOTXihdrEy1MlZAUcNsVTmCkJnA&oe=664F3134 | 0 | 3 | Keep on moving towards your goals and dreams. Just because it isnโt happening now, doesnโt mean that it wonโt happen.<br /> <br /> โ My goal is to have financial freedom, to be able to start a family, and to have more time with my family. After being diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago, I knew that I didnโt want to work a full time job forever.<br /> <br /> I came across digital marketing and it opened my eyes to an opportunity to have my goals come true. I took a course as a beginner that taught me about digital marketing and how to get started.<br /> <br /> โผ๏ธBonus: BECAUSE OF MRR, YOU CAN RESELL THE COURSE FOR ๐ฏ% PROFIT!<br /> <br /> โก๏ธIf you are someone whose goal is to have financial freedom, then this is for you! Check out the link in my bio for free sneak peak into DWA and UBC๐๐ฝ | digitalsuccess_michelle | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/digitalsuccess_michelle | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827964 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 9:39 AM | 1716079226 | 1749393594 | 810 | 820251419577502 | 1 | 8.1487176685206E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100732429756719 | 0 | Marcilo Inc | 6573269605358 | www.marcilo.ca | Learn more | NONE | video | http://www.marcilo.ca/ | 1716067996 | 1.0073242975672E+14 | Marcilo Inc | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445351368_2183831388649838_5148865871014505728_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rbwyNxDX79QQ7kNvgGwZiPr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC4nynXp7CPckNUPrKXp29Lhu1uEnCFpbHEfLTmUIBqdA&oe=664F2643 | person_profile | 0 | Marcilo Inc | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445376613_988137652288184_5132952960284401504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SVAlhzLHqL0Q7kNvgG5uAKC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBpUG6uiDnyh3fivYL5rornCcR62pjZvc1zTi9hPuJM8A&oe=664F0CB1 | 0 | 3 | #marcilocanada <br /> <br /> โ๏ธFree Express Shipping Worldwide. <br /> <br /> For any inquiries, reach out to us on <br /> WhatsApp at +1 905 7589 151. <br /> Instagram: @marcilo.canada <br /> Website: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marcilo.ca%2F&h=AT07p-IR3ywzKEsEJpIGEv2RdU2q2ppkL-vZdKYdG6gRyt5pdymORFVgHEeP3e2PTPisUv_6VjxygZcAeNmOISSXUOc9m59y9h3aRznr_S2Tsm6_N-amXs2T7YcbpXD68MVyTpq0VRe5XA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.marcilo.ca</a><br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> #marcilocanada #loafers #canada๐จ๐ฆ #ontario #onlineshopping #mensstyle #menshoes #menfashion #canadafashion #explorecanada #usa #usatoday #canadatoday | Marcilo Inc | 8 | https://facebook.com/100094194141448 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828105 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 11:50 AM | 1716079229 | 1749401428 | 810 | 473115628480550 | 1 | 7.2984394256032E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104016724515594 | 0 | Hiphopsax | 120208418937860232 | NONE | video | 1715877696 | 1.0401672451559E+14 | Hiphopsax | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442461137_1419361292045918_259211599440101231_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s7kOHdT-iCkQ7kNvgGexMSV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgHT5JJK_Q2SzRtxSudoDUyekk2SACr5lgEQhNecDYmw&oe=664F1D8E | person_profile | 0 | Clarence Riley โThe Hip-Hop ๐ทSaxophonistโ aka @hiphopsax | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441516374_1115491919721228_987265536048691942_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WBIoajLaqHAQ7kNvgGAkkHv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDf8NGiDvzc3feK5pnj33U5M12mwvWr4KPumuJwPA7nzA&oe=664F1BDE | 0 | 3 | Free lunch to whoever can name this song and tag the artist. @signatureeventx #hiphopsax #clarenceriley #instagood #coversong #hiphopculture #saxplayer #saxophonesofinstagram #saxlife #hiphopsaxtour#winebar #music #musician #signatureeventx | Hiphopsax | 5873 | https://facebook.com/hiphopsax | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828259 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 11:50 AM | 1716079232 | 1749401432 | 810 | 817510306460897 | 1 | 1.4980033877978E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105585208715890 | 0 | Mary Recipes | 120209048413320675 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Mary Recipes | https://www.facebook.com/105585208715890 | 1715936539 | 1.0558520871589E+14 | Mary Recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441534903_2197767597238422_2822003908362221417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iF73P6aL7mIQ7kNvgE367fj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA5lcUL49NtR25xgO82roZg4JTgpcXCFLf9qrq-y7QC8A&oe=664F15D7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Daily FREE recipes with all the directions needed. Thumbs Up from right side๐ฅฐ | Mary Recipes | 671 | https://facebook.com/mmmaryrecipes | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828297 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 11:50 AM | 1716079233 | 1749401436 | 810 | 976089524232585 | 5 | 3.3286328323946E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103747482007443 | 0 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 120209464030850270 | itunes.apple.com | Download | NONE | video | ๐ 20 percent off your first ride ๐ | http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1635915914 | 1716065647 | 1.0374748200744E+14 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441537981_1674024123344514_971555918113018442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nJJ91_6Lut8Q7kNvgGijXR8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXjuKq7kVR81FPUsFgVCBFrefxuBhshYTdIGMj8Ba_8g&oe=664F1B61 | person_profile | 0 | DRODE | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441510047_424487830530832_38706065315274444_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=a0YqQdivhX8Q7kNvgGR6yu_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQbbmGaUow2P2gmgpd6xK_2_g9FRNLDWU9Kj0T2Cs8BQ&oe=664F2A48 | 0 | 3 | ๐ DRODE is a professional driver in your car! Your Ultimate Ride Solution! ๐<br /> <br /> Need a safe and convenient way to get around? DRODE has you covered!<br /> <br /> ๐น On-Demand or Scheduled Rides: Request a driver when you need one or schedule in advance.<br /> ๐น Your Safety First: Enjoy your night without any worries. Professional, highly experienced, background checked, insured drivers!<br /> ๐น You choose your driver based upon their skill set and availability.<br /> ๐น Your Car, Your Comfort: Enjoy the luxury of being driven in your own vehicle.<br /> <br /> Split the cost with friends and enjoy stress-free travel. Download DRODE now and make your rides hassle-free!<br /> Also 20% off your first ride!<br /> <br /> ๐ Click DOWNLOAD and install DRODE today! | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 53 | https://facebook.com/100022768995175 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828538 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 12:01 PM | 1716079236 | 1749402068 | 810 | 963078765596204 | 1 | 1.1231012423423E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 208014889231130 | 0 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 120210057101990635 | aquaguardwaterproofing.net | Contact Us | NONE | carousel | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://www.aquaguardwaterproofing.net/contact | 1716064817 | 2.0801488923113E+14 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485084_968973661479259_4532970565039124798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1PaWUQZqZisQ7kNvgEJ6co_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlcrQm6xjUQXm8W_peJR9rU2towoCeXOMnji0XXNRFkg&oe=664F0A09 | person_profile | 0 | AquaGuard Waterproofing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483036_3692218831020980_7872267473023371878_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Epu3r0qtwHEQ7kNvgFpwP29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDDLttdIhtTDISVYbIsKq5u8AfClK0BYnHWxD5SzXSYug&oe=664F1327 | 0 | 3 | Aqua-Guard Waterproofing | 505 | https://facebook.com/aquaguardwaterproof | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828300 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/18/25, 8:40 PM | 1716079233 | 1747618824 | 810 | 969700701171930 | 1 | 7.6767366542967E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 322783385018559 | 0 | David Dawson | 120208544554710557 | Contact us | NONE | image | 1978 Ford Ranger Super Cab ยท Pickup 2D | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1692372454631197/ | 1716065624 | 3.2278338501856E+14 | David Dawson | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444146106_1112242996848949_8228803059238837122_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kRMlc6CYvIUQ7kNvgHeJIL5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCBu_Mq7YiEYW5_qrIGf-V9mNdO41erMGp6RQJcRKt9MA&oe=664F2075 | regular_page | 1 | David Dawson | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439267458_836888651665187_5213006782964705642_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=prj9D4r5lP4Q7kNvgEApaxx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWblgLMGrYVVEpWugkesd6tiDTA2MkMna8gJcHt4AmrA&oe=664F02FD | 0 | 3 | 1978 Ford Ranger Super Cab ยท Pickup 2D - $1,500.00<br /> <br /> 1978 Ford F100 Supercab . It was running when I parked it but I've used the radiator for another project. These Trucks are almost impossible to find . It's obviously rough but very very rust free . I DO NOT HAVE THE TITLE !!!!! It's still rocking the original 400m engine and c6 transmission. Feel free to call me at 828-448-5223 anytime.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | David Dawson | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100028581044186 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828370 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 2:01 PM | 1716079234 | 1749063688 | 810 | 3896839440544168 | 1 | 3.5989745303572E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 305846340080828 | 0 | Rosati's Pizza | 120209495491990189 | Call now | NONE | image | Rosati's Pizza | Dining Room | Bar | Delivery | Carryout Authentic Chicago Deep Dish | 1716065168 | 3.0584634008083E+14 | Rosati's Pizza | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138254_1419400938712162_6703491553392841159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=REsuy6lLJm8Q7kNvgFXoz3s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCIC5EvRK-T2ZmXF4g83JS6HDIdcs598q3DCz0rhgGqMQ&oe=664F225E | person_profile | 0 | Rosatis Pizza of Cinco Ranch | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440960170_937768281483290_5330259100547669441_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dAQfy6jxr8AQ7kNvgGzjcom&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCAKGXR2T-WfmkXlz116vEecR7WRmc43RLKAYn1sKQFug&oe=664F24D1 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Get Your Slice of Happiness at Rosatiโs Pizza & Bar Cinco Ranch! ๐<br /> <br /> Craving a slice? Weโve got you covered! At Rosatiโs Pizza & Bar Cinco Ranch, we offer Pick Up, Free Delivery, and Single Slices available every single day. ๐<br /> <br /> Indulge in the authentic taste of Chicago with our mouth-watering pizza, whether youโre grabbing a quick bite or feeding a crowd. ๐๐ด<br /> <br /> ๐ Pick Up your favorite pizza on the go. ๐ต Enjoy the convenience of Free Delivery right to your doorstep. ๐ฝ๏ธ Savor our delicious Single Slices whenever the craving hits.<br /> <br /> Rosatiโs Pizza & Bar Cinco Ranch - Keeping it real with Chicago-style pizza since 1964. ๐๏ธ<br /> <br /> Donโt wait, order now and taste the tradition! <br /> <br /> Don't forget to Like/Follow us on FB (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fecs.page.link%2FNaZAn&h=AT3YPJ-szA5kY5oY_KKI6AKj_C1nYG5ZysCdpnAp-zNxUUU5dTrQfU_1WBtf7gcMp0NIepuYLAFRp59g5J5fyrrpYemT8yS_Se1xCrpkfCZbpLyvw1bH_TiNrV0L7_pm2D9cc3NBmpp96A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://ecs.page.link/NaZAn</a>)<br /> <br /> #RosatisPizza #ChicagoStyle #DailySlices #CypressTX #Houston #KatyTX #SpringTX #HTX #TomballTX #BasketBall | Rosati's Pizza | 3070 | https://facebook.com/rosatispizzarichmond | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827983 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/4/25, 5:24 PM | 1716079227 | 1743805457 | 810 | 772409368338590 | 1 | 4.6433226934627E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 211080939782625 | 0 | John Tolo | 6579072227639 | Contact us | NONE | image | Espresso Mid-Century 47" solid wood dining table - New in Box (easy assembly) | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/7634193060008983/ | 1716072837 | 2.1108093978262E+14 | John Tolo | regular_page | 1 | John Tolo | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489769_1524515904941799_6738113210559665760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T6U8cbPBCtQQ7kNvgGjOCXr&_nc_oc=AdhzRkeb77ww00SbtuERtvmZV7tiE3HMTqWNsMdVtssHoMFNFrHhahMlSdblsjKGtRE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDzZYsBGu4ajO1NgbsjFa7xsAwwOcoU9oF0TKW-hWj3hA&oe=664F1288 | 1 | 3 | Espresso Mid-Century 47" solid wood dining table - New in Box (easy assembly) - $150.00<br /> <br /> Details<br /> Product Dimensions<br /> 29.5"D x 47.2"W x 29"H<br /> Color: Espresso<br /> Shape: Rectangular<br /> Brand: Zinus<br /> Table design: Dining Table<br /> <br /> Description<br /> Inspired by classic mid-century design, the 47 inch Jen Wood Dining Table blends the natural beauty of solid wood with a compact, less-is-more silhouette. Crafted with round tapered legs and tabletop with rounded corners, this versatile piece refines a small dining area, nook or multipurpose room with understated elegance. It can comfortably seat 4 people and is made entirely from durable, solid wood with a finish that easily wipes clean. And best of all, assembling this beauty can be done in 2 simple steps.<br /> Plus, we even give you the tools to do it! If that werenโt enough, Jen is also backed with a 1-year worry-free warranty for peace of mind. With delivery and setup so seamless, even with limited space, having a magazine-ready spot to host your next gathering has never been this effortless. <br /> <br /> About this item<br /> SMALL TABLE, BIG POSSIBILITIES -<br /> With its beautiful natural woodgrain, this solid wood table refines a compact dining area, small kitchen, office or craft room with ease<br /> <br /> INTIMATE SEATING FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD -<br /> 47-inch table can seat 2 - 4 people comfortably<br /> <br /> BUILT STURDY -<br /> Solid wood frame is engineered to support up to 100 lbs of evenly distributed weight<br /> <br /> EASY ASSEMBLY -<br /> All parts, tools and instructions are packed into one convenient box for setup that takes less than 30 minutes<br /> <br /> Worry-free 1-year warranty; table only, does not include chairs<br /> <br /> Furniture Finish: Wood Finish<br /> Facebook Marketplace | John Tolo | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1096532145 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827476 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/26/25, 5:15 PM | 1716079212 | 1745705726 | 810 | 472526991982514 | 4 | 7.2822204924757E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570876460341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009210 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316605_1888281134943604_6008013166077686101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e4jqQIpyk-gQ7kNvgH2AKQB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBfy3r1flhyDrcHdYXIDeF1E38AdY_Qv-ycBX6435TdZA&oe=664F0830 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489502_323550360767664_8744946462756573851_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYRHwjDSK8oQ7kNvgH7o1wE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMYx9h-5z9Zp_s4qdvegBDJIrb6KqjFnjYlTE6W9wPqg&oe=664F3399 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826901 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 2/28/25, 1:41 PM | 1716079143 | 1740771717 | 810 | 3756693584574988 | 1 | 9.3121600509454E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108272370946537 | 0 | Fanscustom.com | 23856758333220292 | fanscustom.com | Shop now | NONE | image | FROM $24.99 | Buy Best Cheap Authentic Custom Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys Free Shipping, Womens Youth Mens Custom Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys For Sale, Build Your Own Baseball Gradient Fashion Jerseys Online. | https://www.fanscustom.com/collections/baseball-gradient-fashion | 1690528630 | 1.0827237094654E+14 | Fanscustom.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/363826097_1535668110584086_8262262699597251274_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XJZtUZ_MbxkQ7kNvgGZpY2e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHMyrCrLCu1rkxLWW--bsBjG9fkKym2gvQ9a2rWaJMVQ&oe=664F1928 | person_profile | 0 | FANSCUSTOM | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/363432872_300505545808979_3034973220938657523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ATDred81cUYQ7kNvgHGHgH8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBd9eigaL0LsTnTMLbx41jOci2BF-vdKRDTJoT5QjvHLw&oe=664F2DD2 | 0 | 3 | ๐Customize Your Name/Number/Logo<br /> โกUse code FST10 to get 10% Off on your order<br /> ๐ Order here ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2hnc2t4s&h=AT2PRG_y_79dnABTXpTgh7gg4q4ibV1PSDrlSjfTy-vKmdkp4gs2Cr5msv-m9WQecboF5nybMkpfbk9Sd_HD-HpuXZARQugK1IEN6tpLqGfFmFVRPMUQsOfQBXDUh0l8DrYYFVykPvpcnA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/2hnc2t4s</a> | Fanscustom.com | 11480 | https://facebook.com/FansCustomShop | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828378 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/27/24, 1:39 AM | 1716079234 | 1724740745 | 810 | 1091431948607368 | 1 | 3.8515938951244E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 366445063526350 | 0 | The Pacha Group -The Vera Group | 120210419209460661 | eventbrite.com | Shop now | NONE | image | VIVA ECUADOR! Musica En Vivo -Jose Daniel Parra y Su Banda! Friday May 24 | LA TERRAZA Friday MAY 24th Present JOSE DANIEL PARRA Y LA BANDA CON ALTURA. No Cover 8-11pm with ticket. Ladies Get 2 Free Drinks 8-11pm | https://vivaecuador.eventbrite.com/ | 1716065134 | 3.6644506352635E+14 | The Pacha Group -The Vera Group | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436035256_1854239458409016_1052109857754810060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=atidf7i1i04Q7kNvgGIuSOB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAoxKa4nI8mQTE0exm1K_ZBCgbZiV9E9doQisXOd05Pvw&oe=664F04ED | person_profile | 0 | The Pacha Group - The Vera Group | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436361118_817063626982833_6067221999142927031_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6j9KX41kmKIQ7kNvgGe0k4T&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCqJo0NEgir_XmxJzR475O2vI_FUKrSUSEeVR2hbmPbBw&oe=664F20E4 | 0 | 3 | Viva Ecuador! Celebra Los 202 AลOS De la Gerra de Pichincha en LA TERRAZA ROOFTOP Viernes 24 de Mayo Junco al Consulado Ecuatoriano y Music en Vivo por JOSE DANIEL PARRA <br /> Ticket Gratis (limitados) Aqui <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FVivaEcuador.eventbrite.com%2F&h=AT3aMNUuvktdbMqgAzFnaJ1aXvu86hpbjw8_fbIUWflax6Ad9Idk8bNseizhQCSqYpwMKoWtIk98cT6Cem8-VLbWmAEN6wHhiu47jdWlg2TD3WQ9cUTcCsbBzfSN3NgeYS7PCUwLffHc-w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://VivaEcuador.eventbrite.com/</a> | The Pacha Group -The Vera Group | 12649 | https://facebook.com/TheVeraPachaGroup | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828397 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 4:01 PM | 1716079234 | 1749416477 | 810 | 2222360508118594 | 1 | 9.5026023990406E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 112404613870585 | 0 | Adonis Imam | 120209703094360181 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2016 Tesla Model S Performance P90DL+ | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1509076446351324/ | 1716065071 | 1.1240461387058E+14 | Adonis Imam | regular_page | 1 | Adonis Imam | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436209633_981234370672236_5857988273632726675_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uN43ffaQDIoQ7kNvgG07VqL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAHBPCxdzRSHAJGhORxzTVOQMOXf3DhNU_H2RUQ3kVa-Q&oe=664F023A | 0 | 3 | 2016 Tesla Model S Performance P90DL+ - $29,000.00<br /> <br /> Selling my 2016 Model S P90DL. It is Obsidian Black with Grey Next Gen Interior. It has just about every factory option available: Ludicrous+, Autopilot, Smart Air Suspension, Adjustable Sunroof, etc. (Full list of options found at the bottom)<br /> <br /> It has no accidents or issues of any kind. Heads up Display and Media Display were replaced by Tesla in the last year. Tires have 80% tread. The car is in very good overall condition with only a few minor blemishes. Fully ready to go, the car needs nothing.<br /> <br /> Clean Georgia title in hand. We are only selling due to a need for a large SUV. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. VIN: 5YJSA1E42GF129327<br /> 88,500 miles. <br /> <br /> Full Options List:<br /> Ludicrous + Package<br /> Autopilot (Including Summon)<br /> Free lifetime Premium Connectivity<br /> Smart Air Suspension<br /> Ultra High Fidelity Sound<br /> GPS enabled Homelink<br /> Power and Lighting Package<br /> Subzero Weather Package<br /> All Glass Adjustable Panoramic Roof<br /> Black Headliner<br /> Red Brake Calipers <br /> Carbon Fiber Spoiler<br /> <br /> Pay Per Use Supercharging<br /> Battery Warranty: Unlimited miles until Aug 4, 2024<br /> Drive Unite Warranty: Unlimited miles until Aug 4, 2024<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Adonis Imam | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=504669908 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828298 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 6:47 AM | 1716079233 | 1747655229 | 810 | 1167202411093360 | 5 | 1.9139856523694E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103747482007443 | 0 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 120209464030910270 | itunes.apple.com | Install now | NONE | video | ๐ 20 percent off your first ride ๐ | http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1635915914 | 1716065667 | 1.0374748200744E+14 | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445235473_406804048991190_3451948996147631498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x0M-frOR2eQQ7kNvgFOKesy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDHkt171Xm84VL1nd23yn2jn0HLpuO3_7jvvylGjqLr0A&oe=664F2076 | person_profile | 0 | DRODE | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444224473_317045698106697_7607445569158265138_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_G7R3QNbE10Q7kNvgFq060G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDjArfdEyBjLLYKCtrvd3JzLSuR2LVdgB0ad91kVlDisA&oe=664F25BE | 0 | 3 | ๐ DRODE is a professional driver in your car! Your Ultimate Ride Solution! ๐<br /> <br /> Need a safe and convenient way to get around? DRODE has you covered!<br /> <br /> ๐น On-Demand or Scheduled Rides: Request a driver when you need one or schedule in advance.<br /> ๐น Your Safety First: Enjoy your night without any worries. Professional, highly experienced, background checked, insured drivers!<br /> ๐น You choose your driver based upon their skill set and availability.<br /> ๐น Your Car, Your Comfort: Enjoy the luxury of being driven in your own vehicle.<br /> <br /> Split the cost with friends and enjoy stress-free travel. Download DRODE now and make your rides hassle-free!<br /> Also 20% off your first ride!<br /> <br /> ๐ Click DOWNLOAD and install DRODE today! | DRODE-Drivers On Demand | 53 | https://facebook.com/100022768995175 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826896 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/19/25, 6:59 AM | 1716079143 | 1747655964 | 810 | 1572494843483689 | 1 | 9.8986246599154E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060009200618 | NONE | video | 1716056933 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442387050_792350179541051_4211986494416367700_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ut7nwPYav94Q7kNvgEQw2y1&_nc_oc=Adi163G8DZ8AXuod8ndvkb7zD2HAHF06dKN1uPnpc-OiSnKMvUxcPlooo0nYJrz3IB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAr1iXrVJqe8xxL-KMEsZtflIVwOL482rKh3Gu5L6WafQ&oe=664F0C69 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399654_1508852593348912_3352314760424750578_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ce80erVAFIYQ7kNvgHWeTd_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1rOfIHuf4LktohjiJ_gyZT9ZgZD0KKhYLggME6JfEBQ&oe=664F0EB8 | 0 | 3 | Going alcohol free makes you MORE HANDSOME? How about that...<br /> <br /> Want the clues on how we help clients stop drinking at a 98% success rate?<br /> <br /> I made a free guide just for you! DM me the word "GUIDE" and I'll get it sent over ASAP<br /> <br /> #quitdrinking #alcoholfree #nomorealcohol #success #explorepage | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827553 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079218 | 1723773979 | 810 | 418750874455553 | 8 | 7.5758671951517E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106080532469659 | 0 | Soulmaty | 120209054488650063 | soulmaty.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Dance First Think Later | Free shipping over $69 | https://www.soulmaty.com/collections/best-seller?utm_medium=SIM&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content=HSO621&utm_adset={{adset.id}}&utm_ad={{ad.id}} | 1713778091 | 1.0608053246966E+14 | Soulmaty | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438734862_1619705168853932_2962483976390478583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IejcmzojYpIQ7kNvgECq5iN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBgt_pGM_TtQ34viqcsYDtD7Zg5Zk5IElEmQ9FDEOMNkQ&oe=664F2947 | person_profile | 0 | SOULMATY | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438738468_414344291535640_6137879625146761056_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jIgAcjqZ9P0Q7kNvgGbLjYI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCr1-qSEQi3AY3n6nNOIt7S7NOVx2QFhXifzTTyCqYEew&oe=664F1685 | 0 | 3 | Let's Dance Together...๐ต๐ถ<br /> ๐ต๐ถDance the night away on the dance floor.๐๐บ<br /> Get โก20% off over $99 (code:SM20) | Soulmaty | 3558 | https://facebook.com/100092306265111 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715670000 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827315 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079201 | 1723773979 | 810 | 399625509535265 | 1 | 7.6717735848511E+14 | 1713769200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 161163937074221 | 0 | Massive story | 120210444218720002 | ocankn.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1713440438 | 1.6116393707422E+14 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436200487_858797312674558_5117101547363319509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NEQ0WoM7z1wQ7kNvgGNqaml&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDZox0rpHa2JcD_WNpwyPpT79PdEkt3v8upmpDhHWykA&oe=664F2E92 | person_profile | 0 | Massive story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252839_404690545685227_2783144921803970101_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tp77DFsIC-kQ7kNvgGDICgl&_nc_oc=AdgvQ2PQCy6xPNCEDlW8XGwv9aU3AGGOzps92-7BdkW2WYqKNgPekOXgGI-YXe5dJ80&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOtcOitbdMaNyFGZ66HJFI7oxtV5XJQkTaf5HILKWBAQ&oe=664F3247 | 0 | 3 | It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly. Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal. With the help of drinks, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively. Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat. Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day. Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore. They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it. Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt Mel. Aunt Mel had been peeling a shrimp as she said, "Time really does fly. The children are all grown up now. They'll be leaving us soon after they take their SATs next year." "You're right! It would be great if Lulu could continue her studies at a college nearby. She's still quite immature. I'm worried about letting her live on her own if she goes off to a college far away," Mom replied. "There's a simple solution for that! We'll just let Lulu and Felix enroll in the same college! Felix will take good care of Lulu!" Aunt Mel exclaimed. Just like that, my college plans had been settled. I was right there with them, but no one even bothered to ask for my opinion. Uncle Austin had two sons. His eldest son, Colin White, was 24 years old and currently pursuing his master's degree in fine art at Lincoln University. He specialized in watercolor painting. Colin rarely came home. All along, I treated him like an older brother. Uncle Austin's youngest son was Felix. Felix was one year older than me, and we grew up together. As such, I always thought that we had a good relationship with each other. Ever since I could walk on my own, I shadowed him wherever he went. Ever since I could speak, the word that I said the most was his name. Ever since I understood what love was, he took root in my heart, and my feelings for him kept growing. I liked himโa lot. Before that conversation, I had never actually given much thought to going to the same college as him. From a young age, I had been practicing watercolor painting. I didn't mind which college I went to, as long as it offered the degree I wanted. I was fine with letting our mothers make a decision that pleased them both. As for my feelings for him โฆ Well, if a love between two people was meant to last forever, who cared about momentary separation? I admitted that I liked him. I liked him so much that during the nights when my mind was consumed by the thought of him, I swore that I would marry him. I liked him so much that I thought he would be the one for me for the rest of my life. I was sitting next to Aunt Mel while Felix sat behind me at the men's table. Felix and I had our backs to each other. Our mothers weren't exactly quiet, so he could hear everything clearly. After sneaking a glance at his expression, I could tell he looked displeased. At that time, I couldn't quite understand why he had reacted the way he did, but I didn't think too much about it. After all, he was never the type to smile easily. Indifference was his norm. "It would be good if they started their family young and focused on their careers afterward. Once they both graduate from college, they can decide on a suitable city to settle down in. I'll help pay for their marital home so that they can get married as soon as possible. That way, they can focus on their work. "But if they decide to have a child first, the two of us can move in with them and help raise our grandchild!" Aunt Mel said to Mom excitedly. "Aunt Mel โฆ what are you saying โฆ" I protested. After all, I was only 18 years old. Hearing our mothers talk about us having a child together made me so embarrassed that I wanted to hide myself. Aunt Mel placed the shrimp that she had just peeled onto my plate and lightly patted my cheek. "What's there to be embarrassed about? It'll happen soon enough!" she cooed. "In that case, I should start preparing for her future wedding! Now that you've brought it up, it feels like we don't have much time left. I really need to start making plans," Mom exclaimed. My mother had always been easily excited. I had a feeling that if she wasn't in the middle of dinner, she would probably rush home to check her savings account. She would also be talking to Dad about the right car to get for me and the decor suitable for my future house. Chapter 2 My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life. Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are โฆ Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!" "Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully. Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow! Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy. I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly. I had heard it countless times before, so there was no use wasting my breath trying to stop them from talking about it. Thus, I just focused on eating while everyone else talked. Though I liked Felix, marriage felt like something too far in the future for me to consider. It was much too early to even discuss it. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones in charge of our wedding plans? I couldn't possibly let them do whatever they wanted for my big event. The final say belonged to me. I was serious about my intention to marry Felix. Our wedding had to be something that the both of us planned together. However, that was just my own opinion, and Felix had a mind of his own. I was still young back then. It never crossed my mind that a relationship involved two people. By the time I understood that, it was already too late. My young, naive heart had been ripped into shreds by how Felix had acted that fateful night. I never expected him to do what he did. He used harsh, hurtful words to force me to give up on my love for him. Our mothers were still discussing our marriage when he suddenly shot to his feet. He must've been very worked up since he stood up so aggressively that his chair skidded noisily behind him before crashing onto the ground. I had been focused on eating my food. The commotion practically made me jump out of my seat. I stared at him in confusion with my mouth still full. I had never seen Felix like this. Fury was written all over his face, and his lanky figure was trembling slightly. However, what scared me the most was the anger in his eyes and the frustration on his face. He glared at me and spat, "This is all your fault. You're constantly following me around, but I can't say or do anything about it! Stay away from me! Stop following me around!" I hadn't expected him to say something like that. I stared at him dumbfounded. My jaw also dropped in disbelief, and the half-eaten shrimp fell onto the floor. In that instant, the room turned dead silent. I could feel the blood rush to my head, making my face flush and my ears ring. His words were no different from accusing me of being a shameless simp, and he had done it right in front of everyone. Tears welled up in my eyes, and it felt as if my breath had caught in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe. What did I do? Why did Felix have to humiliate me in front of everyone? All I did was like him. I only wanted to be with him. Was that a crime? Or โฆ did the thought of me liking him disgust him so much that he started to hate me? It was fine if he didn't like me or didn't care about me, but he should've told me that at an appropriate time! He shouldn't have allowed me to get caught up in my presumptuous thoughts and feelings about our relationship, only to accuse me of shamelessly clinging to him. I was not shameless. I just liked him. Was this his way of making me give up? If it was, then he was heartless! Chapter 3 Felix wasn't done yet. "Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up? "I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment. The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!" His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him. Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me. 18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation. He had trampled all over my dignity and self-worth in front of his whole family and mine โฆ Felix was heartless! My father was a high school teacher. He was mild-mannered and rarely lost his temper. However, his face had flushed crimson because of Felix's harsh words, and his hands had balled into fists. If we weren't in Felix's house right now, I had a feeling that Dad would've punched Felix for hurting me. Mom also looked angry and embarrassed. Her jaw was agape, and her expression was one of utter disbelief. She probably never thought that the boy she knew since he was a baby would humiliate her daughter like this. Uncle Austin was the first to react. Seeing how awkward and humiliated I looked, he immediately shouted at Felix, "Quiet! How could you say that?" "And why can't I? To me, Luna is nothing more than a neighbor. At most, I can treat her like she's my sister. I'll never marry her, nor will I ever attend the same college as her. "I want to date and marry someone I truly love. None of you get to have a say in my love life! Besides, I'll never have feelings for Luna, so stop talking about us like that. If I ever hear anyone say anything like that again, I'll leave and never come back!" Felix yelled as the veins on his forehead throbbed. Then, he turned to me and snarled, "And you, Luna, stop following me around! You're annoying and suffocating." Felix threw down his cutlery and started to leave. Uncle Austin looked around at Mom, Dad, and me before he angrily stalked up to Felix. He grabbed Felix by the collar and slapped him, scolding, "You rebellious boy! How dare you speak like this to your parents? Who taught you to behave like that?" Uncle Austin must've been very upset. The slap was loud enough to make me shudder. It was my first time seeing Uncle Austin lose his temper and also my first time seeing Felix get hit. Felix hadn't expected Uncle Austin to hit him, so he was caught off guard. The impact of Uncle Austin's slap sent him reeling, and he hit his head on the corner of the wall. Felix let out a low hiss of pain as he stared at Uncle Austin in disbelief. I could tell from his eyes that anger was swirling in him. He slumped to the floor in pain, leaving an unmistakable streak of red on the pristine white walls. The stench of blood permeated the air and mixed with the scent of food. It was nauseating. Aunt Mel saw that Felix was hurt and rushed forward while crying out anxiously, "Felix! Are you alright? Can you stand? Dear, call an ambulance! Can't you see that your son is hurt? Why couldn't we just talk this out? Why did you have to hit him?" "Ignore him. He needs to be taught a lesson. He shouldn't have said such things! Doesn't he have any sense of decency?" Uncle Austin barked. Chapter 4 Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away. Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up. Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off. The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else. No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this. Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himself on something sharp when he crashed into the table. He shot me a scathing glare as if I had committed an unspeakable sin. "Are you happy now, Luna?" he spat. I stared back at him with wide eyes, and my vision grew blurry from my tears. Why would I be happy? What did I ever do for him to say such a thing? From the start, I hadn't even said a single word. I was not the one to blame for this mess! Even though I liked him, that didn't mean he could throw wild accusations and embarrass me as he pleased! I was genuinely heartbroken. What gave him the right to treat me like this? I liked him, but I, too, had my sense of dignity! He could choose not to reciprocate my feelings, but he couldn't use my affection for him as a weapon to hurt me. He should know that I was a human like him. I had feelings, too. Just like him, I felt pain as well. Felix turned to leave again, but I called out, "Felix, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself." "Explain myself? How dare you ask me to explain myself? If it weren't for you shamelessly following me everywhere, they wouldn't try to pair us up. Luna, I'm begging you. Let me have some freedom. I'm human, too. I have my own life! You don't have the right to decide how I live my life!" he shouted. He was calling me shameless again! Why did he have to think so little of me? I forced myself to suppress the hurt I felt. We needed to talk this out rationally so I could make sense of what was happening. I wanted to tell him that I really did like him, but I never once wanted to dictate how he lived his life. I would back away if he said he didn't want me. I wasn't as shameless as he was making me out to be. I tried to reason with him. "Felix, listen to me. I just likeโ" "Don't call me that. I hate it when you call my name. Keep your feelings to yourself and leave me be. I don't need your affection. "In fact, they're nothing more than shackles to me. I don't want to be associated with you in any wayโnot ever," Felix interrupted. His words were venomous, and his eyes were filled with a cold hatred that made me shiver. He looked at me with a mix of hatred and disgust. It was like he was looking at a piece of trash. My heart ached, and I found myself gasping for breath. My eyes were also filled with tears, but I bit my lip hard to prevent my tears from falling. I didn't do anything wrong, so I couldn't allow myself to cry. If loving him was a crime and the reason why he thought he could humiliate me, then I would gladly change! Chapter 5 "I'm sorry, Felix. I never thought that my actions would have bugged you so much. I won't do it again. I will always remember what you said, and I won't bother you anymore. "About everything I've done in the past, I sincerely apologize to you right now in front of both of our parents. I hope you can forgive me," I said while lowering my head apologetically. I forced the humiliation down as I continued, "I, Luna Lawson, swear that from this moment onward, I will never bother you again, Felix." My thoughts of him being the one for me and all the love I carried for him were nothing more than delusions. I was so caught up in my own feelings that I failed to realize my love was unrequited. I bit my lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood exploded across my tongue. If this was what he wanted, then I would grant him his wish. Despite my best efforts, my tears still streamed down my face and onto the floor. "Felix โฆ what are you doing?" Aunt Mel exclaimed in exasperation. "Lulu, get up. You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize. Come, let's go home," Mom consoled me as she helped me up. Her fingers were warm as she wiped my tears away gently. "Baby, don't cry. It breaks my heart." "Harper, Lulu has done the right thing. It was clear that her actions had taken a toll on Felix, so she should apologize. Lulu, since you know that you've done something wrong, you have to make sure not to make the same mistake again in the future. Got it? "We, the Lawsons, know when to apologize and how to learn from our mistakes," Dad said as he pulled Mom and me into his embrace. From such a close proximity, I could tell that Dad's eyes were bloodshot as well. "Dad, Mom, let's help Aunt Mel clean up. The house is in a mess because of me," I said as I wiped my tears away and forced a smile on my face. "Alright, let's clean up together," Mom said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I went to the kitchen to take the trash can while Dad bent down and picked up the broken plates, tossing them into the trash can. Mom picked up a few paper towels and started cleaning the spilled food on the ground. "Gerald, you don't need to do that โฆ" Uncle Austin protested as he grabbed Dad's hand. Aunt Mel had also gotten to her feet. She was worried about Felix's wounds and wanted to check in on him, but she also couldn't bear to see us cleaning up the mess either. She hesitated for a while before taking the paper towel from Mom's hands and assured her she could handle it. Duncan's and Eugene's families also sprang into action. After all, with so many people, they could get the place cleaned up in no time. However, Mom turned their kind gestures down resolutely. She trained her eyes on the mess spilling all over the floor as she said, "We don't need any help. This mess happened because of Lulu, so we should clean it up. Don't worry. I know how clean Melinda likes her house to be, and I guarantee she will be satisfied with our work." Aunt Mel watched on as we meticulously cleaned the house. She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed, "Harper, Lulu, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is Felix's fault. I promise he'll apologize to you. Harper, don't be like this. It's breaking my heart." "Melinda, do you think my heart isn't broken right now? You watched Lulu grow up, so you know her well, right? So, what exactly has she done to be humiliated like she was just now? "I've always treated Felix as my own son, so how exactly has my family offended him for him to embarrass my baby like this? Melinda, put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Can you even comprehend what I'm feeling right now?" Mom said as she wiped her tears from her face. My heart broke for Mom. Aunt Mel pulled Mom into her embrace as she apologized over and over again. But I knew that, in the end, it was my fault. I should never have liked Felix. Chapter 6 Because of that, I swore that I would change. My twisted relationship with Felix started when I was still in Mom's womb. Aunt Mel and Mom were best friends, and coincidentally, they both lived right opposite each other on the same level in the same apartment block. Thus, our families were close to each other. When Mom was having me, Felix was still a toddler who waddled around in diapers. Aunt Mel had been watching Felix play under a tree and suggested, "Harper, if your child is a girl, she should just marry Felix so we could all be a happy family!" Mom had replied, "Well, that's not up to me. We'll let her decide in the future." "Felix, come here! Would you like the girl in Aunt Harper's belly to be your wife?" Aunt Mel asked. Felix had laid in Mom's lap, giggling as he mumbled the word "wife" repeatedly. He had amused Mom and Aunt Melinda so much that they decided to go ahead with the unofficial betrothal. And just like that, my marriage was settled before I was even born. By the time I understood what being a wife really meant, I had no say in the matter anymore. Besides, I wasn't opposed to being his wife either. Ever since I was a kid, I had always acted in a way I thought wives were supposed to. In everything I did, I prioritized Felix's needs first. Even if it was a snack, I would take a bite before keeping the rest for him. When he ate it, albeit unwillingly, I was ecstatic. When we got older, I would hold on to both of our bags as he fought with the other students behind the school. I would cheer him on, risking the possibility of getting into trouble myself. Then, I would spend all my money to buy the medication for his wounds. I would cheer him on when he was playing sports, yet all I received in return was a distasteful glare. I put him on a pedestal. I cared for him, accompanied him, and loved him. Since I liked him so much and treated him so well, I had thought he would like me as well. It was only after that outburst that night that I realized I was nothing more than a clingy neighbor he couldn't seem to get rid of. He was already sick of me. That explained why he always frowned when he saw me. He never smiled at me, and the way he looked at me was also frosty. Right now, I was back at home with Mom and Dad. Having finished cleaning up the Whites' kitchen, we were now slumped on the couch. "Lulu, about today โฆ" Mom started, but she couldn't seem to say anything, so she just pulled me into her arms as she cried. Mom probably never thought that her beloved daughter would be humiliated like that. She was a loving mother to me, so I knew she felt as bad as I did because of what happened today. Mom and Aunt Mel were close friends who had coincidentally bought apartment units opposite of each other. They lived there for the next 20 years or so. As such, it could be said that Aunt Mel and Mom were as close as sisters. Now that such a mess had happened, my relationship with Felix wasn't the only one at stake. Mom and Aunt Mel's relationship was endangered too. Mom cared deeply about Aunt Mel, and I couldn't bear to see her get hurt. I might be young, but I also understood that feelings couldn't be forced. I got my personality from Mom. I was loud and straightforward but had a very strong sense of pride. Once I had my mind set on something, there was no changing it. When I liked someone, I liked them wholeheartedly and selflessly. But if I didn't, I would let them know and not lead them on. Now that something like this had happened, I told myself I would completely cut Felix out of my life. However, it would take a while and would definitely hurt as well. Chapter 7 I forced a smile on my face as I whined, "Mom, it's alright. I won't think too much about it! I also won't do anything silly in the future, so don't cry!" Mom studied my face worriedly, trying to gauge whether or not I was faking my smile. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I could only excuse myself to get a glass of water. Mom knew me better than anyone else, and I was sure she could see right through me. As expected, Mom let out a deep sigh before she said, "Lulu, study well. In the future, you can find someone better โฆ Well, you're such a good girl, I know you'll find the best man in the world. It's Felix's loss for not liking you. He will regret it." I nodded as I held the cup tightly in my hands. As I drank, I could feel my sadness surging from within. I had liked him for 18 years, so letting go was easier said than done. I went to bed early that night. But despite my drowsiness, I could not seem to fall asleep. By the time I was about to fall asleep, I heard the Whites arguing. The walls in the building were quite soundproof, so I could only vaguely hear Aunt Mel's sobs, Uncle Austin's growls, and Felix's furious retorts. I couldn't hear what exactly they had been arguing about. All I knew was that they argued late into the night until I finally fell asleep. Mom and Dad could probably also hear them arguing but did nothing. After all, this was their family matter. None of us had a say in it at all. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the washroom. That was when I saw that Mom and Dad's room door was slightly ajar. Because of that, I could hear Mom sobbing and Dad consoling her gently. "How dare he scold Lulu in front of so many people? I really regret treating that little traitor so well in the past! How dare he claim he could never love Lulu! He even called her shameless in front of everyone! "It's almost as if he thinks Lulu has no other options! My daughter deserves only the best! How could he say those things? Oh, my poor baby! Watching her get humiliated broke my heart! Why does she have to be humiliated by him? What's so great about him?" Mom sobbed. "Hush, now. Don't let Lulu hear you. I think it's good that Felix's making things clear now. To be honest, I can tell that Luna likes him a lot. If he had chosen to remain silent, Luna would've never gotten over him," Dad reasoned. "You're right. Lulu can finally move on now. When she goes to university, she will meet many different people. By then, even if Felix's on his knees crying and begging to be with Lulu, we won't accept him! "By the way, how could Melinda and Austin not educate their own son well? I'm genuinely upset at them because of this. I will never forgive them!" Mom exclaimed resolutely. Dad replied softly, "Don't say that. It's not their fault. We all know that Felix has always been stubborn, so Mel and Austin couldn't have possibly done anything. We both know how well Mel treats Lulu, too. We can't just let something like this affect our relationship with them." "But it's not fair! They had no right to humiliate my daughter! She's my baby! I've never even scolded her! This is all my fault! I should never have agreed to Melinda's ridiculous pact back then!" "Times are different now, so let's just treat that pact as a joke and never bring it up again. As for what will happen next, I know that Lulu has a plan on how to handle it," Dad said. "I don't think I can do it. I'm also worried that Lulu would be traumatized by today's event. Dear, why don't we move out?" Mom suggested. | Massive story | 673 | https://facebook.com/61552493980605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1713596400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I donโt make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. โAlpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.โ Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didnโt need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. โWe are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!โ I donโt answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didnโt have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnโt mess around and he had the largest pack. โHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!โ Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesnโt tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. โUseless Wolf.โ He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donโt quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. โIs this the way you greet all Alphaโs?โ His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. โIโm sorry.โ I whisper, getting to my feet. โIโฆI thought I was alone.โ I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesnโt introduce himself either, why should he? โCome forward.โ He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as Iโm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. โYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?โ I nod, though I couldnโt tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. โI would prefer it if you spoke to me.โ He growls, โIโm not in the mood to play games.โ โYes.โ I whisper. I couldnโt help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? โWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.โ โIโฆ..โ I hated the question. โSpit it out, I havenโt got all day!โ He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldnโt scent him. I knew why I hadnโt been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. โYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itโs rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?โ His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. โMy Wolf abilities were bound,โ I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnโt interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, โWhy would someone do that?โ If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. โIt was a punishment.โ I whisper. It wasnโt far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereโs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnโt tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me โNeah, what the heck are you doing in my office?โ He turns to the crimson eyed man. โI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.โ Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. โI wouldnโt do that if I were you.โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. โNeah,โ My name rolls off of his tongue, โwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.โ What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. โGo and get Beta Kyle.โ Alpha Trey seethes. โTell him that our guest is here.โ I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. โBeta Kyle,โ I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. โAlpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.โ He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. โYouโre lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.โ Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesnโt speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesnโt last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. โNeah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.โ I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveโฆ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. โNeah is your sister, correct?โ Alpha Dane questions my brother. โShe is.โ Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. โWhy do you treat her like vermin?โ Straight to the point, my brother wouldnโt like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnโt know what to do. I couldnโt move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. โNeah was responsible for our parents' death.โ Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. โResponsible how?โ Alpha Daneโs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. โShe served them Wolfsbane.โ Two Neah Donโt make a sound. Donโt make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesnโt squeeze. โYou poisoned your parents?โ โI was six.โ I splutter. โI just made them lemonade.โ My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. โHardly seems fair to blame a six year old.โ โA six year old should know the difference between plants.โ Alpha Trey snaps โSounds to me like she was set up.โ Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. โWe all know that standard wolfsbane doesnโt affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.โ What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasnโt lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. โWhich only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.โ Alpha Dane mutters โYou werenโt there, Alpha Dane.โ My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. โIt was Wolfsbane.โ He nods his head. โYou are right, I was not present.โ Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. โBut tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?โ โI didnโt ask you here to talk about my slave!โ Alpha Trey spits. โOr what happened to my parents.โ Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alphaโs he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alphaโs, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. โYouโre right and now I have a few things to mull over.โ โI thought we agreed.โ My brother exclaims โNothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.โ The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. โWhat the heck did you say to him?โ My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. โN..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.โ โDid you tell him?โ Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. โWELL?โ My brother yells when I donโt immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. โBut I didnโt say it was you.โ I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they werenโt Wolves, they probably wouldnโt have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. โIf you have ruined this, you wonโt see daylight again.โ He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. โPleaseโฆ.โ I beg. โHe was an AlphaโฆIโฆ I had to answer him.โ My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. โAlpha Dane, I thought you had left.โ Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. โI said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?โ โAs I said,โ my brother holds his ground, โShe is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.โ โYou should keep your nose out of other packs' business!โ Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. โIf I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?โ โWe donโtโฆ.โ โReally?โ He cocks a brow, โYou really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.โ โShe did do it!โ Alpha Trey seethes โAnd she has nothing to do with our deal.โ โThatโs for me to decide.โ His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. โWhere is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.โ I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. โOn second thoughts, why bother her. Iโm certain she is just as vile as you.โ He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. โI have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.โ Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother โWe have already agreed on terms.โ โWell, Iโm adding one. And if you donโt agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you donโt want that.โ โI take it that your new terms have something to do with her?โ Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. โYou would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.โ Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? โDeal.โ Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesnโt take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. โI will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.โ He reaches a hand out and cups my face, โEnsure you have everything packed.โ He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. โIf I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.โ He struts out, slamming the door behind him. โGet out of my sight!โ My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadnโt slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, thatโs why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane โTenth brideโs the charm.โ Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. โShut up!โ Eric snaps at him โBoth of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!โ โHe will never learn.โ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. โJust give me a second, I need to speak to my men.โ The door closes and neither one of them speaks. โShe isnโt like the others. Donโt speak to her, donโt look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.โ I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didnโt know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. โI mean it!โ I snap at Jenson's smug face, โBeing my brother wonโt change my mind!โ He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. Itโs barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. โAre you ready?โ I call out. โIf you just want toโฆ..โ Beta Kyle starts. โI was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.โ The expression on Beta Kyleโs face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. โWhere are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packedโ โThatโs all she has.โ Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. โThatโs it?โ I stare at him. โThatโs all her belongings? Sheโs what, in her early twenties and thatโs all she has?โ โWhat more does she need?!โ His Beta sneers. โKill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.โ โWhat are you waiting for?โ I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neahโs reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. โTake her Alpha Dane. Iโm sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.โ Her shrill voice goes straight through me. โLook at the silly girl, sheโs going to pass out.โ The blonde bimbo laughs โYou donโt get to talk about her like that anymore.โ I glare at the blonde, โShe is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.โ โDISOBEDIENCE!โ The woman screeches just as Neahโs hip hits the floor. โHow dare you! If anyone is disobedient, itโs that rat in the corner.โ โWho the heck is she calling a rat?โ Aero growls โYou should make yourself familiar with our agreement.โ I snap. โIt seems your mate has not told you everything.โ Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. โAll that for your help?โ His mateโs eyes are wide โI donโt do half-witted contracts.โ Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Treyโs chest โShall we go to the office?โ Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. โYou are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.โ โAre those my only options?โ she whispers, keeping her eyes low โFor now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.โ She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like itโs fighting to hang on to life. โSo what will it be?โ โIโฆ.โ Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. โIโฆ.. The office I guess.โ โGood choice.โ I hold out a hand for her but she doesnโt take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. โTake a seat.โ I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. โSit!โ I say it a little louder โShe doesnโt have that privilege here!โ The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement โSitting is not a privilege.โ I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldnโt see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. โIt better be!โ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. โAnd I suggest,โ I look at Trey, โYou tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.โ โAlpha Dane, you are in my homeโฆ..โ โAnd you want my help, correct?โ The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. โLetโs just get this done.โ Trey snaps, โThe sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.โ โYou should read the contract.โ I muse โI agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.โ โIdiot!โ Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. โDone.โ Trey mutters โGood, you can get her out of my house.โ Treyโs mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldnโt have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they canโt have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, โCome, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.โ Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesnโt even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. โCome.โ I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. โIs she okay?โ Eric links me. โNeah?โ I step in front of her and she doesnโt move. She seems to be staring right through me. โItโs time to go.โ โOkay.โ Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. โIโve got you.โ I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didnโt weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. โKeep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!โ I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. โCome.โ I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I donโt wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. โIโm fine.โ She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. โLet me give you a tour.โ I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not โThe omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.โ I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. โIf there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.โ Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. โSo tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.โ Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room โWell?โ I ask. โI donโt need anything.โ She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasnโt fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. โI know you want to say something, so just say it. Iโm not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You donโt have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. โYou have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.โ โMark me?โ I didnโt think her eyes could get any wider. โYes, I will mark you.โ She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldnโt take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadnโt said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. โYouโฆ.You brought me so that you could mark me.โ She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. โIf Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.โ โIโm a murderer.โ She gasps. โWhy would someone like you want me for a bride?โ โBloodโ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. โWhatโs that? Are you injured?โ I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. โItโs nothing. Itโs just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget itโs there.โ Forget? How could she forget a wound? โWhy isnโt she healing?โ I feel Aeroโs panic. โSheโs been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.โ His need to protect her was strong. It hadnโt occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. โShow me!โ โItโs fine.โ She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. โItโs not optional.โ I mutter. โIf you wonโt show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.โ Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. โCan.... can we go somewhere more private?โ โPrivate?โ I didnโt really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. โOffice,โ Aero mutters. โI was just going to suggest that!โ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. โThis way.โ I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. โSee, itโs fine.โ she whispers. โYou need to stop saying that.โ She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. โNo,โ I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. โLet me see the rest of them.โ It wasnโt optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didnโt want guests to see. More importantly, they didnโt want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. โYou need to see a doctor.โ โItโs โฆ..โ she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. โIt always heals, eventually.โ โDid Trey do this?โ I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. โCassandra?โ She still doesnโt answer me. โThat prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?โ She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. โAnyone else?โ โThe pack.โ She whispers. โIโm going to kill them all.โ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, โBecause of what you allegedly did to your parents.โ She nods. โI donโt believe you were responsible.โ She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. โBecause of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah โIโฆI donโt know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?โ I whisper He frowns at me. โYour brother said you knew the difference between plants.โ โIโฆโ I didnโt have an answer. I couldnโt remember, not fully. โBlood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I canโt imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brotherโs story doesnโt add up.โ โOh.โ โI wonโt stop until I find out who did this, Neah.โ His crimson eyes narrow. โI will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.โ He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. โRight now, you do need to see someone about the infection.โ I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? โCome, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.โ Frozen to the spot, I donโt move. Did he just say โour bedroom,โ? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if Iโm his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didnโt seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. โYou donโt need to be afraid.โ I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. โHey,โ His rough fingers tip my face up. โItโs just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.โ Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. โThe alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?โ He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. โI really wish you would talk more, Neah.โ Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if Iโm in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didnโt care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. โNeah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.โ Alpha Daneโs voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadnโt even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. โComing.โ I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. โItโs not much, as we donโt have anyone with as small a waist as you.โ He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. โYou will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.โ He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasnโt like that. โLetโs go.โ He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didnโt get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. โRaven, this is Neah.โ Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, โAlpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.โ It didnโt sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. โShe will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.โ โI have a wound.โ I whisper. โAnd you are not healing?โ Raven asks, confused โI donโt have my Wolf.โ I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. โHer Wolf was bound when she was a kid.โ Alpha Dane tells her. โThatโs why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.โ My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Ravenโs dark eyes hover on me. โWow, okay.โ She grabs my hand. โThis way, letโs take a look at this wound of yours.โ She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. โHow long ago?โ โA few days.โ I mutter, though I wasnโt sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasnโt hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. โThis is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.โ โNeah, you need to tell us the truth.โ Alpha Dane orders โI donโt know.โ โNEAH!โ His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. โI swear, I donโt know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind ofโฆ. Iโm never not bruised.โ Thereโs silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didnโt already know. Now here I was, sitting in another packโs hospital, revealing the truth. โHeal her!โ Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. โYou will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.โ Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound โYour brother?โ I whisper, opening my eyes โAh, I see he informed you. Iโm guessing he didnโt tell you that Jenson is our brother too?โ I shake my head, Iโm guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. โJenson is considered to be our brotherโs Gamma.โ โGamma?โ I had never heard of the term. โYep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what Iโm good at.โ She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. โNow this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasnโt changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.โ โThanks.โ I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldnโt read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. โCream, three times a day.โ I show him the pot and he takes it from me. โGood, come.โ He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. โShow me.โ He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasnโt going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. โI donโt want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you canโt remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I donโt want to have to guess what you mean.โ โOkay.โ I couldnโt say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. โStop holding your breath.โ He tells me, getting to his feet. โI am not going to hurt you.โ It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didnโt feel real. | Galaxy in the Story | 181 | https://facebook.com/61555427913037 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1712300400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828261 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774005 | 810 | 2098090633907464 | 1 | 4.147482946608E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255863620583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974036 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441489911_1625374394965041_3584216347717671560_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KM-Q4Wv9_KIQ7kNvgFbTRE6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWnsrbOBH9muZfRWGEIYocVvkGrg3g6Ep-cdtMpBNEcQ&oe=664F2F03 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1826986 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:06 PM | 1716079146 | 1723774018 | 810 | 472704218538310 | 12 | 8.4162250112428E+14 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220948471097418 | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | 120211846693390779 | qweasdzxconline.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐Read the next chapters๐ | https://qweasdzxconline.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11090&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715085862 | 2.2094847109742E+14 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129100_1146045226739178_2601865360875538189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yJocmkboj-oQ7kNvgEFfKhd&_nc_oc=Adh7d_5hoxt5q1D6YgSU1EXRIBdmbZkMfjY-j_thr-bB7Pknj_HOPxExNm6I9jJZlkI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBWzb0YSqVryPt9AaBJz7gpp-dwjh30g-TcXTz6cir3w&oe=664F0C10 | person_profile | 0 | Galaxy in the Book | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747644_315502774915635_6353252339687881796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EN4JVSxMWs8Q7kNvgH0qGpm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAQvEHe_d2ca7G2PHAuqDTLw8XWj8oV8Wqjhb6SxHRH2Q&oe=664F3317 | 0 | 3 | ๐"Ned Fletcher, with how you're treating Angie right now, aren't you worried that you're going to regret it when you finally regain your memories one day? You loved her so much before and you two got married for love! Despite you forgetting your feelings about her, how could you post so many indecent photos of her on social media?" Ned spoke nonchalantly, saying, "Why are you still holding me hostage with morals and principles? She was the one who framed me by lowly methods. I was just warning her. If Ingrid hadn't asked me to stop, I'd have gone even further! By the way, show your respect to Ingrid. Sheโs not a new girl but my only one forever and never!" Angeline Emmerson heard the talk standing outside the door. She used to be treated ever so lovingly by Ned in the past. Angeline felt her eyes reddening and filling with tears. The Ned she knew had died in the car accident that happened four years ago. The one inside was merely a stranger! Angeline inhaled deeply. Then, she pushed the door open. Ned looked up and saw her entering. "Who brought you here?" Angeline stared at Ned and said, "I've already made a police report regarding your spiked drink at the event and your spreading of my photos for revenge." Hearing this, everyone's reactions differed from one another. Angeline continued, "Ned Fletcher, it's true that I wanted to try rekindling our relationship, but I would never have stooped so low as to do those disgusting things to you. I didn't want to let go of this relationship because I was worried that the Ned I knew would return someday and blame me for giving up on him so easily," Angeline placed the divorce agreement she'd been hugging onto the table. "I tried my best, but I'm tired now. Ned Fletcher, I'm giving up on you. I don't want you anymore." Ned's eyes traveled from the divorce agreement to Angeline's face. There was a hint of surprise in his cold eyes. "Let's finalize the divorce after the police have cleared my name and you have publicly apologized to me." | Galaxy in the Book | 63 | https://facebook.com/61555646245426 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715583600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827055 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079151 | 1723774024 | 810 | 328628403299992 | 1 | 6.7053029729062E+15 | 1714806000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 321330554388277 | 0 | Start Reading | 120207810472520056 | befant.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | โค๏ธ๐What happens next๐Click Here to read on๐ | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11192&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1714573086 | 3.2133055438828E+14 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441206868_1116532276285473_1322182524522961747_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tNItrVCq2_sQ7kNvgFrPc2b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI0Zq_ZAefdOQOG5voUrn6QeFNwMlqtQm-cUP8gsYSsA&oe=664F2489 | person_profile | 0 | Start Reading | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440418966_448917680872294_3438075365541597509_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQh51R02vY8Q7kNvgEY3qD7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDPwD8cvzqbk7M1DI_20jodVSVQ9gYHIi5Slg8g3aNnwg&oe=664F34CC | 0 | 3 | Evelynโs POV I sat at the bar, downing drinks and trying to forget about my problems. โPour me another, please,โ I said to the bartender. As the omega refilled my glass, I looked at my phone and sighed for the umpteenth time. Still no word from my boyfriend, Alex, and no news from my fatherโs doctor either. Just as Iโd prayed the moon goddess would spare my mother and bring her back to me, I now prayed for my fatherโs life. Out of the blue, heโd slipped into a coma, and a month later, the doctors still had no answers. Meanwhile, I lost hope and my heart broke more with each passing day. The pack wasnโt faring well without their alpha, either. They needed a leader, and as my fatherโs only legitimate child, I would become the next alpha of my pack if he didnโt make it. I sighed again as I wondered if the pack would be better off with my stepbrother Kevin in the role. He was a male with a powerful wolf. Conversely, I was a female with no wolf. If that werenโt bad enough, an ug-ly scar that ran from my cheek to my ear marred my face so prominently that others stared constantly. Even patrons in the bar stared, though I did my best to ignore them. I took a swig, downing the last of my drink. โAnother,โ I said to the bartender. โMiss, youโve had quite a lot already. Maybe itโs best to stop and go home for now?โ the bartender, an obvious omega said. I looked at her and rolled my eyes. โI donโt want to go home. I want to drink until I forget about life. So give me another, please.โ As the bartender hesitated, a waiter approached. โI have the perfect drink for you,โ said the omega. โA new brand of whiskey, and itโs strong. Itโll take the edge off and make you forget. I can promise you that.โ โIโll take it,โ I slurred. The omega waiter nodded. โVery well. Iโll be back in a jiffy.โ Once he left, I focused on my phone once again. Still nothing from Alex or my fatherโs doctor. A minute later, the omega waiter approached with an open bottle. โHere you go. Thisโll help you forget all your worries and cares. Dare I say, youโll be in ecstasy for at least forty-eight hours.โ โYouโd do well, as a brand ambassador,โ I said with a chuckle. โAll right. Let me sample its glories.โ The waiter nodded and poured a substantial amount into my tumbler. I tipped the glass back, gulped its contents in a single swig, then slammed the tumbler back onto the bar. I addressed the bartender as I grabbed my bag to retrieve my wallet. โTab, please.โ It was time for me to get going. I needed to see my father. The bartender acknowledged my request, then walked to the register. Before the bartender got there, my image wavered. I rubbed my suddenly blurry eyes. โWhat the heck?โ I mumbled as I stood. I almost ended up on the barroom floor, barely able to catch myself in time. I gripped the edge of the bar, working to stay upright. The omega waiter rushed to me, grabbing me by the waist to help me. โPrincess, are you okay?โ I gently extracted myself from him. โYeah. Fine,โ I said, then put a hand to my forehead. Too hot, and my stomach was queasy too. That thought barely registered before blackness engulfed me. Sometime later, I sighed, then opened my eyes. My face twisted in confusion. โThis is not my house. It looked more like a hotel room. What was I doing here? And how did I get here?โ I muttered to myself, rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I could think long enough to answer either of those questions, giggling came from the room next door. Then a familiar female voice said, โOh, Alex. Do you know how long Iโve waited for you to touch me?โ I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp. Iโd know that voice anywhere. It was my stepmother, Quinn. But what โAlexโ was she talking to? It couldnโt be my Alex. That couldnโt be possible. Even the idea of that was outrageous. Yet, I didnโt know any other Alex, and I didnโt think Quinn did either. Still, there had to be some reasonable explanation. My legs felt like jelly, so I used the roomโs furniture and walls for balance as I staggered to the hotel room door. I opened it and, with blurry vision, looked around. When I didnโt see anyone, I walked to the next door. Quinnโs voice came from the other side. โYouโre not truly going to marry that scarred wench, are you? I mean, she doesnโt even have a wolf. Meanwhile, you could easily have all of this with me.โ โTrue,โ said a male voiceโAlexโs voice. My Alex! What the hel? How could he? โBut sheโs the heiress,โ he said, continuing. โAnd I can always come to your room at night whenever I get bored with her.โ Quinn chuckled, and I could barely believe what I was hearing. So it was all about me being the daughter of their alpha. Alex was with me just to get his hands on my fatherโs properties and wealth. โPlease,โ Quinn said flippantly. โShe might be Alphaโs daughter, but with that scarred face of hers and no wolf, sheโs no better than a rogue omega. Itโll be my son, Kevin, who ends up with everything, not that weak girl. Besides, youโre too handsome to have such a disgusting wife.โ I folded my fists in anger. How evil could Quinn be? And Alexโcould he be more of an ingrate? Still, I couldnโt help but press my ear to the door to hear more. โYou say that like itโs a certainty,โ Alex said. โJust remember that, unless I marry Evelyn, Kevin gets nothing.โ So they had a plan. Alex intended to marry me to secure the properties and the seat of the pack. Then it seemed he, along with Quinn, intended to ensure everything would somehow be transferred to Quinnโs son, Kevin. Theyโd plotted against me! I had to pick my gaping mouth up off the floor. โBut enough with all that for now,โ said Alex. โI want a taste of that fleshy hole of yours.โ โOnly if you tell me I can steal you away from that silly girl. She doesnโt deserve you. Youโre too good for her.โ Alex laughed. โOf course. Once everythingโs in place, you can do whatever you want with her. In the meantime, you can still have me, especially once me and Evelyn are married, and all of us are living in the same house.โ โNo worries about access,โ Quinn said with a giggle. โThatโs right,โ Alex said. โAnd Iโm looking forward to having constant access to this beautiful succulent body of yours, too.โ I couldnโt take any more. I barged into the hotel room, allowing the back of the door to slam against the wall. โHow dare you!โ I thundered. Chapter 2 I stare from Quinnโs nonchalant face to Alexโs petrified face. โYou ungrateful slime!โ I yelled. I reached for the vase on the roomโs front table and flung it at Alexโs head. He ducked, and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering. That I missed made me even angrier. Quinn wore a smug smirk as I staggered a few steps into the room. I shook my head. It didnโt feel right. It felt like something more than a hangover, like Iโd been poisoned. Still, I wanted to pounce on these two traitors, so I pressed on, getting dizzier by the step. Quinnโs smirk grew evil as she saw me struggle to keep consciousness. She looked like a villain whose plan was falling into place perfectly. I saw it, the mischievous look in her eyes. It seemed like it had been her plan for Me to get poisoned, and be brought here, so I could find her and Alex in Bed. โWhat can you do about it?โ She asked Me and I scoffed, unable to believe the amount of shamelessness I was seeing in Quinn. Then ignored her, turning my attention to Alex. โI fcking trusted you!โ I screamed. โHow could you do this? And with my stepmother? Whatโs wrong with you?โ โOh, stop being such a drama queen,โ Alex said. โWhat if I have an interest in older women? That doesnโt mean I don't love you.โ โThatโs my fuking stepmother, Alex! My dadโs wife! This is the height of immorality,โ I said, shaking my head. โI can't believe you! Really!โ I yelled again. โEve, dear,โ Quinn said, โyou need to stop yelling. You donโt seem well.โ I glared at her and clenched my fists, wanting to pummel the two of them until they couldnโt feel anything but pain. Instead, I said, โDonโt pretend to care about me. You think I donโt know how much you hate me? Goddess knows, you donโt hesitate to show it. So stop pretending like you really care what happens to me. For all I know, you planned this whole thing so I could see you both, have a heart attack, and die.โ Quinn gasped and laughed mockingly. โI am not that creative, Evelyn. Besides, why would I want you to know Alex and I fell in love?โ I stared at her in disbelief. โIn love? You conniving snake. It's only been a month since Father slipped into a coma, and youโre claiming to be in love? With my boyfriend?โ Alex came over and rubbed my arms. โNow, calm down.โ I kept my focus on Quinn as I got away from Alex. โHow shameless can you be? Is your love that fickle? Does it change that fast?โ โCome on,โ Alex said, drawing my eyes. โIt's no big thing. Hey, maybe you could even join us. What do you think?โ I glared at him. โJoinโฆ?โ I landed a loud slap on his face. โYou filthy pig. Youโre worse than a rogue. And you donโt think thereโs anything immoral about what youโre suggesting? About what youโre doing? Sleeping with my stepmotherโฆ your future mother-in-law?โ Alexโs face contorted into a frown. โOh, stop being such a goody two shoes.โ Alex grabbed my elbows. I pulled away from him. โDonโt touch me! To think I wanted to be your wife. Ever since the day I met you, I wanted that, too. How silly of me. I should have heeded the warnings about you.โ โDonโt be disrespectful, Eve,โ Quinn said. โIโm still your fatherโs wife and head of this pack. And I will not tolerate it.โ โLeader of the pack? Is that so? You havenโt even done anything to find out why my father, your husband, ended up in a coma. Pfft. Youโre a terrible excuse for a leaderโฆ and a mother.โ โExcuse me?โ Quinn rose from the bed and approached with her eyes narrowed. โAre you undermining me?โ I shook my head. โSimply stating the bitter truth. Ever since you came into my fatherโs house, thereโs been nothing but pain and discomfort. I wish it was you instead of my dad in that coma.โ Quinn slapped me hard across the face. โThatโs for your insolence.โ She slapped me again just as hard. โThatโs for hitting Alex.โ She slapped me once more. โAnd thatโs for wishing me dead.โ Alex grabbed her hand. โQuinn, please. Thatโs enough.โ Quinn glared at him. โThis young lady is a spoiled brat. She needs to be taught a lesson.โ She turned back to me. โIโm in charge of this pack and also your legal guardian, and Iโve had it up to my guts with your tantrums.โ I stared at her in disbelief. โWake the fvck up, Eve,โ Quinn yelled. โI make the rules now, and you will do as I say. Do you hear me, you worthless omega?โ I wished I had a wolf so I could shift and have it out with this crazy bit-ch. But maybe not having a wolf was what allowed me to remain calm, despite the fact that Iโd never been hit in the face before. Either way, I kept my cool while I stared into my adulterous stepmotherโs eyes. Eventually, I shook her head and said, โYou disgust me,โ then turned and left the room. As the door closed behind me, tears came to my eyes. What a betrayal. As if it werenโt bad enough that Alex cheated on me, he chose to do it with my stepmother. Why? Why me, of all people? I aimlessly headed back to the room I came from, still staggering to get my things. I opened the door and then stopped, wondering why she was bothering to go back there. Everything was a blur, and I wasnโt sure if it was because of my welling eyes or the pill Iโd obviously been given. But then I felt a presence behind me. Chapter 3 โWho are you?โ I asked, as I tried to shake off the wave of discomfort and dizziness that had suddenly hit me. I wiped my eyes. โYou!โ I exclaimed, looking at the omega waiter from the bar. โWhat are you doing here?โ Nerves crept up my spine as I stared at the man who had given me the drinkโthe drink that had obviously been dru-gged. โOh, come on Princess.โ He stepped forward, forcing me to go back up into the room. โYou know why Iโm here,โ he said with a wicked grin. โAnd your body wants it. I know it does.โ I wanted to puke, โPlease let me go home. I need to go home to my dad.โ โIโll let you go homeโโhe started to unclasp his beltโโas soon as you give me what I want.โ I backed up another step. โIt will be over soon, Princess. I promise.โ โWhy?โ I asked, still seeing him through blurry eyes and wondering if there was any way I could escape him. He gave me a perverted smile, then wagged his brows. โWell, your body is a nice prize on its own, but there are better reasons.โ I didnโt need him to tell me those reasons. If he took my first time, I'd be forced to marry him, which would damage my reputation and leave utterly no chance of becoming an Alpha heir. I couldnโt bear the thought of sleep with him, let alone marrying him. I had to find a way out. But the blurry vision was making me dizzy. All I thought to do was plead. โI need to get home immediately,โ I said as authoritatively as I could in my current condition. โIt's late.โ The omega smirked. โYou know I canโt let you leave, Princess. Not without a taste of the forbidden fruit.โ He approached. As soon as he got within range, I slapped him hard with all the strength I could find. His face twisted in rage. โThis isn't the fuking palace.โ He hit me back so hard that he knocked me onto the bed. โThis is my turf. I do as I wish.โ Alex POV โWe need to get Eve,โ I said. โShe didnโt look too good.โ Quinn stared at me in disgust. โAre you really worrying about her right now?โ I looked at my phone, biting my finger as I saw all of Eveโs messages for the first time. And now, she wasnโt responding to me. What if she went off and slept with some other guy? I turned to Quinn. โIโm just worried. She didnโt look well. She seemed off, like she was sick or something.โ Quinn rose from the bed and sauntered to a table in the corner, where she picked up a bottle of booze and poured a glass. With the glass in hand, she strutted seductively back to me. โHere. Drink this. It would help calm you.โ I accepted the drink and took a gulp, then walked to the window. Quinn approached from behind and wrapped her arms around my bare waist. โI fear she isn't okay,โ I said. Quinn sighed in irritation. โShe was drunk. Thatโs how she is these days. She gets drunk, and I don't even know her whereabouts. She probably goes out sleeping around. Maybe sheโs out sleeping with some omega right now,โ she said with mischief in her voice. I spun around, squinting at her. โWait a second. Did youโฆ? Was this your idea, when you said I should be your sneaky link? You know I can't afford to lose Eve.โ Quinn sighed. โWas what my idea? To get her drunk and have her brought to our hotel? Pfft. Donโt accuse me of such outrageous things. Yes, I wanted her to find out about us, but I didnโt do that.โ I ran my hands through my hair, unsure whether I should believe her. โAnd why are you so worried about her sleeping around?โ Quinn asked. โWhy should you care what she does?โ โFuk,โ I whispered. I always knew this play-boy attitude of mine would get me into a ton of trouble one day, but I never expected it to be with a girl I actually cared about. Yes, I was using her for her inheritance, but that didnโt mean I had no feelings for her. โListen,โ Quinn said. โIโm sure you feel like sheโll betray you because you betrayed her. But do you really think sheโll risk it, knowing sheโll have to marry anyone she sleeps with? Not only that, in her position, Eve would lose her dignity in the community, too. Sheโd end up begging you to take her back.โ โAre you sure about that?โ Quinn took the glass from me and kissed me slowly. Once she drew her li-ps away from mine, she peered at me. โIโm here to help you,โ she said. โSo even if she doesnโt beg for you, I can always ensure you end up owning some Carson family properties. Iโm married to Alpha Carson after all.โ She bit her li-ps seductively. โSo be a good boy and come undress me.โ Something pricked in the back of my mind, a warning I couldnโt put into words. But it was something that told me to resist her, that I couldnโt trust her. But I wanted her, so I put a lid on that warning, and a few minutes later, my tongue grazed her vagi-na. Chapter 4 Evelyn POV I struggled to keep my head straight, as I fought for consciousness. I heard footsteps and I knew that the weird omega was back. I staggered up, reaching for a weapon. My hand found the neck of an empty wine bottle. I swung it in an arc and hit him across the head. He went down with a thud, and I ran out of the room and directly into a man. โI'm sorry,โ I mumbled as I tried to scoot past him. โMiss, are you alright?โ he asked. I turned and saw the omega coming after me. โHelp me,โ I said, with panicked eyes and a voice filled with urgency. The stranger saw the omega, grabbed my wrist, then dragged me into his room. In one smooth motion, he slammed the door shut, locked it, then spun me into his che-st With fear of the omega still overwhelming me, I buried my face in his arms and whimpered weakly, latching onto his trousers to steady myself. โHeโs gone,โ said the stranger. I raised my head from his bare front body and peered at him. Despite my blurry vision, I could tell he was handsome. โWhatโs your name?โ I whispered. He chuckled, then backed away and walked to his table. โSuppose I told you, would you remember? You seem a little drunk.โ I shook my head. โI was poisoned. And there's still quite some amount in my system. But Iโll try to remember. Please, whatโs your name?โ โMy name isn't important. You look exhausted. I need to get you home.โ I chuckled. โIโd feel safer staying hereโฆ with you.โ He walked toward me. โI am a wolf in heat. You know what that means.โ It meant he wanted a woman se-xually. Any woman. โI can do just the same that omega could do to you. Are you still not afraid of me?โ I chuckled. โI just found my fiancรฉe cheating on me with my fatherโs wife. YouโโI rested my palm on his body the other hand, seem like an honorable person. I'd rather sleep with you than with that cheat or a creepy omega. Besides, you don't seem all that scary.โ I held his face, looking into his blue eyes. โA person with a story and many secrets, yes, but not scary.โ โYour li-ps are so beautiful, Evelyn,โ he said, and I looked up at him. โHow did you know my name?โ He chuckled and gestured to my necklace. โYour necklace says it. Am I wrong?โ โAh, right. Silly me. And here I thought you were one of those crazy stalkers I have.โ โAnd if I was? Would you run away?โ โNo,โ I whispered, and the stranger kissed me. I returned his kiss with a fervent passsion, and we gnawed at each otherโs li-ps, each trying to outdo the otherโs needs. I moaned as he kissed me. His hands wandered, touching me gently. A flicker of apprehension came to my mind, but I pushed it back, telling myself this was right. This was what I wanted. He struggled to unbutton my blouse while continuing to steal kisses from my li-ps. I sighed in pleasure when, moments later, his touch landed on my body and he latched hungrily at it. โOh, the goddess,โ I moaned as I wrapped my hands around his head. I felt the heat in my pusssy. โTo the moon goddess,โ he said, โyou have the most gorgeous body and eyes I have ever seen.โ He approached and wrapped his hands around my waist. He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bed. There, he laid me on the mattress and kissed me again. With his tongue, he languidly strolled down my body to my mound, then inserted a finger. โSo tight,โ he growled. I moaned and squirmed under his touch, parting my legs further. He moaned in approval and then shifted, placing himself at my entrance. I flinched in fear when I saw the size of him. He noticed my apprehension and he stopped. โAre you all right?โ he asked. โDo you want me to stop?โ I shook my head. โNo. Itโs just that it's my first time.โ He chuckled and patted my hair. โIโll be gentle,โ he said and kissed me pass-ionately. My body soon became receptive, and he got into me slowly. I squirmed as he filled me, the sensation painful at first. He sighed in pleasure. โSo tight. So wet,โ he whispered, then kissed my forehead and drove his full length into me. I grabbed him and cried out. โShh. Shh. It's alright. Itโll feel good in a minute,โ he said and started moving inside me. Slowly, my body adjusted to his size, and I loosened my grip on his shoulders. As I relaxed around him, he could feel my calmness and he increased his pace. His growls and my moans filled the room, the both of us reaching the peak of ecstasy in unison. โI need to take a shower,โ I said after the climax subsided. He nodded and lifted me, taking me to the bathroom where he washed me. As he kissed me deeply with the water pouring over our bodies, mating tension rose between us againโฆ I woke early the next morning, feeling sore all over from the previous nightโs activities. The handsome stranger with whom I enjoyed those activities was still asleep. So I rose from the bed and went for my bag, leaving behind an envelope that contained a check. Then I got dressed and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Chapter 5 I stirred in my sleep, my body sore from the business of last night. Suddenly my eyes shot open, when I heard my bedroom door open, and in walked Quinn. I glared at her and shut my eyes. โSign of bad luck. I open my eyes and I see the adulterous stepmother of mine.โ I said sarcastically. Quinn glared at me and she opened my curtain window. โYou should get up. It's time for breakfast.โ I peered at her. โYou never care if I eat or not. Is this your guilty consciousness getting to you?โ Quinn studied me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under her intense gaze. โDid you have se-x last night?โ Quinn asked. I shot her a surprised look. โHmm. Seems like you did.โ Quinn said and I looked away. โI have no idea what you are talking about. Get out of my room.โ I said and Quinn walked towards me. She didnโt look convinced. โWeโll talk about this later,โ she said. โFor now, you have a pack function to attend, so come down for breakfast,โ Quinn said and walked out of the bedroom. I stared at my closed door and I wondered why all of a sudden, Quinn was so nice to me. I'd find out at breakfast. I got up to shower with the events of the previous night running through my mind. Wouldnโt it be nice if that was all I had to think about? A short while later, I went to the dining room where Kevin, my stepbrother, was seated at the tablet at Quinnโs right hand. But what caught my attention was Alex. โWhat are you doing here?โI clenched my fists in rage. โDonโt make a scene,โ Quinn said. โJust sit and have breakfast quietly.โ โI refuse to share a table with this scumbag,โ I said. โGet him out of here. Or rather, I wouldnโt want to disturb your happy family, so Iโd rather have my breakfast in my bedroom.โ Alex stood and held my hands. โEve, let's talk in private.โ Kevinโs gaze shifted from me to Quinn, to Alex. โWhatโs going on here? Is there something that I don't know about?โ Kelvin asked. He and Alex had been very good buddies and that's how he and I met. I kept my focus on Alex. โLet go of me. I have nothing to say to you.โ Alex simply stared at me. โI asked you not to make a fuss at breakfast,โ Quinn said. โWhy can't you obey simple instructions, hmm?โ I stared at Quinn in disbelief. โMaybe I would have yesterday when I still respected you. But not after my discovery last night.โ Kevin straightened in his chair and addressed me, โI can take anything you do, but I won't accept you insulting my mom, Evelyn. Just sit down if you are asked to.โ I shot him a glare. โYou stay out of this,โ I said and looked at Quinn. โOr would you like for me to tell your son about your shameful acts?โ โShut your trap,โ Quinn said, banging her hand on the table. I chuckled at Quinnโs discomfort. She obviously didnโt want her son knowing about her escapade. I pulled out of Alexโs grasp. โI am going to check on my father,โ I announced to the room, then turned to the kitchen maid. โI'll have breakfast in my bedroom, Sophia,โ I said and turned to walk upstairs. โPrepare yourself,โ Quinn called out. โYour engagement is in four days.โ I paused and looked back at her. โExcuse me?โ I asked, my eyes strained and narrowed. Quinn folded her hands. โYou heard me. Prepare for your engagement ceremony in four days. Bring the omega you slept with last night.โ I gaped at her. โWhat do you mean, the omega she slept with?โ Kevin asked. โHer fiancรฉe is standing right in front of her.โ He shifted his gaze from his mother to me. โWhat is going on, Eve?โ โAlex cheated on me with your mother, and I caught them in the act, so our engagement is off.โ Kevin turned to his mom with disbelief etched into his features. โYour mother is a despicable woman,โ I added. โOne who sleeps with her stepdaughterโs fiancรฉe. Thatโs how dirty and disgusting she is. Now, you must understand why I refuse to cower under her authority?โ I said, looking Quinn directly in the eye. โEvelyn Carson!โ Quinn yelled as she sprang from her chair. โShut up.โ โLet's talk about this in private,โ Alex implored. โIt can be solved.โ I curled my li-p in disgust. โBold of you to assume Iโm still interested in being your wife. You think because I have no wolf and am deemed a worthless omega that I would settle for a man who doesnโt know the line between family and se-xual relationships?โ โOh, come on now. Get rid of your pride. Nobody will want to marry someone who already slept with a man,โ Alex said. โPfft.โ I scoffed. โYou're finally showing your true colors. I wish I'd never been with you. โ I turned to Quinn. โAnd about that engagement party. Fine. Set it up. Iโll bring him home that day. Ensure you send out invitations. I'd rather be married quickly to this stranger than marry a cheat.โ I nodded toward the kitchen maid. โSophia, breakfast to my bedroom, please,โ I said, then left the room. Kevin turned to Quinn and asked, โWhat was she talking about, Mom?โ I heard Kelvin say. โShut up, and eat your breakfast,โ she said. I know she's planning to get rid of me but I would make sure she's thrown out before she can even achieve her aim. I'll prove to her that the Alpha's blood runs in my veins. Three days passed since I and Quinn had fought over the engagement ceremony. Immediately after their argument, I uploaded a profile on a dating site, expressing my need for a contract husband just for the engagement ceremony. I continuously pressed the refresh button on my computer but had no bites, and I was running out of time. The engagement ceremony was tomorrow. While I was in the bathroom, a notification bell sounded on my computer. I rushed to it to check the message. It was from an anonymous commenter and said, โI have time tomorrow. How much would I be paid? Hit me up.โ Chapter 6 The next morning, Sophia knocked on my door. โMadam Evelyn. It's morning. Please wake up.โ I turned in my bed, then rose and stretched with a smile. It was my engagement day and Quinn and Alex were in for a surprise. I was almost giddy with the prospect, especially since Iโv done my own investigation and learned that the omega waiter whoโd poisoned me five nights ago had done it under the commands of one of the โhigher upsโ. It turned out that higher up had been Quinn. I smirked in bliss as my mind went back to the message I had received from the anonymous man whoโd agreed to take part in my engagement today. We had agreed on his entrance to the engagement party and how much I would pay him for his appearance, while I figured out the best way to get rid of my adulterous stepmom and treacherous ex-fiancรฉe. Sophia pulled me from my thoughts, saying, โYour breakfast is served downstairs.โ I looked at her. โWhy downstairs? I do not want to have breakfast while seeing their faces. I made sure I made myself clear a few days back.โ I said with my eyebrows raised. โI apologize,โ said Sophia, bowing her head. โThe madam wanted you to have breakfast with the family downstairs.โ I rubbed my temple. โAll right. Iโll join them.โ Only because I didnโt want them to ruin this beautiful morning for me. โJust run my bath for me.โ Sophia nodded and headed to the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I walked down the stairs confidently, even with the long scar running across my face.. Alex stared, looking pained, as I walked into the room. Too bad youโre not marrying me, huh, as-shole? He stabbed at his sausages, likely angry at himself for ruining his plan to inherit the Carson fortune, using me, was now thwarted badly. Quinn noticed Alexโs face and she cleared her throat โWelcome to the table, Eve,โ she said to me. I looked at her, said nothing and sat down beside my step brother. โCongratulations on your engagement party, Sis,โ said Kevin, handing me a small box. I nodded curtly and took the box from him. I opened it and saw a small bracelet. โThank you,โ I said and went back to eating. Silence permeated the breakfast table. Afterward, Alex left the room, looking like he was going to go brood. Quinn seemed excited about the prospect of marrying me off, probably figuring she could finally have Alex, Carson, and the house to herself. She was in for a serious surprise. I had plans to make their lives miserable for making a fool of me. Kevin was the only one who seemed neutral. As the preparations for the engagement party began in earnest, I left to go upstairs and battle with my hair, clothes, and makeup. A short while later, after my hair had been arranged with pins and diamond hair accessories, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. โCan I come in?โ I heard Kelvin ask. โYeah sure.โ I said and he walked in. His face held surprise when he saw me, then gulped and looked away. I looked extremely attractive today, so he was probably wondering if they had all looked down on me because I was always dressed plainly. โI donโt have all day, Kevin,โ I said as he continued to stand there mute. โSo spill it.โ He sighed. โI'm sorry about what my mom did to you, and I know it's shameless of me to ask, but can you please let it go? If the elders find out this party isn't an engagement ceremony for you and Alex, and it's because he cheated on you with my mom, my mom will lose her dignity and respect as a woman in our pack.โ โI have no plans to tell the elders why Alex and I arenโt getting married, and you shouldnโt be begging for forgiveness on your momโs behalf. If she needed it, she would have asked for it herself. Now, is that all you wanted? And why are you suddenly so humble and calm toward me when youโre normally so cold and arrogant?โ Kevin shrugged, then turned to the room, glancing back once before he walked out. My attendants went back to preparing me for the party. After a couple of more hours, I was ready, but filled with nerves because my arranged partner hadnโt yet arrived. Quinn texted me, โYou should come down with that omega now. The partyโs about to begin.โ I bit my fingers in fright. But then my phone pinged with a text message from my anonymous partner. โIโm here,โ it said. I let out a sigh of relief. With renewed confidence, I strutted out of my room and down to the party pavilion. I texted him to walk into the compound and go to the pavilion, then raced to meet him. When I arrived at the entrance, Quinn and Alex were already there. Only that the stranger who exited the car wasnโt a complete stranger. He approached me. โHello, my love,โ he said, then locked kiss on my li-ps. I was shocked, though my body remained rigid as my brain tried to figure out what was happening. When our li-ps separated, he said, โAre you happy to see me?โ He smiled and leaned in toward my ear. โWasnโt very nice of you to leave the other night, and without even bothering to ask my name, too. It's Kian, by the way, Kian Sylvester,โ he whispered. โHow did you find me?โ I whispered back. โCoincidence, or maybe youโd call it fate, my beautiful. But before we continue our banter, won't you introduce me to your family?โ I straightened myself. โOf course,โ I said, still trying to absorb the fact that my paid partner for the day was the man I had spent my very first night with. I turned and took in my stepmotherโs expression. The look of shock there in her face satisfied me. I smiled. Anybody could see Kian wasn't just a random omega. Even though I knew little about him, I could feel his powerful aura. I shifted my gaze from Quinn to encompass everyone there. โElders, Mother, Brother, this is Kian Sylvester, the man Iโm set to marry,โ I announced with a small smile. โWhat is the meaning of this?โ Quinn asked. โWho is this good-for-nothing man you have brought home to marry?โ Silence descended on the crowd. โDo not say another insulting word toward my woman,โ Kian said in an authoritative voice. โDo you hear me?โ He scoffed. โYou call me a nobody? Well, ask Alex here who I am.โ He turned to Alex. โWonโt you tell them, Brother?โ he asked with a smile. Wait, I don't remember Alex having a brother. Did he??? Alex folded his hands into fists. โWhat are you doing here?โ he asked through clenched teeth. โI thought that was clearโฆ Iโm here to ask for my womanโs hand in marriage.โ He smirked mischievously. โOh, Iโm sorry. Did you think I wouldnโt amount to anything after Father kicked me out?โ Alex glared at him. โGo back to wherever youโve been hiding all these years before I tear your fcking face off.โ โYou will not address our Alpha in such a manner, you scumbag.โ Kianโs aide inserted himself between Kian and Alex. He turned to face the now murmuring crowd. I stood transfixed. He was an alpha? And Alexโs brother? Oh, the moon goddess! โThis is Alpha Kian Sylvester of the Blood Moon Pack, the strongest pack on this continent. Pay your respects properly.โ Kianโs aide addressed the crowd. | Start Reading | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558999080853 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714719600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827948 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774032 | 810 | 1468320934052583 | 2 | 1.628669174625E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1886009288324558 | 0 | We Print Wraps | 120208436515610658 | weprintwraps.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | https://weprintwraps.com/ | 1716068088 | 1.8860092883246E+15 | We Print Wraps | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486053_734341495293837_1547405215762830442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLdCVzv67z4Q7kNvgEe-Hx5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-CjPHYzuaMkELzUw-a2U1KG9d4nSnGaqhH0b6CqIvdQ&oe=664F11EE | person_profile | 0 | We Print Wrapsยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485272_476836545005479_8108783810815085336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_ZDrPyk6unUQ7kNvgH2SxqT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC50KxiBZw6H-G0lLlCFxW7UkDOdG_eTmjWXWqpoecDGw&oe=664F370A | 0 | 3 | We Print Wraps | 3250 | https://facebook.com/weprintwraps | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827254 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079186 | 1723774033 | 810 | 7301039656685217 | 1 | 9.3185482207094E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 303312396194230 | 0 | Future Phones | 6567970059989 | gentlyuseddevices.com | Shop now | NONE | image | $109 iPhone 14 Pro Max | 12 month warranty & 30-day to change. | https://gentlyuseddevices.com/ | 1714101688 | 3.0331239619423E+14 | Future Phones | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438829395_828473265827267_3128095766903106549_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Nk5npH3RXqsQ7kNvgG_dP4z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDm97WhYajgIRDM422LFDbw29BgsG_VvoX2BostaPi7NA&oe=664F27BC | person_profile | 0 | Future Phones | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438793558_1150625779298044_7627156115801548070_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mglcnJt1LLkQ7kNvgGDMkHg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBtgbQOFgyeF81ByKzdag-AnDcSEQarjpOXE26jYUflrw&oe=664F31D6 | 0 | 3 | ๐Want a refurbished iPhone, but would like to pay less? ๐Buy a cheap iPhone for sale from us and get 12 month warranty plus FREE delivery. | Future Phones | 256 | https://facebook.com/61558946152501 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827439 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079212 | 1723774034 | 810 | 774670891435230 | 1 | 3.8192924149149E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18349378739 | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 6496581804879 | certifiedangusbeef.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Explore Mouthwatering Recipes. | https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/grilling/ | 1715356697 | 18349378739 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441955107_8167130819981718_1997958134337683046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WYtOB0jKbKwQ7kNvgFDWhbi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBY5YYacNP4-CDxr5gIv0QMFTP5qJ1LYB8gD9NQ38OO7g&oe=664F2A1B | person_profile | 0 | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463996_326316633815924_3854270161973612600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_2qDSfBqNfwQ7kNvgE9dAY0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADTP6P2PZJ0Ewwf6v7Bo2X2aAT2B2td9JfvCJBLL2uAw&oe=664F2E63 | 0 | 3 | Ready for a flavor adventure? ๐๐ด | Certified Angus Beef ยฎ brand | 1111837 | https://facebook.com/CertifiedAngusBeef | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715324400 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827518 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079213 | 1723774045 | 810 | 697142585794151 | 1 | 4.6437681602988E+14 | 1715324400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108401345691237 | 0 | JoyReels | 120208891973350101 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | Watch the whole series NOW! | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joyreels.video | 1715272915 | 1.0840134569124E+14 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440356956_7385960908118415_2430920377649914840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gZEc7_GluuEQ7kNvgH8wxWr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA0Oc9wLURe5a4VUvcgOEMo9drDh2jW2_HA_k4ENlBsUQ&oe=664F1101 | person_profile | 0 | JoyReels | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440377395_753561696898620_845813924595559386_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yb59kprk-4AQ7kNvgEDTK7F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC_LnYTLO8DhYqcie48BNA7FTCsuaJgzPLVgi5YwfYdmg&oe=664F2088 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฑAfter betrayed,she found a fake husband to have a flash marriage. Marriage first, love later...โWill this fake couples make it to the end?๐๐๐ฌ | JoyReels | 1728 | https://facebook.com/JoyReels02 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1715238000 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828196 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774046 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827735 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079222 | 1723774056 | 810 | 800641794892793 | 1 | 4.2592972681247E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 612143655653508 | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | 6562238190533 | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | Learn More | NONE | carousel | DocuPencil iPad Stylus | Buy Now | https://bit.ly/3w84nSS | 1714118317 | 6.1214365565351E+14 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439965736_450319304065506_7171705846968512470_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SnbpqFEhjDgQ7kNvgFKNLCv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZyJfioUXT8MNGaapTvOkJuvz2sXBOkX-zKzyoIR3JVg&oe=664F3044 | person_profile | 0 | PenPower Inc - USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439973040_3704578659798421_7046877192603974995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xaa2BwVvZYUQ7kNvgGikoQL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9bKNV_TVe8JfoyMCSq3ajOKIZuUQYAsfni0KvA_Tf2Q&oe=664F0E0B | 0 | 3 | Buy Now | PenPower Inc - USA | 662 | https://facebook.com/PENPOWER.INC | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1714546800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827789 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774057 | 810 | 980592660140998 | 1 | 9.4517932738471E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108701425061328 | 0 | Brigitte Delery | 6619599847804 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Sign into Amazon to start reading now | First 10 episodes always free | https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B098WJ5SS3 | 1716070747 | 1.0870142506133E+14 | Brigitte Delery | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444150185_1149108146138875_1817110446359039673_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AkmRB1Q5NIcQ7kNvgHJPepw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAixWf8UoBjDiaKtQH4eo77bg5E5INrkIJM6iFFm-FSDw&oe=664F0A5F | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ค๐ค๐ค Darbonne Heroux never intended to fall for a mortal. Perfectly content to ride out the oncoming end of vampires in brooding isolation, he wants nothing to do with love- or with the responsibilities his small New Orleans clan keeps trying to thrust upon him. Then he meets Amy Trosclair. Awkward, flighty and oh-so-human, she could be the one destined to thaw Darbonne's reluctant heart. Unfortunately, she might also be destined to destroy the entire supernatural world- and him along with it. ๐ค๐ค๐ค<br /> ๐ฅ 100+ Episodes to Binge<br /> ๐ฅ Vampire romance saga on Kindle Vella<br /> ๐ฅ Awkward, relatable hot mess vampires<br /> ๐ฅ The end of all things supernatural<br /> ๐ฅ Angsty romantic tension<br /> ๐ฅ New Orleans immortals making bad decisions<br /> ๐ฅ Paranormal romance meets romantasy style relationship drama<br /> >>>Read now on Kindle Vella. First 10 episodes always free. Only 10 tokens per episode for later episodes. Student Prime members read for free.<<< | Brigitte Delery | 219 | https://facebook.com/AuthorBrigitteDelery | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828009 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079228 | 1723774068 | 810 | 352216477480484 | 1 | 1.0826866961366E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 182130868489581 | 0 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 6638266974782 | fb.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get A FREE Kids Gymnastics Class ๐ | https://fb.com/messenger_doc/ | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Hi, I'm interested in trying a FREE gymnastics class for my child","response":"Hi! We are offering a free trial class for you to try us out.\n \nWe have limited spots available so If you'd like to secure a spot for your child we will send you a text confirmation to secure your spot and schedule you in for the free trial class! Whats the best number for us to send the text to?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi! Just click the message below if you're interested in trying a free kids gymnastics class ๐"}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","welcome_message_edited":true,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"856756232520212","template_version":13} | 1716067535 | 1.8213086848958E+14 | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443862342_3648605192066016_3429819709242299887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UyEDTYFm-d0Q7kNvgFGypmE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDg0T10bxFAh77f0qm0FYqT9b8ovUpH1mRrrOf3_R5dXA&oe=664F277F | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จHey Moms In the area!๐, Have you been looking for a fun way to get your kids active? Come try out a gymnastics trial class for your child completely FREE!!<br /> <br /> *For kids 18 months old and up. (No experience necessary)*<br /> <br /> Imagine how awesome it's going to be when you get to see your child experience a fun, safe, and exciting gymnastics class for the very first time! Our focus is on the kids, not just gymnastics, so that your child has the best experience possible! Your child will immediately gain confidence, build discipline, as well as make friendships that will last a lifetime!<br /> <br /> Here at Woodlands Gymnastics we offer a wide range of different programs for you and your child to choose from such as: Gymnastics, Recreational, Ninja Warrior, and Tumbling. We've trained thousands of kids and we have over 100 years of collective experience teaching gymnastics!<br /> <br /> **Our gym is located in Spring, Texas**<br /> <br /> Click "Learn More" to get more info and to claim your FREE Kids Gymnastics Trial Class! | Woodlands Gymnastics Academy | 3003 | https://facebook.com/WoodlandsGymnastics | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828131 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774073 | 810 | 309062675583068 | 1 | 8.1561699381411E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 206114635923322 | 0 | Brand Jewelry | 120210588207080327 | brandjewelryco.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | https://www.brandjewelryco.com/products/bat-necklace | 1716066383 | 2.0611463592332E+14 | Brand Jewelry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316109_348383887890362_7580448173825477264_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cD5eZ1YjTDMQ7kNvgFFl4a9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDz532FStfOVx00wQgu69cVahdkTEdw3P1vuA-Iw74IIw&oe=664F2104 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410844_943094137296087_3250170420512874001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W43zDALp4GcQ7kNvgGDIG0V&_nc_oc=AdhZ2LoDws8oyPun37IJ7vfj-MrCv4TrlAetGjWvYpYdawltlmN1SjwCW_etM09RXLQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzso46iuIVhlZB0Ih9FghHwObRsqF56KomOVdH8jvJHA&oe=664F0CE5 | 0 | 3 | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | Brand Jewelry | 0 | https://facebook.com/61555878120683 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828202 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774077 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828224 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:07 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774078 | 810 | 423956167251764 | 1 | 9.7658302367082E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 103080112536890 | 0 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 120212025545960592 | allnattybro.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Gym T-shirt BroScience | https://allnattybro.com/products/bro-science-t-shirt?_pos=1&_psq=br&_ss=e&_v=1.0 | 1716062625 | 1.0308011253689E+14 | Allnattybro gymclothing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405896_1408468739845145_5753261391139511334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTS45rKpIqsQ7kNvgEIe0m-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBS4jDkovYJuDc6MDH-0FJF_U3WTePmqaBgeVZ8xyE1og&oe=664F0EE3 | person_profile | 0 | AllNattybro | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440872134_2181172698885561_6134079082773722523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SF3PA0M2BmsQ7kNvgEVBEVB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcAn0z4qu4kGrelAJxWTFW7E3sUpDqCrDvpkZtrNUCXw&oe=664EFFF0 | 0 | 3 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 183 | https://facebook.com/100084920208181 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828377 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774087 | 810 | 331039346689154 | 1 | 1.0929656917713E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 109964288255923 | 0 | Miguel Argueta | 120210074941170087 | Contact us | NONE | image | Venta de Camas ๐๐โ โ Bueno, Bonito Y Barato | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/984245289994159/ | 1716065155 | 1.0996428825592E+14 | Miguel Argueta | regular_page | 1 | Miguel Argueta | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442412126_483326200695931_772281171544024553_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UO3l66aXgwAQ7kNvgFBpvqS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIzG8yUXQxz01Q0vCxN0-smYl2VwwVZh5Ja5qkjbda1A&oe=664F02A8 | 0 | 3 | Venta de Camas ๐๐โ โ <br /> Bueno, Bonito Y Barato - $179,00<br /> <br /> Llรกmenos y compare precios y calidad๐๐๐๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Miguel Argueta | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100010117327938 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828442 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774090 | 810 | 7762865887109738 | 1 | 2.5785213408007E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 292143937897864 | 0 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 120208851426030499 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | AfroVibesCLT SAT, 3/2 | https://bit.ly/3V39fCk | 1715979267 | 2.9214393789786E+14 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441159750_1176457073544832_3496984326676614408_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5PMSsZN7uGYQ7kNvgFOCdg8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBhnskCmAPMCZgGhyzOjm0p7CweSqt5EjB53i3GfMD0-A&oe=664F04C0 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | The Dynamic DJ Kato | 676 | https://facebook.com/djkatobeats | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828464 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774091 | 810 | 464077739506482 | 1 | 1.5107918428404E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108011319235141 | 0 | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | 6609802263851 | facebook.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | New specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | Saturday nights new specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | https://www.facebook.com/DubhLinnIrishPub | 1716064838 | 1.0801131923514E+14 | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444846043_856378269655411_5770723777284005748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E1TG5Xvi2_kQ7kNvgF8ykYH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCopBsAMXSFG8g20ItE0LpMXkv84yg2TZLiI9XjCFoJzg&oe=664F11EB | person_profile | 0 | Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444821357_7362874103810576_1404994095336829843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_tdK3qSXVvIQ7kNvgEPtgJk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIIhQDQLv09gNeYu26a8eyuyAbLTppLnRTkdOTCFikLw&oe=664F2E88 | 0 | 3 | Saturday nights new specials, FREE games and Karaoke at the pub! | Dubh Linn Brew Pub | 9774 | https://facebook.com/DubhLinnIrishPub | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828425 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774108 | 810 | 900971385121673 | 1 | 1.5010465908156E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 130124646850739 | 0 | Hailey Barr | 120209248310030340 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Read Free with Kindle Unlimited | The Nanny's Second Chance: A Sunshine Virgin Romance | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2Y7CC1F | 1716064951 | 1.3012464685074E+14 | Hailey Barr | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477663_316929118117595_4715336123723866894_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=man3ZwsI8tQQ7kNvgFmI3IL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDK3kUknBKz4Sb_2OM944Vlbuz2om99TRcsk1vqgyVdkA&oe=664F088A | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | A heartfelt story of one woman's cancer survivor journey as she learns to fight with the cancer, and her whirlwind of emotions she has never really experienced before in her life...<br /> <br /> What readers are saying: <br /> โI haven't felt so emotional in a book for a long time, a lot of reading feels like work, which I don't mind. But this, this was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed to read.โ <br /> <br /> โThis is a heart-warming story, full of compassion and hard feelings. Heart-breaking. I was rooting for them since the beginning! It was fantastic! highly recommended!โ <br /> <br /> "A sweet story that keeps you wanting more. It was easy to connect with the characters and love them. A story that constantly pulls at your heartstrings." <br /> <br /> Immerse yourself in The Nanny's Second Chance today and experience an emotional, heartwarming journey that will captivate you from beginning to end. | Hailey Barr | 48 | https://facebook.com/61551506138752 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828416 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774113 | 810 | 352490174114469 | 1 | 1.1231448988047E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 300526767435018 | 0 | Mary | 6549029204277 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/maryandcrew | 1716064826 | 3.0052676743502E+14 | Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822648_329462583299269_2513338271494227970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fGihFYkSYH4Q7kNvgEPKHUI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZYhAjyIlIFHu6APV_jH5qLpKJH-zqR01L4zKB9zz02A&oe=664F1F1E | person_profile | 0 | Mary Everard | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_1188330792606301_5225998755174308972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lnCIlDbiNt0Q7kNvgHcPVtn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOC7DX1a3H7OBKO6bhBJbPPOFHiMlp9fgZKlXTNjofhA&oe=664F17BF | 0 | 3 | Mary | 180 | https://facebook.com/maryandcrew | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828544 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079237 | 1723774114 | 810 | 1103240734114047 | 1 | 4.1779200454401E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108802160851979 | 0 | munchhiees | 120210325246440154 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-sat... | Shop Now | NONE | dco | SAVE $15 + BUY 2 GET 1 FREE | SHIPPING = $0 | https://munchieshop.com/products/horned-beanie-satin-lined | 1716065229 | 1.0880216085198E+14 | munchhiees | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479310_1008896704284530_5479473237939481940_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jc-khmgunu0Q7kNvgEpFGtO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCILe078auHXfti7jN88v1GwV6fv6rAtQmQ5lo4Msx8BA&oe=664F2710 | person_profile | 0 | Munchies | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501061_981056466427813_953330266300496630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KMqRbj_uYCYQ7kNvgECOVB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCkNRZCMAuyWMeYMxCOOgQaJ8GPmmhnLkSmctOpYh_THg&oe=664F2242 | 0 | 3 | We gotta come together and STOP RUINING OUR HAIR, our satin beanies got your back! ๐ฟ๐ | munchhiees | 974 | https://facebook.com/100039604761906 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827915 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774114 | 810 | 1849695222120759 | 1 | 3.2062577441147E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110544188177390 | 0 | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | 120209816858010162 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | FREE LIST OF HOMES BELOW $597k! | Get current prices, photos, details and more now! | http://fb.me/ | 1716068500 | 1.1054418817739E+14 | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479937_800560572007140_1110974673133505543_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gPhXuiDlZ6UQ7kNvgFYyD15&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAWxDHkp4jYNkc7ylELv18olhxD0XJF-p-NJKhj06IH2A&oe=664F2FB4 | person_profile | 0 | Julie and Bryce - The Davis Team | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441404844_1190302379075331_4438763784402051899_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mOHu5Fo_IXYQ7kNvgGqtSJK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9c3SdagidoBTLTvrunT3NkT83_uWNQZjJoAYqpCpxzw&oe=664F1399 | 0 | 3 | โ๏ธATTENTION SOUTHERN MAINE: FREE PROPERTY LIST UNDER $597kโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Do you know anyone looking to purchase a home?<br /> <br /> We have created a FREE report of homes for sale right here in Southern Maine under $597k. Some of these homes even qualify for Special Financing Programs!<br /> <br /> These homes are priced BELOW the market value!<br /> <br /> FREE instant access to this updated list of homes in the Southern Maine area.<br /> <br /> Click below for current prices, photos details and more... | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | 569 | https://facebook.com/TheDavisTeam.eXp | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828103 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774117 | 810 | 985135326315047 | 1 | 2.8219224112895E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1447889158858000 | 0 | Southern Pressure, LLC | 6578701561658 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716066641 | 1.447889158858E+15 | Southern Pressure, LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442501403_458037463376490_7437068278274409414_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4aM5H0QoUFEQ7kNvgEjjXNR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9kEiz1-v2-WbJsg7cTcdzXVV4UQdKbBGIwbHGQLouQw&oe=664F266C | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Let Southern Pressure take the pressure off getting your home clean! ๐<br /> <br /> Our professional pressure washing services will leave your home looking spotless and refreshed. ๐ โจ<br /> <br /> ๐ Call us today at 843-901-9839 to get your FREE estimate! | Southern Pressure, LLC | 244 | https://facebook.com/southernpressure | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827847 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 5:40 AM | 1716079224 | 1747651247 | 810 | 3585028828417062 | 1 | 7.5278738372685E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777669580068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1713827170 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437380809_7485526241561945_3101313420962459022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PEpjPTdIMwsQ7kNvgE4-N_R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDONgb24U7kkHJABq8e9XTW-xIOdNQ9UAZIHvNQvJfRwQ&oe=664F3598 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439702043_450830497493730_1199648260001509466_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vg04nDnIRwQ7kNvgFHZCcV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDCO2qkxGGKlNu61IGfeQkS2YJrYoIY9xtj3KhLBkdzhQ&oe=664F31CF | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828326 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 5:12 PM | 1716079233 | 1749420768 | 810 | 815343467183846 | 2 | 8.9685836220953E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613183389032 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/collections/cristina-pre-order | 1716025389 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441971372_946223550567615_5718234090203230867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h68DoLNTr2gQ7kNvgF599p3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCnbc8ZLwpbxnaz1BwygiIIqPdH1d9Mz0G2ydgwD1yeAQ&oe=664F2D80 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436356252_832318755432899_1682849988596311429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XGsOASyYlW4Q7kNvgHToM4F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiEdfKlcb7AMyUKxvGNPEp9DZxC-eQZdMVgaJx4vdCeQ&oe=664F0B15 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827749 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 3:34 AM | 1716079222 | 1749026062 | 810 | 1180946153065944 | 3 | 1.5688910470196E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 109882364684159 | 0 | Ownkoti | 120209648020930376 | ownkoti.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ข Free Shipping for Order Over $89 | Experience unparalleled comfort and style each night with our Vintage Cotton Gauze Soft Summer Bedding. Infused with timeless retro designs, this bedding offers a harmonious mix of visual charm, luxury, and functionality. Crafted from high-quality pure cotton featuring dual gauze layers, this beddin... | https://ownkoti.com/products/vintage-cotton-gauze-soft-summer-bedding?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=act_0127&utm_campaign=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D | 1715929344 | 1.0988236468416E+14 | Ownkoti | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240626_1097820704643887_6344462476041232753_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FVKHr4TOe4MQ7kNvgElkmX8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYByhKT1SIgZRcfEa5WWSvhYW1hg20DQt7ZEN9D1BQdkKg&oe=664F037C | person_profile | 0 | Ownkoti | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440937144_1219669272732165_8589326473225449318_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HsDFEm6cJzgQ7kNvgF2xwr2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAll_NiYW7Q9xQay5v-NYjAcSBasqnHd56CTRDkReJ-iQ&oe=664F071D | 0 | 3 | ๐ 2024 #SummerCollection #Beddings<br /> ๐๏ธLuxurious Comfort ๐ก#Quilt<br /> ๐Get Yours Today!#Ownkoti | Ownkoti | 27991 | https://facebook.com/ownkoti | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828310 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/29/25, 7:12 PM | 1716079233 | 1743293531 | 810 | 372342469145156 | 1 | 9.5987763568324E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105901305309607 | 0 | Bxruk NBA | 120208873273770037 | dubculture.shop | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | http://dubculture.shop/ | 1716055172 | 1.0590130530961E+14 | Bxruk NBA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441959068_317304754800150_3615763700409528946_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPSO56h_W_EQ7kNvgFOQFvm&_nc_oc=AdgIKnCpbGJckOxQBZemDZaE9tcSfT3-4MZ_2drUThAHD9HnyNcRdGzjZdx68DpCqgY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCW_wUk30QAVr0AqjEd6pF3meUojSAQZEx0uAcQt9Y-Gw&oe=664F110A | person_profile | 0 | Dub Cultureโข๏ธ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441187782_811169040926305_1631570042783921175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NFtCfy9KCfkQ7kNvgF5dx8G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDzaNDiLVPKWgN_NdLxD5BdFMfg8eVGjUFCYR3k5L1tYg&oe=664F2294 | 0 | 3 | Bxruk NBA | 0 | https://facebook.com/100076977384356 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828413 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 4:19 PM | 1716079235 | 1747689576 | 810 | 403128149375575 | 1 | 3.792852117447E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 156405870900660 | 0 | Yunus Bernaki | 120209674272410110 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2006 BMW Z4 | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/451966060840602/ | 1716064983 | 1.5640587090066E+14 | Yunus Bernaki | regular_page | 1 | Yunus Bernaki | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442488350_1355777955117964_4691322382686457200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CKYr9oJwiNkQ7kNvgF07-Zc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBktt2-NRWBgJr7NzOwJtyb-GECvTCe97lqlb7L2us8TA&oe=664F08C8 | 0 | 3 | 2006 BMW Z4 - $5,900.00<br /> <br /> 2006 BMW Z4 accident free,Clean Title. Well maintained. <br /> No mechanical problems, The motor & transmission are in excellent condition.<br /> <br /> <<< Feel free to bring your mechanic>>>>>.<br /> <br /> Aux Audio Input Jack, No check engine light, Smog in hand. AC blows Ice cold Air.<br /> <br /> โ Clean title <br /> โ Very clean Inside <br /> โ Well maintained<br /> โ Runs and drives great <br /> โ Original miles<br /> โ No mechanical problems <br /> โ No check engine light <br /> โ Smog in hand <br /> <br /> <<<<< Serious Inquiries Only>>>>>><br /> <<<<<No Low Balls>>>>>>>><br /> Facebook Marketplace | Yunus Bernaki | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=61553862457753 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828179 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/27/25, 9:35 AM | 1716079231 | 1745764560 | 810 | 409002202035902 | 1 | 1.5159209726883E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113964828164277 | 0 | wHydrate Carrollton | 120210085667810365 | www.whydrate.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://www.whydrate.com/locations/iv-therapy-carrollton-ga/ | 1716066201 | 1.1396482816428E+14 | wHydrate Carrollton | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441165823_979975073830678_390234223946104189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YCZJmmJaiUsQ7kNvgH6FSh3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWEX4uYJQkaEH69ocp_NxTlzjF2nZ582RAxlAAjRbjJA&oe=664F04BC | person_profile | 0 | wHydrate - IV Hydration Therapy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441194904_1215935989371950_3405465022698595086_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NKcBDMCsdywQ7kNvgHXUA3N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDesgiVyaoGjQiznOW9Hj-1P_DHUwiY73DpvurCebo3Kw&oe=664F25C7 | 0 | 3 | Feeling dehydrated?๐ง<br /> Need to relax? ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ<br /> Deficient on Vitamins? ๐<br /> Looking to over-all better your health? ๐ง <br /> <br /> โจWE ARE THE PLACE FOR YOUโจ<br /> <br /> Walk-in and get the infusion you want, with a heated blanket, TV, grab a water or a coffee and relax with us.<br /> <br /> โข10% off of any service if it is your first time visiting us.<br /> โขGet a FREE infusion when you sign up for a membership.<br /> โขAnd dont forget about those member โจPERKSโจ<br /> <br /> We hope to see you soon!<br /> <br /> #ivhydration #ivhydrationtherapy #ivhydrationclinic #vitamins #localbusiness #westgeorgia #carrolltonga | wHydrate Carrollton | 699 | https://facebook.com/wHydrateCarrollton | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828180 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/6/25, 5:17 PM | 1716079231 | 1751840238 | 810 | 792187646206831 | 1 | 3.7721140472676E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 287878777734789 | 0 | Dish perfection | 6604119751817 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Dish perfection | https://www.facebook.com/287878777734789 | 1716066151 | 2.8787877773479E+14 | Dish perfection | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436341676_1633729600775818_1690905258253878352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0hd6fdlT7FMQ7kNvgGMVAhm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDr8unbpth3opgfXlIjwnRaLV5SrBkHunR1HMmYlvtG7g&oe=664F34F7 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Warm your family's heart with every meal. Like our page for weekly recipe love โค๏ธ | Dish perfection | 3059 | https://facebook.com/61557957806679 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826853 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/8/25, 7:58 PM | 1716079143 | 1749430719 | 810 | 1290216728360160 | 2 | 7.6199758272982E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059997740618 | NONE | video | 1716056903 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499636_964446005319835_3476312286810661425_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZPkl1GB0X4kQ7kNvgGResiG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQx3vo-l-UiKYp5Fgz0SYgv0dVq3u7mNPBLjxwabrkSw&oe=664F0F5B | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441579358_927773432432582_5992320865882364985_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=orxUpdlGCwQQ7kNvgF5UhVB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDpfSuqpL3z3Ol1y14d2il38EJ8-4Bw2EIINThtkM5-Zg&oe=664F08E9 | 0 | 3 | The surprising success rate of A.A.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfree #aa #addiction #sober #sobriety #soberlife #sobertok | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827996 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/6/25, 7:18 PM | 1716079227 | 1751847520 | 810 | 8365627746787186 | 3 | 1.8010236870914E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1030403000422471 | 0 | Spectrum Painting | 6605419894166 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716067589 | 1.0304030004225E+15 | Spectrum Painting | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483707_454537417165267_3230769166184974160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mO08CP5E9B4Q7kNvgHvCoIm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBql9OeLu_15vqj8xN9gYySDahbDhwKgdthk4hCIv4ewQ&oe=664F2485 | person_profile | 0 | Jolene Jones | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442494710_981500759836681_2914370283129639857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LVRKVzCfqQwQ7kNvgG1LSno&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBqDU6LMmMb5qIVMw0lglNTl5xdoDcHk0YrBmDCcciD3Q&oe=664F05C1 | 0 | 3 | A durable clear "wet look" coating for the concrete and a classic traditional look for the exterior.<br /> Free Estimates and discounts!!<br /> 661-873-3638 or 661-699-7520 | Spectrum Painting | 377 | https://facebook.com/spectrumpaintingpros | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828244 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/27/25, 12:41 PM | 1716079232 | 1745775665 | 810 | 1079124433672983 | 1 | 1.6161248058535E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 107102221492357 | 0 | Vannie Frank | 6594591553407 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2017 MINI Cooper | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1002307747909560/ | 1716065956 | 1.0710222149236E+14 | Vannie Frank | regular_page | 1 | Vannie Frank | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441418670_1121787325557773_3409823506725434261_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AzcTHSM0HjsQ7kNvgEGEiPX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDm8AnvCvmr0nSAj3Ra6KHAUPjDxlHtZgJQC_rzyUWpPw&oe=664F292E | 0 | 3 | 2017 MINI Cooper - $16,947.00<br /> <br /> This wonderful Silver 2017 Hardtop 2 Door Mini Cooper is highly reliable. I am selling as I am moving to Europe - and am sad to be parting with such a trustworthy car! <br /> <br /> This dependable Mini features an atypically low mileage of just 64,390 - which is 23% lower than average! It has had no accidents or damage, no exposure to smoke, and has recently been deep cleaned.<br /> <br /> This car is in excellent condition, and offers a wide array of luxury amenities. It features fabulous heated seats, which are amazing in winter! Listen to the radio, music, or podcasts via the powerful 6 speaker sound system, with smart Bluetooth connection. A large sunroof, with options to open or blind, provides a spacious interior feel. <br /> <br /> Experience the authentic Mini experience with stylish black-on-black Union Jack decals on the windscreen pillars, Union Jack front license plate, and LED spotlight accessories that project onto the sidewalk at night when the door is opened. Get ready for compliments!<br /> <br /> The backseats recline, providing ample room for cargo. You'll be amazed how much you can fit in a Mini!<br /> <br /> Technical details...this car has a 10.6 gallon fuel tank, 150 amp alternator, 3.42 axle ratio, 4 wheel disc brakes with 4 wheel ABS, front vented discs, brake assist, hill hold control, 80 amp/hr maintenance-free battery with run-down protection, ABS and driveline traction control, airbag occupancy sensor, curtain 1st and 2nd row airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, plus dual stage driver and passenger front airbags.<br /> <br /> There is a small crack in the windscreen, barely visible from the driver's seat due to being behind the rearview mirror.<br /> <br /> Please be advised I'm not interested in selling to a dealer - please only contact me if you're a private buyer. And I'm not in a rush - my price is firm.<br /> <br /> Also, I will solely sell via Autrotrader Private Seller Exchange - so no point contacting me if you're a scammer. <br /> <br /> I believe that Autotrader offers financing options - so if you need a loan, and are eligible, thatโs an option.<br /> <br /> This car has been an absolute blessing to me - I know it will serve its next owner well!<br /> <br /> VIN: WMWXP5C31H2G60772<br /> <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Vannie Frank | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=503719047 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828008 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 8:19 PM | 1716079227 | 1749431998 | 810 | 968827447881428 | 1 | 7.4995316730591E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 560299394329290 | 0 | Zanmme412 | 6597827850684 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/zanmme412 | 1716067540 | 5.6029939432929E+14 | Zanmme412 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442469500_744583427885124_973578888433101929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XOO7UoPRa-AQ7kNvgH7wFZC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCEQww1OmUJDeLf4KqpHMTVfoRpkmGB10dvR02hnH7qlw&oe=664F0AE5 | person_profile | 0 | Money Motivated Entertainment | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442417557_981443700040848_5639497300347393394_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AhrR-4XRKsEQ7kNvgFl7aVE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBgVsZ7YEpaYzlS0GrwiqwZgxGOsOLS1nsYQvXr7JopaA&oe=664F1283 | 0 | 3 | MONEY MOTIVATED ENT x @MOEJOES__HERE PRESENTS The party we been waiting for ๐๐พ SUNDAY MAY 26TH our annual ๐จALL WHITE with a Splash of Color MEMORIAL DAY PARTY @ THE NEW CLUB AVALON @avalonpgh๐จ new look, new vibes!!! Ladies FREE until 11PM, We dancing all night๐พ๐ w/ Sounds provided by THE GREAT SHOW DJ SNS @djsns along with @dj_dogger & @dj_coles bringing the vibes ๐ง๐ค๐ถYall know this is a SELL OUT EVENT, and if you donโt know, come find outโฆ.For tickets & table reservations contact 412-535-1871 | Zanmme412 | 43 | https://facebook.com/jmcommercialcleaning | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828054 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/27/25, 3:13 PM | 1716079228 | 1745784808 | 810 | 965253608400125 | 2 | 9.7003232100250E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 298470896671478 | 0 | Innocraftsman | 120207932194910046 | innocraftsman.com | Shop now | NONE | video | High-pressure Cordless Paint Sprayer with 2 Batteries | ๐ฅ 39% OFF ONLY TODAY! | https://innocraftsman.com/products/cordless-electric-spray-gun | 1716027368 | 2.9847089667148E+14 | Innocraftsman | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441933372_1189833205704347_6540273894865506707_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y2BHfy3SeNMQ7kNvgGBIeik&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9EBiSs69VDzBtLRXrcxWXaBY6kHkuw-YsE7qpohOzOw&oe=664F22A9 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅBest-Selling High-pressure Cordless Paint Sprayer Now Available at a Discount!<br /> โ Save Thousands on Paint Jobs. <br /> โ Reduce Physical Strain and Labor. <br /> โ Cordless Design for Easy Mobility. <br /> โ No Power Outlets or Air Compressor Needed. <br /> โ Beginner-Friendly and Easy to Use. <br /> โ Includes 2 FREE Batteries. <br /> <br /> SHOP NOW - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finnocraftsman.com%2Fproducts%2Fcordless-electric-spray-gun&h=AT0_miEU7CVy13w2MMfd1GXfn3tOl6wG4HAX0pslWQfonFSFCXPS4dn8hmOhKpaLZAjq178bv818JhKileuCWNBwS75KncXw4ZMqt8HdOTsX4vx0QL1u_aTCTbnMaWnDkMoADNJ-bkUHaQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://innocraftsman.com/products/cordless-electric-spray-gun</a> | Innocraftsman | 2 | https://facebook.com/61557877960081 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828246 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 10:17 PM | 1716079232 | 1749439058 | 810 | 777832351101084 | 1 | 1.1569456656162E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105585208715890 | 0 | Mary Recipes | 120209093669040675 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Mary Recipes | https://www.facebook.com/105585208715890 | 1716028083 | 1.0558520871589E+14 | Mary Recipes | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301608_458157453548428_5237256766429769300_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vA3DuOAb-a4Q7kNvgGaBa5W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDtWtcXf5_tQEeJ82MNrvrODGy-sOw4bCZHYsZFYH1Shg&oe=664F3336 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Recipe Magic Daily! FOLLOW us for FREE RECIPES each day. Letโs make cooking extraordinary! ๐คฉ๐ฅ | Mary Recipes | 671 | https://facebook.com/mmmaryrecipes | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828476 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 10:17 PM | 1716079235 | 1749439063 | 810 | 1807650056383802 | 1 | 4.2254202407688E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 144776658722532 | 0 | Thermo Grip | 120210988410360013 | thermogrip.shop | Shop now | NONE | image | [4.92/5โญ] FREE 5-Day Shipping On The #1 Gloves | Introducing the Thermo Grip Waterproof Insulated Motorcycle Gloves, your ultimate companion for conquering the open road with confidence in any weather. Crafted with a cutting-edge 3-layer insulation system that's 100% waterproof and windproof, these gloves guarantee to keep your hands toasty in the... | https://thermogrip.shop/products/thermo | 1716064820 | 1.4477665872253E+14 | Thermo Grip | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139248_466237985976994_1250443430298383918_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bX3Upw_BiKIQ7kNvgG_e02M&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiGfzhCCvGS5ztN-jgwDjOBhvlFWCbIVGaNcwVunyHFw&oe=664F0FDA | person_profile | 0 | Thermo Grip | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445227790_1481880276069832_6046512081175314157_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2gjy28ppf4sQ7kNvgEDfKlA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAyaYQz-4lwHG787e6w-ckNvdYcFp9xzIU3dr5CGIwW3Q&oe=664F018F | 0 | 3 | Stay Dry And Ride Comfortably In Extreme Rain, Wind, Heat, or Cold Any Season With Our Best-Selling WeatherProof Motorcycle Gloves. ๐ฆโ๏ธ๐๏ธ<br /> <br /> โข 100% Water & Wind Proof Membrane<br /> โข Breathable Anti-Sweat Velvet Lining <br /> โข Advanced Throttle Grip Material<br /> โข TouchScreen Leather Fingertips<br /> โข All-Season Comfort<br /> <br /> ๐ฆ FREE 5-Day US Shipping On Every Order<br /> โ๏ธ 50% OFF Summer Sale<br /> โค๏ธ Satisfaction Moneyback Guarantee | Thermo Grip | 2970 | https://facebook.com/61552589315457 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828010 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/6/25, 3:08 AM | 1716079228 | 1741252124 | 810 | 1026980515702594 | 1 | 4.4336585155553E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 276477042206430 | 0 | Coniglio Palm Beach | 6560919146346 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | image | http://instagram.com/conigliopalmbeach | 1716067490 | 2.7647704220643E+14 | Coniglio Palm Beach | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441204765_1180683676622910_4683735355276137502_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vfqiB-ZXFYsQ7kNvgGjnIcK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCyZR3m-3FSo3xDApf62nu_ZSlyCmd_zI22lwBdb9K9dA&oe=664F0312 | person_profile | 0 | Coniglio Palm Beach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436499970_1130473454840789_5130441808750525668_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7XrHL1UoK48Q7kNvgF0E0FM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAn7wO5QfSFEawy4-ZlyPG9pZRXrPWqY2IxPrvU8F7f4Q&oe=664F1809 | 0 | 3 | Being suddenly let go at 8 months pregnant pushed me to start my own company. I am focused on free size because there shouldnโt be multiple closets for a womanโs body journey and our many lifestyle shifts. We are committed to fine tuning fit to create a new genre of generational dressing. ๐ | Coniglio Palm Beach | 6 | https://facebook.com/61556844612307 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828240 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 10:26 PM | 1716079232 | 1749439595 | 810 | 996141245428722 | 1 | 7.1188286782221E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 266667823197292 | 0 | Eashort software | 120210067563560355 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | ๐ฌ๏ผใDO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBANDใ | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esbook.dk | 1716051575 | 2.6666782319729E+14 | Eashort software | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442485610_3620953501491403_5387696871557184123_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cnktpinnyJAQ7kNvgHTCtxL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCR00DaFLhhZv7LMaxhxhVrSRpCwJ8vUl0Reic0nQs35A&oe=664F0542 | person_profile | 0 | Eashort software | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438108341_3657724167812359_1000818851531542780_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EPRbUnZjxwwQ7kNvgFwNJRn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCl5SPBvUTbdHKegIk4nU2a2IlsVZcpsDtGJj_o71UeAA&oe=664F2DF7 | 0 | 3 | Estella was admitted to the hospital due to a car accident, but unexpectedly caught her husband Bryce visiting another woman in the hospital, and the two of them behaved intimately. Estella is feeling down and plans to end her three-year marriage with Bryce, causing a rift in their relationship. But as time went by, Estella learned that what she had always believed was Bryce's infidelity, there was actually another hidden truth... The misunderstanding between the two was resolved, and they confided in each other and decided to hold another wedding.<br /> ๐Download EaShort TV to watch more series | Eashort software | 3 | https://facebook.com/61557894114617 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828267 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 8:00 PM | 1716079232 | 1747702848 | 810 | 467485909173626 | 1 | 7.969561424118E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255996280583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974460 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436109759_7265445756918513_4356824421729051029_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9G7QupERwCwQ7kNvgEoJZDT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC5fQtViB3JVZW7KwGHHcCgU4dxfRiXK9BFm1ybI5HM-w&oe=664F2D46 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827508 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/20/25, 5:43 AM | 1716079213 | 1737351784 | 810 | 1109390750126006 | 1 | 1.1476069832199E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210941608060159 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-0510-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=187714994423518 | 1716008300 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436162331_7491402060928741_5984542164279328272_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ligV46IL_-EQ7kNvgFaJ1NB&_nc_oc=Adh0KsCg-1TWf52sNSaE15pPBVUXsULg44xK_ycpBOH_O2wze8G3E6tEvq9pou0Nfo8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6piUO4JjzC2mnFG8qCyWAaeft-02ng1YH33dXN_GzhA&oe=664F248A | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436199547_818850630184424_6794807211337393973_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uq7LPLZ0nR0Q7kNvgH7_JiU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2ufFUbYvWGepKS8pb7KSWF31-6V1NnKSY5bbn5zZjSw&oe=664F2DC0 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828274 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 11:18 PM | 1716079232 | 1749442739 | 810 | 990198859407847 | 1 | 8.5207015676044E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100946659624283 | 0 | Best Home Offers | 120210159675550699 | fb.me | Get offer | NONE | video | Top Cash Price OFFER For Your Home: No Fees, No Repairs, Just CASH! ๐ฐ | Get Your Cash Offer within 24hr ๐ค | http://fb.me/ | 1716065702 | 1.0094665962428E+14 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318240_986593436148246_4795859272192359843_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vw89RD7KVskQ7kNvgEEei-W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA_RHIDWaqp-CgaeQ0skIBbvScQcHisCfpcU4Cfqry1QA&oe=664F09EA | person_profile | 0 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946149_966283438206818_6442743042924118787_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=44P5Kc2Rlm4Q7kNvgEh2-jH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCiScswI4Y1TeBG4Ef4-xjj6kRf_0fxrcalKW-arQ60xQ&oe=664F136B | 0 | 3 | ๐ Attention Florida Homeowners: We'll BUY your house Quickly on your timeline at a Top CASH Price, with our competitive Cash Offer and without the need for repairs, fees, or commissions.<br /> <br /> Just click the "Get Offer" button below to request a free, no-obligation offer.<br /> <br /> Now, if you're wondering how we can make such a bold claim?<br /> <br /> It's simple - We've helped hundreds of property owners in Florida sell their properties FAST for top cash price:<br /> <br /> We bought Larry's old property for top CASH price and closed in 14 days...<br /> <br /> We bought Brenda's vacant property, closing within 1 week...<br /> <br /> And we bought Samuel's property for top cash price within 20 days of him reaching out to us...<br /> <br /> This is our promise:<br /> <br /> โ We'll buy your property FAST on your timeline<br /> <br /> โ You'll receive a Top Cash Price Offer on your property<br /> <br /> โ Without the need for repairs, we'll take your property as-is<br /> <br /> โ Without commissions or fees, and no need for a realtor<br /> <br /> โ We treat you like family in the closing process<br /> <br /> ...Would you be interested in a no-obligation Cash Offer from us?<br /> <br /> We have a simple 3 step process:<br /> <br /> Step 1 - Fill out the quick form below to get a fair offer for your house within 24 hours.<br /> <br /> Step 2 - We will contact you to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide you with the best option to sell.<br /> <br /> Step 3 - After choosing the best option for your situation, we can close in as little as 14 days, and you only have to deal with us.<br /> <br /> Request an offer by clicking below, and we'll send a fast, free, no-obligation offer. | Best Home Offers | 23 | https://facebook.com/certifiedclosingsteam | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827828 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/6/25, 5:12 PM | 1716079224 | 1746569537 | 810 | 1129421374967536 | 1 | 1.3538633186383E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777557280068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713826937 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437585156_1378796105971550_8449576418472559838_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B8E2jahvDasQ7kNvgFdNa3K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBQMErFRpe_qW7xSAtNbw8st1lxycgMIejYJbKp_loaTQ&oe=664F2A09 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440108810_311213868672520_2297269795563333931_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=By769Hx4kE0Q7kNvgEYT0ak&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAfc7INaa7oBmZrcQmD9Xv3N1hRoORcibVQRpmTAN-kxQ&oe=664F2304 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828233 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/19/25, 9:26 PM | 1716079232 | 1747707965 | 810 | 471850298547586 | 2 | 1.1304086946787E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555065740051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040273 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444489328_279296051839109_3224079739493293466_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tmgh3-zR42cQ7kNvgHnQESE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDhvmQ_EGWoWa_ZxaBGltxAK6YbP6aMZqaGG9Z9Ru6X0A&oe=664F2A85 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479777_1103057147461758_7017210557892732728_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Quh9byOxg-kQ7kNvgGrrPQa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDCW9OHC_1XmUdaeY_aDImtvRJ0js2g2weeIUi4IYIsqQ&oe=664F0C42 | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826897 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/9/25, 12:22 AM | 1716079143 | 1749446532 | 810 | 967586138145671 | 1 | 1.9755720095243E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060021900618 | NONE | video | 1716056940 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442505126_1457282324890102_5039873951816855233_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hQi2CCwXYRgQ7kNvgGalBPV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCI6JbrnHuqByzAvC1OFapgFXpehTwFsE44PfMOKhCgIw&oe=664F1805 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445228068_1118170192739079_7579094189576776453_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1gPtTZweR_EQ7kNvgGioj9u&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYMbUlB0BF1C55er75ceQWqZoB49b7Dsuevo2rvxjPTw&oe=664EFF01 | 0 | 3 | Drinking alcohol is essentially micro-dosing poison.โ <br /> โ <br /> Stop hanging on to it.โ <br /> โ <br /> Let it go.โ <br /> โ <br /> If you're ready to quit and want to be 'Clear by Christmas' send me a message with the words 'Clear by Christmas' โ <br /> โ <br /> We'll get you on a strategy call with me or one of the experts, and give you a bullet-proof game plan for quitting alcohol now.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfree #alcohol #alcoholfreelifestyle #project90 #sober #sobercoach #soberlife #sobrietyโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827991 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/9/25, 5:25 PM | 1716079227 | 1741559148 | 810 | 1675004253267156 | 1 | 1.5132786462354E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 211080939782625 | 0 | John Tolo | 6579064084239 | Contact us | NONE | image | Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib with Storage Basket and Wheels, Easy Folding Bed Side Sleeper Adjustable | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1448301329126089/ | 1716067630 | 2.1108093978262E+14 | John Tolo | regular_page | 1 | John Tolo | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442492174_449112524364191_7966318010839725453_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jPRJxKYeA_UQ7kNvgFSZpcN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAv4wDysXhUhSVVixY1F7Qm6nlcSMDIGGbhvnBltiqmyg&oe=664F25BD | 1 | 3 | Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib with Storage Basket and Wheels, Easy Folding Bed Side Sleeper Adjustable - $125.00<br /> <br /> About this item<br /> <br /> Safe and Comfortable Materials:<br /> Baby bedside bassinet is made of thick aviation aluminum frame and is lightweight, safe and solid, it meets ASTM F2906 safety standards of US. 100% polyester, highly microfiber and skin-friendly fabric, we always put your baby's safety first.<br /> <br /> All-around Air Mesh:<br /> The bedside crib has four-sided breathable mesh, not only give your baby a cool and comfortable resting space, avoid the risk of suffocation due to baby turns around, but gives you a quick glimpse of your little one.<br /> <br /> Adjustable Height:<br /> Our baby bedside bassinet has 6 different height positions(12.7-19.5 inches) to give you a customized fit, suitable for most standard US beds and sofas. Also set it to incline mode to prevent your baby from refluxing, making it easy feeding.<br /> <br /> Two Modes:<br /> It can be used as a standalone bassinet and as a bedside sleeper. Simply use the securing straps attached to the mom's bed, tool-free assembly. With 4 safety-rated brake wheels can let you move the bassinet from the bedroom to the living room, or anywhere in the home conveniently.<br /> <br /> Friendly Design:<br /> Suitable for 0-6 months newborn babies and infants up to a max of 20 lb.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | John Tolo | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1096532145 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827947 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/8/25, 10:07 AM | 1716079226 | 1751987224 | 810 | 1468320934052583 | 2 | 1.628669174625E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1886009288324558 | 0 | We Print Wraps | 120208436515610658 | weprintwraps.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | https://weprintwraps.com/ | 1716068088 | 1.8860092883246E+15 | We Print Wraps | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486053_734341495293837_1547405215762830442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLdCVzv67z4Q7kNvgEe-Hx5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-CjPHYzuaMkELzUw-a2U1KG9d4nSnGaqhH0b6CqIvdQ&oe=664F11EE | person_profile | 0 | We Print Wrapsยฎ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444485272_476836545005479_8108783810815085336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_ZDrPyk6unUQ7kNvgH2SxqT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC50KxiBZw6H-G0lLlCFxW7UkDOdG_eTmjWXWqpoecDGw&oe=664F370A | 0 | 3 | We Print Wraps | 3250 | https://facebook.com/weprintwraps | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828307 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/17/25, 3:57 AM | 1716079233 | 1744880228 | 810 | 957085199203496 | 1 | 1.5703253302013E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1953934398256566 | 0 | Sophia Georges - Realsophy Real Estate, Broker & Owner | 120209786218740501 | eventbrite.com | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Realsophy Recharge - Wellness for Mind, Body, and Soul | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/realsophy-recharge-wellness-for-mind-body-and-soul-tickets-893804963707?aff=efbevent | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/realsophy-recharge-wellness-for-mind-body-and-soul-tickets-893804963707?aff=efbevent | 1716065559 | 1.9539343982566E+15 | Sophia Georges - Realsophy Real Estate, Broker & Owner | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436487980_1109715343522039_2361828164608463305_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-VogtrZvo28Q7kNvgEohDpM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDNAVx-nDnOdqMh049ImnPDYwxlZUYOGbqMzfRYSKxAvg&oe=664F2758 | person_profile | 0 | Sophia Georges | Realsophy Real Estate Broker & Owner | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436534325_1888828858296342_4294887727007762940_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k9Tw4w79HngQ7kNvgEjq23i&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZZLCn9M6MTJjLwP2cSxiI61Csu_HKYHmncao2567-Pg&oe=664F12DF | 0 | 3 | FREE EVENT! I'm excited to announce our first Realsophy Recharge event at Pratt Personal Training! We are having a FREE personal training class. Realsophy Real Estate is more than just a real estate company. We want to promote a healthy mind, body, and soul to help support your goals and be the best you can be. When you feel strong and feel good, you can outshine and reach heights you never imagined. Join us for our Realsophy Recharge event at Pratt by registering on Eventbrite and also consider joining our private Facebook group Realsophy Recharge. See you there! #realestate #njrealestate #personaltrainer #personaltraining #wellness #health #mindset #bodybuilding #soul #stronger #strong #strengthtraining Sophia Georges - Realsophy Real Estate, Broker & Owner Realsophy Recharge Sophia Georges Pratt Personal Training Emily Larkin | Sophia Georges - Realsophy Real Estate, Broker & Owner | 158 | https://facebook.com/RealsophyRealEstate | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826889 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 4/5/25, 2:15 PM | 1716079143 | 1743880501 | 810 | 906829181128135 | 4 | 4.3738241205350E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060026610618 | NONE | video | 1716057043 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436252938_2510438422497051_8205693934726859256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GdG1KkQI5_cQ7kNvgGfl1EJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDnSdg0Vl6YGISHfIRWO5UgvkK7xAT4oAjq0V6YeILlVg&oe=664F19D2 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436109750_1106777573731440_7847916890287922754_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vlo1YCb7-ugQ7kNvgHbadXH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZeXkyy4H6OaRuzzPQiNoJUpduiJI1IBfUuAqqiKvtJg&oe=664F1A6E | 0 | 3 | Once I learned how to socialize alcohol-free, I now enjoy going out to parties and social events more than when I was drinking. โ <br /> โ <br /> You don't become a boring person when you stop drinking. โ <br /> It's actually the opposite. โ <br /> โ <br /> Keep watching my videos for more guidance on how to socialize alcohol-free and enjoy it!โ <br /> โ <br /> Video from @BenPavlihaโ <br /> โ <br /> #sober #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelifestyle #drinking #noalcohol #sobriety #sobergram | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828438 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/21/25, 5:25 AM | 1716079235 | 1737458712 | 810 | 983191163438308 | 1 | 7.8961169647018E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10477767586 | 0 | SKECHERS | 120214288717730011 | skechers.com | Shop now | NONE | image | https://www.skechers.com/ | 1716064881 | 10477767586 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441600805_1457551358185706_456681611202621642_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ufA-p18gil4Q7kNvgEEFUJ5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYACqEwCTBSzvQiQScoK-ynOFLBHg-5f7Lm1GI4X-T8EVQ&oe=664F34C6 | person_profile | 0 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436210192_1030518838494766_6861511048094055078_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o3o3buRuKDQQ7kNvgFLsAxg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCnORBu0At_LikE22VAVvAZ3Bd08gyX9thTcNAXvUxdvg&oe=664F3389 | 0 | 3 | Slip into cloud-like comfort โ๏ธ๐ | SKECHERS | 7780870 | https://facebook.com/SKECHERS | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827865 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/17/25, 8:21 AM | 1716079224 | 1744896064 | 810 | 416082998009297 | 1 | 1.5368792872095E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 352911972068836 | 0 | Shahdad Mervan | 6612282589147 | Contact us | NONE | image | New Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Vanities | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/798430082381488/ | 1716069552 | 3.5291197206884E+14 | Shahdad Mervan | regular_page | 1 | Shahdad Mervan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444136434_1203957667254728_7678979248211381161_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dK3vnohNaeUQ7kNvgF4dbRt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAUAHOAzwFLox0S4110jOBoQ5TV3RN1DN_K3ydGEpkOqg&oe=664F10B5 | 1 | 3 | New Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Vanities - $1.00<br /> <br /> !!!!! Summer Sale !!!!!<br /> <br /> FREE Stainless-Steel Kitchen sink with the minimum purchase of 10' x 10' Cabinets.<br /> <br /> FREE Porcelain vanity sink with the purchase of vanities.<br /> <br /> 10% off on all Prefabricated Natural Stone or Quartz Counter Tops when purchasing Cabinets. <br /> <br /> Call us today for more information.<br /> We offer onsite or online free estimate.<br /> Installation Available.<br /> <br /> We have been in business for over 20 years.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Shahdad Mervan | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100000013228608 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828347 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 1:46 AM | 1716079234 | 1749451613 | 810 | 1549926992254356 | 1 | 7.7556581435896E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985641530623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065484 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954744_1362150551092504_3703495546336301760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glbGWWIZBZMQ7kNvgEIXwuF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA24Vbz8ArgqCWYqYRsTDPzo_tN5vN9T8WZSGaDESsH-A&oe=664F0F60 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445089069_427201770016235_3554206624327174289_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DhTK-i6a2TMQ7kNvgEIaCCO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7JBMtt5pf5YEtehdYyR2c3snJYn_hEuBemvxmSFiJhg&oe=664F2D7B | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828121 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 3:05 AM | 1716079230 | 1749456304 | 810 | 7564720143609318 | 238 | 3.7357579099914E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 244510702078253 | 0 | Bizgent | 120206983604460300 | aescman.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ACTIVE CHINOS | Buy 2 Free Shipping | https://www.aescman.com/products/active-chinos?st | 1708498749 | 2.4451070207825E+14 | Aesc-MAN | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428619234_1171253107196267_6918952456401446248_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4_EDah8lEjUQ7kNvgHGkJ3U&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCzVaKBDkmnprct9voS6-9UMIs1kxDTr5KKzkuc0B4fpw&oe=664F01A3 | person_profile | 0 | Aesc-MAN | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428623648_1462818057925489_862216031873065677_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M0hDyCXK9D8Q7kNvgFDxytO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBvZ0_71W0X46pNXZ9v3lWvPrVTYn4XyXBP4VoILWsyOA&oe=664F24AE | 0 | 3 | Made to fit perfect GUARANTEED๐ฅฐ<br /> SHOP NOW ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F49mRaUm&h=AT372yTOCzwhrQ0I82_6aeyUm1EcHWH2XAxxatyObWkO9Vw3hfFMMPEacp3deRsww53BqVdquixb-DyMaO5v980XYy-m70u_Ojm73ZJxjnJzBLQ26mZByaq_7-IHZ0xN_PB9V9Xv1-qWUj4TIQWCJ7WwPi8" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">bit.ly/49mRaUm</a><br /> Buy 2 Free Shipping and save 10% OFF | Bizgent | 153 | https://facebook.com/61556769085461 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828175 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 3:05 AM | 1716079231 | 1749456310 | 810 | 327623880353964 | 1 | 7.4330824129829E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 51442942447 | 0 | Liberty Vineyards & Winery | 6554814490821 | Sunday Afternoon Singo | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Sunday Afternoon Singo | Mark your calendars and join us for this fun event in our pavilion on Sunday, June 2 from 3-5pm. Singo is kind of like Bingo, but with great music instead of numbers. If the song we play is on your card, mark it. The first person to win each round by getting 5 in a row will receive a fun prize from Liberty Vineyards. This isn't music trivia--just a fun way to listen to some favorite songs, sip some award-winning wines, and have fun with your friends. You can even sing along if you want to! Free to attend & play. Wine and snacks available for purchase. | https://www.facebook.com/events/1004749517741910/ | 1716066184 | 51442942447 | Liberty Vineyards & Winery | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442449801_366311576430977_8151933330341990295_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kU1JwKGQt4QQ7kNvgHflDsv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDMaANxTxpEmBgJ7ELGpBdA4a2xev3QMyPXU5LNBUw5bA&oe=664F2055 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Mark your calendars and join us for this fun event in our pavilion on Sunday, June 2 from 3-5pm. Singo is kind of like Bingo, but with great music instead of numbers. If the song we play is on your card, mark it. The first person to win each round by getting 5 in a row will receive a fun prize from Liberty Vineyards. <br /> <br /> This isn't music trivia--just a fun way to listen to some favorite songs, sip some award-winning wines, and have fun with your friends. You can even sing along if you want to! Free to attend & play. Wine and snacks available for purchase. | Liberty Vineyards & Winery | 8931 | https://facebook.com/libertywinery | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828396 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/17/25, 9:20 AM | 1716079234 | 1744899619 | 810 | 1295649851411217 | 1 | 1.0022138715742E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1661386404112394 | 0 | VinylSquad Graphics LLC | 6572038648654 | vinylsquadgraphics.com | Contact us | NONE | image | http://www.vinylsquadgraphics.com/ | 1716065075 | 1.6613864041124E+15 | VinylSquad Graphics LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943091_812335683838830_5959693695266049467_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=82EUHozn4v8Q7kNvgFdFjZu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6J71DwhoTzRJBUlM-fcgp60Ck5EjJ-mqtZmlSlkLQfw&oe=664F2655 | person_profile | 0 | VinylSquad Graphics | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440937004_356683827003070_4138208172760563611_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OayDqvaueOgQ7kNvgEpr62P&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCPWU6w3WBOUTsmwtDUBR3f2JcSxc0d5OtPmgVZQNStTw&oe=664F1F94 | 0 | 3 | Brand Awareness Is ๐ Contact our team today for a free wrap quote over the phone! <br /> #commercialvehiclewraps <br /> @adgraphics_na @gtechniq_na #vinylwrapping #carwraps #vanwraps #businessowner #tampacontractor #floridacontractor #contractors #worktruck #fleetwraps #walmart #amazon #mrhandyman #neighborly #printing | VinylSquad Graphics LLC | 1080 | https://facebook.com/vinylsquad815 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826895 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 4/17/25, 1:32 PM | 1716079143 | 1744914768 | 810 | 653126830331214 | 1 | 1.9026261668413E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059988390618 | NONE | video | 1716056738 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441417865_935259308606192_6957733653194691985_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I8AzTEW4U5AQ7kNvgEmpiaK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBlUE0lKL-OsK18sK_1FouOt-A3H4JROi1EWGVf4bMd4w&oe=664F1F5D | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441352306_788771383353167_1355749213336399086_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PW7ozj2U0QMQ7kNvgHnm-6t&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBoX8-xB4H_vOlClbXA2UpqyoB3h8xqeW584oI1DMwfrw&oe=664F299B | 0 | 3 | Alcohol doesn't actually help you socialize, it just helps you tolerate activities and people you don't really like. โ <br /> <br /> Credit @sober.powered <br /> โ <br /> Follow me for more truths about alcohol. โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle #alcoholfree #alcohol #alcoholism #drinking #socializing #sobergram #sobriety #soberquotes #soberafโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827892 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/1/25, 4:05 AM | 1716079225 | 1735704308 | 810 | 1644080266184382 | 1 | 2.3909409944354E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 285638814779914 | 0 | Zarazua Painting | 6588626133895 | zarazuapainting.com | Apply now | NONE | image | Zarazua Painting Painting | http://www.zarazuapainting.com/ | 1716068818 | 2.8563881477991E+14 | Zarazua Painting | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442418760_941692987707742_77514831034073376_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xRsBgWbIPUAQ7kNvgFrxVkQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBMgZTiuCJ-m3JOr8J2EqpvMeZ5OmJ8wTuENOhCbp3NCQ&oe=664F0F58 | person_profile | 0 | Juan zarazua | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442408000_460050559810397_964392353287255133_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qun10pXCjqIQ7kNvgHEpbXE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDPmvEy9rayZbef3yP7cjqREDzz27AxRMQ4xeHmh0IRQ&oe=664F04D8 | 0 | 3 | Zarazua Painting provides the best painting service in Durham and home remodeling services. #1 rated interior and exterior painting services. Fully insured. | Zarazua Painting | 731 | https://facebook.com/zarazuapaintinginc | 0 | APPLY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828081 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/21/25, 9:54 PM | 1716079229 | 1737496440 | 810 | 1168118341269962 | 1 | 1.7064005300985E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 273418475852351 | 0 | Maren Recipes | 120210163956840050 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Maren Recipes | https://www.facebook.com/273418475852351 | 1716066997 | 2.7341847585235E+14 | Maren Recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477252_1610507683121778_3423630943807697272_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TDDATC-jrKcQ7kNvgEMVebT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAziUPxxAIMBLkl-xscHg4xcQeKS-9Lh39ZRzH57ZxAdQ&oe=664F33B6 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | โค๏ธ Your FREE recipes resource is just a thumbs up away ๐! ๐ Ignite your cooking passion daily ๐ณ! Like, follow, and let's create โค๏ธ. | Maren Recipes | 5801 | https://facebook.com/recipemaren | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828294 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 12/22/24, 2:05 AM | 1716079233 | 1734854748 | 810 | 1435947533710698 | 1 | 1.9119826392347E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 303588053562396 | 0 | Farrell Oconnor | 6572039524654 | Contact us | NONE | image | 1 Bed 1 Bath House | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1396007804423172/ | 1716065667 | 3.035880535624E+14 | Farrell Oconnor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442504776_395365983490672_1815740080662368095_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sUh9_Wh8PlkQ7kNvgHCSSJT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuyN14EzH_h5Du4XpMLOl1kFkWo6XgGUp4e0XEmDHweA&oe=664F042C | regular_page | 1 | Farrell Oconnor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436467641_1155297292335472_1175462347304380764_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zr6kJtEzh_gQ7kNvgGR3Yku&_nc_oc=Adhr8ZjhN3qJYsED1KQwErHvcH83jt0bSBqrLM8aQ7LHyrLC3P3yKKqKHzZ7T5neLhw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5HjeBajih6Ouvof_b0a7KXLrmZblzK_il0aW9RHWHcQ&oe=664F26E6 | 1 | 3 | 1 Bed 1 Bath House - $59,450.00<br /> <br /> We have a brand new tiny house by Tiny House Cottages for sale! Normally this trailer retails for $69,450 but it's now on sale for ONLY $59,450!!!<br /> <br /> This cottage is 9 feet wide by 24 feet long by 13 feet tall. It was built as a showroom display but is no longer needed feel free to text us for exact photos and price list we can arrange delivery to anywhere in the U.S. just let us know your zip code. Text hotline (760) 820-5435 for free 5 page color brochure<br /> <br /> Feel Free to click link below to see all photos and get a delivered quote to your zip code<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyhousecottages.com%2Fmodern-caravan-single-loft-discounted-unit%2F&h=AT1u4rHn5c20FZcAgARDGM4uQ9dpb1Cxuyh5JtS_2ouwsVllp-zDfH_zoc-JxEVrCWDIWyQ01A8qfxlz78RSv_3xQkocjvHwyOLrsAyJvydpDJ-WdIflJ1uTMYhrwLud7o5hPxqFAnRKxA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyhousecottages.com/modern-caravan-single-loft-discounted-unit/</a><br /> <br /> Cottage Includes:<br /> <br /> โขPremium Interior & Exterior Paneling<br /> โขFully Insulated Floor, Walls and Ceiling<br /> โข Full Lite Doors w/ Dead Bolt Lock<br /> โข White Vinyl Dual Pane Windows<br /> โขComposite Roof Shingles with Lifetime Warranty<br /> โขPremium Hardwood Laminate Flooring<br /> โขSpacious Loft that can accommodate a King Size Mattress<br /> โขAdditional Loft for Storage or Twin Size Mattress<br /> โขFull Kitchen: Custom Cabinetry, Granite Countertop & Backsplash, Electric Stove, Apartment Fridge, Sink & Faucet<br /> โข Full Bathroom: Shower Enclosure with Glass Door, Custom Vanity & Countertop, Sink Faucet, Vanity Light with Exhaust Fan, Flush Mount Medicine Cabinet, Toilet and Energy Efficient Water Heater<br /> โข Eight Dimmable LED lights, Ceiling Fan with lights and 10 electrical outlets<br /> โข In-Wall AC unit with Heater & Remote <br /> <br /> Tiny House Cottages is rated the #1 tiny home builder in the U.S.! With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry we are sure to build your perfect cottage! <br /> <br /> If you are interested in purchasing this Tiny Home, or one like it, please contact us at via email or visit our website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.TinyHouseCottages.com%2F&h=AT0aGNw4QtJ2b9NMyguTv9xU8CJ66jyPGegSQkpYEk38MOCuo9p-MPbIUZvlQOb8eYf_sBUxsSTsQlfg6imloYAMjxJjJ3XuD9sTXZiN-3KevyDee4nrYOZ5R1yH_Vy8hguRUNC6Hb6fMjmwa-4YnlJekoE" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">www.TinyHouseCottages.com</a> Feel free to call or text us for free 5 page color brochure with pricing and floor plans thanks 760 820 5435<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Farrell Oconnor | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1089577377 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828273 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079232 | 1723774118 | 810 | 425100843613485 | 1 | 4.3610241208473E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100946659624283 | 0 | Best Home Offers | 120207160265960699 | fb.me | Get offer | NONE | video | Want To Sell Your House "AS-IS" At A Top CASH Price?๐ฐ | Get Your Cash Offer within 24hr ๐ค | http://fb.me/ | 1709253869 | 1.0094665962428E+14 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430227508_1362054754504410_4370435602717214773_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pXNh1vD--9YQ7kNvgH7ROMv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBw_POfgIpa8kBKIyyGAyZEcN4v-tv1Fd8CXWQfwZNmoA&oe=664F0C6A | person_profile | 0 | Best Home Offers | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430283942_1602705023890024_1587818113018198688_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m0u_ysuXmFgQ7kNvgF73Xpg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYABBRBxxJK84B5l1t5R-pSVWCQnqgf5SkF0IIlY2uAffw&oe=664F1A21 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Need to sell your house FAST? If we offered to BUY your house Quickly on your timeline, at a Top CASH Price, with our competitive Cash Offer and without the need for repairs, fees, or commissions:<br /> <br /> โ So you can sell your property FAST on your timeline<br /> <br /> โ So you can receive a Top Cash Price Offer on your property<br /> <br /> โ Without the need for repairs, we'll take your property as-is<br /> <br /> โ Without commissions or fees, and no need for a realtor<br /> <br /> โ So you can get a FAST sale at a FAIR Cash Price<br /> <br /> โ While treating you like family in the closing process<br /> <br /> ...Would you be interested in a no-obligation Cash Offer from us?<br /> <br /> ๐ One Simple Step: Click below. Fill out the form. Get your cash offer.<br /> <br /> Ready to find out how much cash we can give for your home? Request an offer by clicking below, and we'll send a fast, free, no-obligation offer. | Best Home Offers | 23 | https://facebook.com/certifiedclosingsteam | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827745 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/28/24, 10:30 AM | 1716079222 | 1724859055 | 810 | 1019187709042371 | 1 | 1.1268466552471E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419177290718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=190605 | 1715311172 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441074174_755279940024394_6079536959257477979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W6nGRo29x7oQ7kNvgEnHW4f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbIRXmnqE-FjRFFNsG--XBYqkGs0GzVLs0py2x8Xpuug&oe=664F332B | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954479_426038926725234_2315226747811987673_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NsfVoriSToYQ7kNvgGG3rao&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWsHB_stv9L1-WCasKe_YH8mZSUReBwKaqAW9S6LTP1A&oe=664F190B | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828051 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/1/25, 5:10 PM | 1716079228 | 1740849005 | 810 | 431076309869461 | 1 | 4.2678402674559E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2446236252075427 | 0 | Haley Blankenhorn | 120209256319740394 | Contact us | NONE | image | 12x20 Metal Garage - Free Delivery - Zero Down Options Available | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/336266539483159/ | 1716067173 | 2.4462362520754E+15 | Haley Blankenhorn | regular_page | 1 | Haley Blankenhorn | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428365574_473787248424482_514018483672350951_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S4BRGU9bLngQ7kNvgG_1gx7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDCnUbUyQd33Pux9GtOqd5X7lC0DxLOuGpZpP0_XfvqrQ&oe=664F191B | 0 | 3 | 12x20 Metal Garage - Free Delivery - Zero Down Options Available - $4,980.00<br /> <br /> RTO and LOW Monthly Payment Financing Available โ 12X20 Metal Garage with Rollup Garage Door, Mandoor - Includes Free Delivery and setup.<br /> <br /> Our buildings are of the highest quality with our attention to detail unmatched by mass produced sheds. Just pick the size, the color of your siding, trim and roof and we will take care of the restโฆโฆโฆโฆ<br /> <br /> Other Sizes Available:<br /> <br /> 10X16 ($4,159)<br /> 12ร16 ($4,759)<br /> 12ร20 ($5,289)<br /> 12ร24 ($5,999)<br /> 12X30 ($7,279)<br /> 14ร24 ($7,369)<br /> 14ร28 ($8,309)<br /> 14ร32 ($8,809)<br /> 14ร36 ($9,669)<br /> <br /> Roof Material: Metal<br /> <br /> Siding Material: Metal<br /> <br /> Standard Features:<br /> <br /> All standard with a rollup garage door, one 3โ entry door, one window, and a 3โ4โ floor. <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Haley Blankenhorn | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1159470216 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828308 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/9/25, 12:18 AM | 1716079233 | 1752038307 | 810 | 776511421278695 | 1 | 8.9602890561535E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105373221625421 | 0 | Platinum Bucket | 6595258820497 | Send message | NONE | image | Junk Removal | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I schedule a free, in person estimate?","response":"Yes! When would you like to schedule your free in person estimate?"}],"text":"Hi, What can we help you haul away?"}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716065549 | 1.0537322162542E+14 | Platinum Bucket | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436275633_869024188382403_8182867873678670034_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QCPqFql-TJwQ7kNvgGlr18P&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWYPhzJs2n2QoU-08kOTefk27HeQPd52HuqRZ-EAYvFA&oe=664F1125 | person_profile | 0 | Platinum Bucket Junk Removal | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436329221_2611946095645505_3895305582099688883_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ThrZLttX1hwQ7kNvgE2xd-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDN3-Vk4ph5dFVkc9ALenkSfUIgghvwFwxylZHQ_9rN2w&oe=664F1278 | 0 | 3 | Need a haul? Give us a call!๐คณ<br /> ๐ฒ949-835-3328<br /> โ 5 โญ๏ธ on Yelp and Google!<br /> โ Local and Family Owned<br /> โ Free Estimates <br /> โ Same Day and Next Day Service <br /> โ Eco-friendly โป๏ธ<br /> โ Fully Insured<br /> If you have junk, furniture, appliances, or any other bulky items you need removed from your home, give us a call, text, or fill out our online form for a free estimate!<br /> Our trusted, reliable junk service can help you with whatever you need hauled away! We strive to offer the absolute best customer service and make sure that all useable items are taken to donation centers to limit what ends up in our landfills! Donโt just call any junk service, choose local, choose family owned, choose eco-friendly, choose Platinum Bucket!<br /> Put it in the bucket!๐๏ธ<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Platinum-Bucket.com%2F&h=AT1pFO8BwlKA0yC_519IbILbY8gEyMwy8zPzUGsS2S9epjeyV_lw03VICKStj_6KdU4dDiu24pLvT7sC_FN07nQcMEu57pjE_1c_WJh3dqgxqi45efD9JIb3eMVnAHc9ZkONDzU2CzS-bw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.Platinum-Bucket.com</a> | Platinum Bucket | 516 | https://facebook.com/PlatinumBucket | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828455 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/6/25, 6:29 AM | 1716079235 | 1743938995 | 810 | 964778462016217 | 1 | 4.6182141965719E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694667750509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Before Tuck Pointing | ๐๏ธSchedule Free Inspection | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064854 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443718014_1122588028856044_3584570347208529367_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T5xkKvABl7YQ7kNvgF6d8Cp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA469Ae2u0_5TCRxlvK7qPDO53pg7HAw82pEM3k0Ok0_g&oe=664F3175 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443820754_467671772289939_7857677328140416818_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Umkawyb6foIQ7kNvgGnntU4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBTwIZlIt4qvunOazUtv1QJ9PiVlSzOWd7lRv-x4S3MOg&oe=664F1CFD | 0 | 3 | ๐๏ธSchedule Free Inspection | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828223 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/6/25, 12:28 AM | 1716079232 | 1743917282 | 810 | 423956167251764 | 1 | 9.7658302367082E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 103080112536890 | 0 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 120212025545960592 | allnattybro.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Gym T-shirt BroScience | https://allnattybro.com/products/bro-science-t-shirt?_pos=1&_psq=br&_ss=e&_v=1.0 | 1716062625 | 1.0308011253689E+14 | Allnattybro gymclothing | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442405896_1408468739845145_5753261391139511334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aTS45rKpIqsQ7kNvgEIe0m-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBS4jDkovYJuDc6MDH-0FJF_U3WTePmqaBgeVZ8xyE1og&oe=664F0EE3 | person_profile | 0 | AllNattybro | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440872134_2181172698885561_6134079082773722523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SF3PA0M2BmsQ7kNvgEVBEVB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcAn0z4qu4kGrelAJxWTFW7E3sUpDqCrDvpkZtrNUCXw&oe=664EFFF0 | 0 | 3 | Allnattybro gymclothing | 183 | https://facebook.com/100084920208181 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826890 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/9/25, 5:51 AM | 1716079143 | 1749466300 | 810 | 1464561850814838 | 1 | 9.177674501222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059995410618 | NONE | video | 1716056718 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477359_3710140682534865_1700695220569366524_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T2bBditIDLIQ7kNvgF6iigz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCKp4HWyX4q2IMY-wViZsCNAS7fY2fHcFfUcLUUp_m8GQ&oe=664F23A6 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442478774_2180030485668581_8818636031763806642_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rMukxpqKkFcQ7kNvgF0_bHm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAkM8Dy1yX0cXyR9OStyQoYbGrkMQP7qvkVzYDCfVzWYA&oe=664F07E4 | 0 | 3 | Drinking only on special occasions?โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #sobergram #sober #drinking #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelifestyle #sobriety #soberlife #quitdrinking #addiction #alcohol | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827194 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/9/25, 5:51 AM | 1716079177 | 1749466305 | 810 | 305392575838829 | 2 | 1.3523364125193E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 144939265372419 | 0 | Indulge in story | 120211473983910747 | redtgb.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | ๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10926&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1715918677 | 1.4493926537242E+14 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442477258_907723381125422_5055201934113902389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=szKKyJ8VI1IQ7kNvgEl_fjn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQyaPG8YQd1c_8Uc1IfXUhoIYbXSryqktWK43W4GDJYg&oe=664F0538 | person_profile | 0 | Indulge in story | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442496116_1606871263445710_5634148219212488631_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHEmJBS2KMsQ7kNvgHm0CQj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC9WUrB-ycEgkHFD7Js7qNniRiwVc_vUVTATSDM95SvHQ&oe=664F0E4A | 0 | 3 | Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that theyโre finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from the miscarriage lingered, even though it had been a long time since that day. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijahโs world โ his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijahโs ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized Iโd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatโs when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijahโs ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. โYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.โ I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyโre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnโt cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iโd remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. โSo why are you here?โ Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. โYour mom asked me to deliver this,โ I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didnโt. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heโd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. โSophia, you look shaken up. Didnโt you know Elijah hired me to work here?โ Her voice dripped with sarcasm. โApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donโt recall seeing you here before.โ She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, โOh, right, you donโt know anything about business. You might just mess things up.โ โI take care of our home,โ I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnโt even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, โNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iโll have my assistant come over.โ "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijahโs secretary came in. โAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,โ he instructed. โJust black for Serena. No sugar.โ Serenaโs eyes lit up. โHey, you remembered!โ she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. โOf course.โ I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldnโt help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. โJoin us, Sophia,โ Serena invited with a devilish grin. โJust like how we used to hang out together in college.โ I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. โI have to go,โ I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. โIโll see you at home.โ Elijahโs expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after my miscarriage. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. Youโre the one who keeps hoping heโll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband's mom Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldnโt seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iโm back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained โ the papers Iโd been reviewing the night before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 Sophiaโs POV My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morganaโs voice outside. โSophia!โ she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. Thatโs when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full with disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. โElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,โ she said with a scoff. โYou canโt even be relied on for such a simple task.โ Her words cut deep. โWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,โ she continued. โThen you had a miscarriage and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, โMy son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.โ The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I donโt deserve this, I thought sourly. Itโs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iโd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iโve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, Iโd always seemed invisible to them. Iโve been obedient, helpful, and hardworkingโฆ But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iโm nothing to him. He doesnโt love me and he never learned to. Thatโs the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or Iโll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnโt realized Iโd already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasnโt, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. โHey, playing hard to get, arenโt you?โ he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didnโt have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. โWhen did Serena start working at your company?โ I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnโt stop what he was doing. โNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.โ He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. โSerena is such a talented addition to our team,โ he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn't believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. โYou know,โ he said, oblivious to my disappointment, โshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.โ Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeโa kind of infatuationโthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He's probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn't want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. โWhatโs wrong with you?โ he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnโt answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. โYouโve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youโd snap out of it, but youโve only gotten worse. Itโs depressing to even see you.โ I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnโt even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. โMaybe itโs because of the miscarriageโฆโ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, โWhy donโt we just make another baby?โ I couldnโt believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didnโt understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iโve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnโt get it. Or maybe he just doesnโt care. I was totally pissed off. And thatโs when I blurted it out. โI want to divorce you.โ CHAPTER 3 Sophiaโs POV I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another โ strangers whoโd been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. โI want a divorce,โ I repeated, keeping my voice steady. โIโm serious.โ Slowly he nodded. โYes, sure,โ he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. Iโm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnโt feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth โ he never loved me at all. Heโs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itโs time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. โWe should sign this,โ I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. โElijah, please,โ I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnโt break. โLet's end this.โ His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnโt sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serenaโs name, making my heart tighten. I canโt believe this womanโs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnโt want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. โWhy donโt you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.โ He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings โ relief, frustration, anger, sadness. โIโm finally free,โ I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, โThe morningโs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.โ With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. โSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.โ Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesnโt matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. โYou know what? It's actually quite nice,โ she said, her tone almost mocking. โElijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!โ Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iโm done here. Iโm done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after the miscarriage, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. โLuckily I hadnโt sold it,โ I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: Bad guy Elijah! You guys just got divorced, and now heโs out partying with this whore already and flaunting her like heโs never done with you?! CHAPTER 4 Sophiaโs POV โAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!โ Kayla hissed. โIf I had known heโd treat you like that, I wouldnโt have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnโt have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!โ Being the daughter of Raven Mediaโs renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. โYou should have seen them at the party last night!โ she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. โThey didnโt even care that I was there! They were justโฆ Aaahhh! I really couldnโt take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!โ โOh, wow,โ I uttered in disbelief. โBut itโs over now, Kayla. Iโm doing my best to move on.โ Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. โIโm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.โ โThanks so much. Iโm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,โ I responded with a fluttering heart. โWell, youโve always had my back even in high school. So now itโs my turn to return the favor.โ Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. Weโd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. โAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnโt deserve you, Sophia,โ she went on. โSo what are you planning now?โ โWell, Iโve been giving it some thoughtโฆโ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. โA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceโโ โYou did not!โ she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. โThis will surely be your big break!โ I laughed. โI havenโt been accepted yet, you know.โ โOh, but you will be!โ Kaylaโs enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijahโs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaโs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. โGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.โ As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahโs sharp tone of voice on the other end. โYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!โ โWait, what do you mean?โ โYou know Iโm busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!โ Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. โIโll talk to Troy.โ โGood. Make sure he doesnโt come back again ever.โ Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnโt speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. โSorry I have to go now, Kayla,โ I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved after Tom Bennett, my adoptive father, died. Heโd left me the original house where heโd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyโd bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. โWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!โ Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. โIt was never going to work out,โ I said, trying to maintain my composure. โJust please stop bothering him. Weโve cut our ties. You canโt ask for more from him anymore.โ โOh, man!โ Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. โDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!โ Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. โWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iโm guessing thereโs a third party involved! People who donโt know better would think that woman is his wife!โ I could feel my heart rate increasing. In my head, I could picture Elijah and Serena sitting very closely in the office. โSheโs the reason for your breakup, isnโt she?โ Troy said, looking smug. โI knew it! I never trusted that guy from the very beginning. Heโs probably been hooking up with different women since you got married!โ I wanted to make him shut up, but I just stood there, wanting to burst into tears. โUnfaithful jerk,โ Troy added, shaking his head in disbelief. CHAPTER 5 Sophiaโs POV My heart felt like it would explode any time now. โIt doesnโt matter,โ I eventually said to Troy. โItโs none of my business now. I donโt care what he does with that woman or with whomever.โ Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, โWeโre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!โ โButโฆโ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. โElijah and I are over. Besides, Iโll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahโs wealth, then now you wonโt have any more need for me, right?โ They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. โAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandโs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,โ I went on in a steady voice. โWe donโt have to see or talk to each other ever again.โ On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this dramaโs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnโt fully recovered since the miscarriage. โCould you please take me to the hospital?โ I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. โAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,โ he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. โOh, wait! Itโs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?โ I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. โUh, Daniel?โ I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. โYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.โ I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. โHow are you feeling now?โ Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. โA little better, but still kinda dizzy,โ I answered honestly. โThanks for the assistance, but itโs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youโve already done too much for me.โ โOh, itโs okay,โ he said with a smile. โUnless you donโt want me here.โ โItโs nothing like that, of course!โ I quickly replied. โThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iโm here.โ โWell, Iโm all ears. People say Iโm a good listener.โ I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, โI donโt really know you, Danielโฆโ โYou know my name. Thatโs a start.โ His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. โI rememberโฆ Daniel Pierceโฆโ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. โHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.โ He laughed. โYouโve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too โ the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.โ I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. โYouโre joking!โ โNo, itโs trueโฆ Really! Iโm sure youโve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?โ He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. โGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.โ โOh.โ His expression changed immediately. โIโm sorry to hear that.โ โYou know, it's been a rough few months,โ I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. โI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.โ Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. โAnd then there's the miscarriage I had... It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?โ He nodded in understanding. โIโm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iโm sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?โ โYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,โ I answered, thinking about my application in France. โHmmโฆ sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. โIt takes courage to make such a big change.โ I smiled weakly. โActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.โ Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. โReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Parisโฆโ My jaw dropped. โWhat? Iโm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!โ He looked at me with astonishment. โWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weโll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.โ I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. โThatโs reallyโฆ something else.โ โSurely youโll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?โ โThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iโm looking at an apartment there, since itโs where most students live.โ Daniel chuckled. โAnd it looks like weโll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.โ He gave me a lopsided grin. โWho knows? Maybe weโre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letโs fly together. I mean, if thatโs alright with you?โ His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. โThank you, Danielโฆโ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. โMiss Sophia Bennett?โ she informed me. โYour test results are here.โ CHAPTER 6 Sophiaโs POV Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. โWell, Sophia,โ he began, his tone measured, โthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.โ I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. โYouโre going to be parents. Congratulations!โ the doctor added. Iโmโฆ pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. โOther than that, youโre perfectly healthy, Sophia,โ the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didnโt know what to say either. โLet me drive you home, Sophia,โ he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and Iโm supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it wonโt have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I donโt have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. Iโm so sorry, baby. Itโs just all too sudden. But I know that Iโm going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrivedโI had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a weekโs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. โCall me when you get there!โ she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. โEverything will be okay,โ he reassured me. โI'm here. We'll do this together.โ His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, Youโre my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed pastโthe Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was itโthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. โLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,โ he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. โJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.โ I rolled my eyes. โI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.โ He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. โI'm just saying, youโll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!โ I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. โOh, shut up.โ We both laughed. He added, โYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.โ โOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?โ Daniel grinned. โHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.โ I playfully nudged him. โI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.โ He appeared pleased with that statement. โFair enough,โ he answered with a teasing smile. โBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.โ I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. โCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.โ As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. โHello.โ I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. โWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?โ a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. "Hello?" I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allow to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." | Indulge in story | 535 | https://facebook.com/61552702618591 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827601 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 5:51 AM | 1716079220 | 1749466310 | 810 | 428702196442384 | 1 | 4.3422969255014E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 120177844846289 | 0 | Sasha - The Options Trading Coach | 120210585780000555 | optionsblackbelt.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Get The Trading Bucket Method | Craft your ideal portfolio for consistent monthly gains. Explore proven strategies that cater to your financial objectives for a profitable investment journey. | https://optionsblackbelt.com/flow/o-103p-trading-bucket-roadblocks/ | 1715401666 | 1.2017784484629E+14 | Sasha - The Options Trading Coach | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436568864_987904526186748_5037954963856872442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bEeXj-uI9BMQ7kNvgEaEVvQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAVUcTV_yWfKj1m5nws_t1GeR67OdjnG9KniBvEjedxfA&oe=664F05C3 | person_profile | 0 | Sasha - The Options Trading Co | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441231664_978290363896939_3770838073897218560_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ualrt_KpCmkQ7kNvgGCaJ_r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDxsXJpSQgQ-kzW3BlJ5W1LSAhUdfcfhrJYhtKXOoxMTQ&oe=664F2CF1 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Are you an options trader close to retirement with a $25K+ portfolio struggling to find a strategy that works?<br /> <br /> Download my free PDF and training video and learn how to run your trading portfolio like a multi-million dollar business.<br /> <br /> ๐ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Foptionsblackbelt.com%2Fflow%2Fo-103p-trading-bucket-roadblocks%2F&h=AT3LYRpkFeJlC2I7ER9rcI5EEqMPX9srlUpq5fUMA3-ySxYE_uBP2WGYNPCz1oSVVxKtyIj-yY5Eja4gMOUdhxZQvu4XQbLiETotFjwRIKTskFu6J3RLcKzDM7oPoG9-dE1ZpEBrTm4uPQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://optionsblackbelt.com/flow/o-103p-trading-bucket-roadblocks/</a><br /> <br /> - My method, which is in this video training, has helped 395+ option traders manage a profitable portfolio!<br /> <br /> The truth isโฆyou donโt need to study charts, join trading groups, or sign up for trade alert services.<br /> <br /> The Trading Bucket Method will show you the simple steps to manage your trading portfolio correctly.<br /> <br /> If you are an options trader close to retirement and have a $25K+ portfolio and are looking for a successful and prove strategyโฆ. <br /> <br /> Then download my free PDF and training video and learn how to run your trading portfolio like a multi-million dollar business!<br /> <br /> ๐ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Foptionsblackbelt.com%2Fflow%2Fo-103p-trading-bucket-roadblocks%2F&h=AT3gm_-6sZe9ZdM2YLiq8EFNKuPSZI6Ql0ohYr-PL4y8bXYGxkC-cbsUEY24Pu8Va2MzBozKMQHlq87AlVtaxiFWjWbsDeJyWhrmda0RegJ7PIdRUUMV0W8P_aJTaGM-idQXO9eyD7LyZA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://optionsblackbelt.com/flow/o-103p-trading-bucket-roadblocks/</a> | Sasha - The Options Trading Coach | 18934 | https://facebook.com/tradersfly | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715410800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827848 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 5:51 AM | 1716079224 | 1749466319 | 810 | 788985896662414 | 1 | 9.7396517765626E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059980200618 | NONE | video | 1716056898 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475218_809248687827311_8483629652543518360_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm6KO2XhmHYQ7kNvgFWYj-1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBRQL5q9r9gBRRHC818IFOi-FwLOyOktYU9kcpcEUMM4Q&oe=664F2868 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174009_458995089961721_3494387077986193638_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wZvVFcpCxhMQ7kNvgGTkfUw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBa3qMLT9Qb_yuelh_oiXaY82NlFnc8JiBMPbcMmkwFQQ&oe=664F214F | 0 | 3 | You need something better in your life that creates "fun" versus alcohol. jordan.b.petersonโ <br /> โ <br /> #alcohol โ <br /> #addiction โ <br /> #sobriety โ <br /> #sobergramโ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyleโ <br /> #alcoholfree | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827860 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/7/25, 6:11 AM | 1716079224 | 1746616294 | 810 | 1899561450487445 | 5 | 1.382432682418E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120208435433640307 | www.campsnapcamera.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Screen-Free Digital Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1715726974 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438260328_1099297761129337_6902623652155088079_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nJVnlGvvM4EQ7kNvgErxyCJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDVDZWq-hEZCg2RpzOtmdYZS4RBr4IDb1AlRXpHyTityQ&oe=664F254E | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943869_2217956841883603_4146004492485298929_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=THoza-dOF0IQ7kNvgGUgb3O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB4Yxnm-GFjrmgpWqwaa7-fjWXxjI9IlrvnCd_JOMM1eg&oe=664F2100 | 0 | 3 | Screen Free Digital Camera - Live in the moment, check your photos when you get home!<br /> <br /> Our screen-free digital camera replaces the need for disposable film cameras and captures high-quality 8-megapixel images that are stored on a TF memory card. Plus, with the ability to store more than 2000 photos, Camp Snap is better for the environment and saves you money.<br /> <br /> Camp Snap features a rechargeable battery that can take hundreds of photos per charge, and photos are easily transferred to your computer via USB-C. Plus, with no screen, you won't be distracted by technology and can focus on making memories. | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828045 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 7:23 AM | 1716079228 | 1749471800 | 810 | 7453504751364947 | 1 | 2.5435174256126E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 99962144928 | 0 | Alaska Department of Health | 120209399715490075 | NONE | image | 1716067250 | 99962144928 | Alaska Department of Health | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442488300_6940996492666650_6385783508748187899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xLYBSOyx6BQQ7kNvgFPfnCd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCJ-_qqNb7R1DhdJ5Wdob7XMmHwfbtorH-ng3N1hYcIhw&oe=664F1F51 | person_profile | 0 | Alaska Department of Health | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441320570_1169919961118151_2030699357151560116_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=COfGOPQWKRQQ7kNvgH25Qdh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCWPpyTdrBEK2k-axCtIrgvk5YGTRfn9J9hYHJSl3yr5w&oe=664F000E | 0 | 3 | BRUCE CHANGED HIS LIFE WITH A FREE PROGRAM | Bruce of Anchorage used to sleep only 4 hours a night. He worked with a health care provider to improve his sleep. Now he sleeps 8 hours a night.<br /> <br /> Alaska offers free Fresh Start programs to help adults sleep better, lose weight, move more, lower their blood sugar and blood pressure, and stop smoking and vaping. Many programs are online or by phone. ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ? ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ต๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐.๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ธ๐ฎ.๐ด๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐โ๐ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐. | Alaska Department of Health | 36706 | https://facebook.com/doh.alaska | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828353 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 8:17 AM | 1716079234 | 1749475023 | 810 | 333398946436647 | 10 | 4.6028773312516E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 308633722332830 | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6558196372214 | abugarciaclearance.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ | https://www.abugarciaclearance.com/collections/best-selling-reels | 1715246615 | 3.0863372233283E+14 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441900546_448112301033620_8030312599304288794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p-hKtJH_EiwQ7kNvgGnj2uG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAn4iC8q_TNzN67N27Lb66RhP5um2Tk3DBzR4ZzPKGpEA&oe=664F248F | person_profile | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440331395_811628967515189_7822145890397911107_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8yz6Is0vwt8Q7kNvgG1txDB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBvAuDTEHG0sOR0Eb3uEfDEp53qsOBykPkinbVxeAc7bA&oe=664F07BC | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐น๐ถ๐ซ & ๐น๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ณ&๐ช๐ถ๐ด๐ฉ๐ถ๐บ๐๐ผ๐ท ๐ป๐ถ 90% ๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ.This is a great opportunity to refresh your fishing equipment!<br /> ๐ Donโt miss it! Limited Stock! <br /> โ Package delivered within 7 days.<br /> โ Free returns within 60 days.<br /> โ Authenticity assured.Hurry, these deals won't last! | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6 | https://facebook.com/61559584917442 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828036 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 7:51 AM | 1716079228 | 1749473468 | 810 | 1482065206021088 | 1 | 1.6290142579109E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 378179394259 | 0 | J Designs Pool & Spa, Inc. | 120211330422950548 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | video | Save Thousands on Your Dream Pool | Take advantage of our Spring Sales event and SAVE THOUSANDS | http://fb.me/ | 1716067371 | 378179394259 | J Designs Pool & Spa, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442463797_7536177653142141_974864985140389325_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jC9cERtnDX0Q7kNvgFETh1N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDXYDxZcSNjwLUhqU2oAdcAEToAAwrLHViH31GlNuqQ3Q&oe=664F0ADD | person_profile | 0 | JDesigns | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442508992_973217494041923_7460761616216963188_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qUuW75hu36sQ7kNvgHqkYap&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUELEjqGXCgfGeBFuMhiujYQYzoMF5FkfYEYgCOLh7qg&oe=664F3478 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Save thousands on your custom inground pool this spring! Schedule a FREE one-on-one consultation with LA's top rated pool builders at J Designs Pool & Spa. Specializing in the design and construction of custom pools, outdoor kitchens and more - we have you covered! Licensed & insured professionals since '97. Call (866) 636-3059 or contact us online today! | J Designs Pool & Spa, Inc. | 2283 | https://facebook.com/JDesignspoolandspa | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827414 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/27/25, 8:41 PM | 1716079211 | 1745804515 | 810 | 2686973531471912 | 2 | 4.5832116343487E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704478180151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085783 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301483_772503778357537_4646549048546919570_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Els1D-PbhCMQ7kNvgEaTirz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_TW-6LDRBAHpGthViWndxVC-pJfvR7SfPbPbkcxV0Ow&oe=664F22FB | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302724_1163780487957882_134322267978393844_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eZ1N0fSZip4Q7kNvgHXlC4g&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAn_4cACwjRhdDn2vH8UP6cEVZyk2Sp8JenMT9U-TzrNw&oe=664F2B3A | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0pmpW1wNZdvVcPhUxUqDer6FiS-wUriF3o6xTD1XZ0KlHpcby1O1ROjSrBkc9tYNKWqy9ekHiG-ezU3Yh1kEXa22ZHN33E4YsgXiyHq3VqHj9C3jCisjZAwbKE7dSoEATlIdwCruz2UQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827946 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/7/25, 7:47 AM | 1716079226 | 1746622047 | 810 | 1648373819281726 | 1 | 4.2567749355356E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 122633521089672 | 0 | El Caobo Internacional | 6542929452315 | ECI TUESDAYS - MAMBO SALSA BACHATA & MORE โUNDER THE STARS 2024!โ at PIER 31 (Year 10) | INTERESTED | NONE | event | ECI TUESDAYS - MAMBO SALSA BACHATA & MORE โUNDER THE STARS 2023!โ at PIER 31 (Year 10) | Beginning Tuesday, May 28, 2024... If it's Tuesday during the summer in Chicago, it's time for... ECI TUESDAY MAMBO SALSA BACHATA & MORE โUNDER THE STARS 2024!โ at PIER 31 (Year 10) (https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/) 31st Street Beachside Bar & Grill (Pier 31) 3101 S. Lakeshore Drive Chicago, IL 60616 EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE SUMMER! (Since 2014) (All dates are tentative, pending weather conditions.) 6:00pm - 10:00pm - 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dance Lesson - 7:00pm - 10:00pm: Open Dancing Music by: El Caobo and Friends (www.elcaobo.net) - El Caobo: May 29, 2024 Dance Lesson by: - Nadia Avarado: May 29, 2024 Pier 31, the restaurant, is THE place for food, drinks, and to visit with friends and family. With an expansive deck looking over Lake Michigan at the 31st Street beach, Pier 31 is just footsteps from the sand, the beach and the boating docks. Join us for safer fun in the sun and under the stars! Pier 31 remains open until the weather becomes too cool for people to enjoy the lakefront. ABOUT PARKING: When you exit Lake Shore Drive at 31st Street, look for the blue parking signs. There are several of these signs that will lead you to metered parking. There is parking south of Pier 31 (city metered) and a paid parking lot west of Lake Shore Drive. Also, there is free parking on Cottage Grove! Remember, if itโs a Tuesday in Chicago, itโs ECI Tuesday Mambo Salsa Bachata & More at Pier 31! ******************************************* #ElCaoboInternacional | #ElCaobo | #Salsa | #Mambo | #Bachata | #Merengue | #Chicago | #ECI | #SalsaChicago | #ChicagoSalsa | #BachataChicago | #chicagobachata | #MamboChicago | #ChicagoMambo | #KizombaChicago | #ChicagoKizomba | #NotJustDancingPARTYING | #MixMasters | #RadioMamboClรกsicoConElCaobo | #MamboClรกsicoConElCaobo | #Fania | #FaniaRecords | #SalsaDeLaMata | #RadioMamboClรกsico | #MamboClรกsico | #SalsaClรกsica | #pier31restaurant | #SalsaTuesday | #TuesdaySalsa | #Pier31alwaysCoolerNearTheLake https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/ | https://www.facebook.com/events/1508861849708019/ | 1716068107 | 1.2263352108967E+14 | El Caobo Internacional | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445368742_467358205741456_5249087581403054487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rF_lwoeXOFQQ7kNvgHKjdBP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDvfXX5PrCJXCLESQ2zsUYXojCVPFJKkidwKr9EpnwOfg&oe=664F2E77 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Beginning Tuesday, May 28, 2024...<br /> <br /> If it's Tuesday during the summer in Chicago, it's time for...<br /> <br /> ECI TUESDAY MAMBO SALSA BACHATA & MORE<br /> โUNDER THE STARS 2024!โ at PIER 31 (Year 10)<br /> (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/</a>)<br /> <br /> 31st Street Beachside Bar & Grill (Pier 31)<br /> 3101 S. Lakeshore Drive<br /> Chicago, IL 60616<br /> <br /> EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE SUMMER! (Since 2014)<br /> (All dates are tentative, pending weather conditions.)<br /> 6:00pm - 10:00pm<br /> - 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dance Lesson<br /> - 7:00pm - 10:00pm: Open Dancing<br /> <br /> Music by: El Caobo and Friends (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elcaobo.net%2F&h=AT03yZ6m8-AUIYz_aZ8qLiqyUdprDsBnDJAhK59ulE23cXlFjXi7nwuTpsNUx8dtmwSB8zjfTYVVIShYsPNWFOdql-qOS54RIk5Xf1Zlfz9zuTSrvN9SCy1jBOPiO6BtTRv2qfWDU0wRKQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.elcaobo.net</a>)<br /> - El Caobo: May 28, 2024<br /> <br /> Dance Lesson by:<br /> - Nadia Avarado: May 28, 2024<br /> <br /> Pier 31, the restaurant, is THE place for food, drinks, and to visit with friends and family. With an expansive deck looking over Lake Michigan at the 31st Street beach, Pier 31 is just footsteps from the sand, the beach and the boating docks. Join us for safer fun in the sun and under the stars!<br /> <br /> Pier 31 remains open until the weather becomes too cool for people to enjoy the lakefront.<br /> <br /> ABOUT PARKING:<br /> <br /> When you exit Lake Shore Drive at 31st Street, look for the blue parking signs. There are several of these signs that will lead you to metered parking. There is parking south of Pier 31 (city metered) and a paid parking lot west of Lake Shore Drive. Also, there is free parking on Cottage Grove!<br /> <br /> Remember, if itโs a Tuesday in Chicago, itโs ECI Tuesday Mambo Salsa Bachata & More at Pier 31!<br /> <br /> *******************************************<br /> #ElCaoboInternacional | #ElCaobo | #Salsa | #Mambo | #Bachata | #Merengue | #Chicago | #ECI | #SalsaChicago | #ChicagoSalsa | #BachataChicago | #chicagobachata | #MamboChicago | #ChicagoMambo | #KizombaChicago | #ChicagoKizomba | #NotJustDancingPARTYING | #MixMasters | #RadioMamboClรกsicoConElCaobo | #MamboClรกsicoConElCaobo | #Fania | #FaniaRecords | #SalsaDeLaMata | #RadioMamboClรกsico | #MamboClรกsico | #SalsaClรกsica | #pier31restaurant | #SalsaTuesday | #TuesdaySalsa | #Pier31alwaysCoolerNearTheLake <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/events/1508894189704785/</a> | El Caobo Internacional | 2415 | https://facebook.com/ElCaoboInternacional | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827931 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/2/25, 5:12 AM | 1716079226 | 1740892327 | 810 | 1166042684525439 | 4 | 7.3908853836671E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101019649450516 | 0 | Dark Romance Reads | 120207763270620673 | amazon.com | Download | NONE | image | Revenge against the brother who stole everything. | The Taste of Revenge (War of Sins Book 1) | https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Revenge-War-Sins-Book-ebook/dp/B0BZLXDM11/ | 1709866004 | 1.0101964945052E+14 | Dark Romance Reads | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431625156_427935049579510_5003825180971912136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vZPfHhaZRikQ7kNvgFRl0MP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDbysQDbL6aaeIxWhrnSrhBBe9ZcLODTJ1VWb4XGUJA9Q&oe=664F3575 | person_profile | 0 | Dark Romance Reads | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430154636_1120789885774931_6654816426454612445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qGBAESiDt3QQ7kNvgEi2y3z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAnG8G_yUTT5D3yyEP1UFflBRGgFIpzYIZnW8RsFcw8hA&oe=664F36B9 | 0 | 3 | "These are cigarette burns, Noelle. Who did this to you?" His tone turns softer, just as his features start to lose some of the previous tension. <br /> <br /> "It doesn't matter now, does it?" I whisper, blinking back tears. <br /> <br /> "You can still get an annulment, you know. It's not too late." <br /> <br /> I give him a sad smile. <br /> <br /> "Who did this to you?" he grits out, his hold tightening over my arm.<br /> <br /> A low chuckle erupts from my throat. "Are you asking because you don't know?"<br /> <br /> Click the download button now to continue reading The Taste of Revenge FREE on kindle unlimited! | Dark Romance Reads | 20 | https://facebook.com/darkromancereadss | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828002 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 9:04 AM | 1716079227 | 1749477862 | 810 | 848238577347133 | 1 | 1.4989993243079E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109147831604600 | 0 | Classic Design | 120210431320070392 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716067525 | 1.091478316046E+14 | Classic Design | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489895_1880988882365900_1459313327090201521_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fOiFO07cn68Q7kNvgEJwiOX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDxoTnJGTP9ThqU3MS9Hmu7AnSaXoWkwqDz-CMDerkYSg&oe=664F2B12 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Experience the pinnacle of outdoor elegance, quality and costumer service. Let us build your dream Patio and Outdoor Kitchen. Yes!!! We're from the R.G.V. call for a free and professional consultation <span>(956) 949-5613</span> <br /> Best Prices and Best Quality all in one place!<br /> Classic Design a Company with โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ from satisfied customers. We are a fully insured Company. Financing available ask for details.<br /> <br /> BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING! | Classic Design | 1089 | https://facebook.com/100075962238133 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828136 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 9:04 AM | 1716079230 | 1749477866 | 810 | 267888783073574 | 1 | 8.202984701521E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 102763605302879 | 0 | Roman Cisneros | 120210799434910040 | Contact us | NONE | image | tx concrete | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1178256650198781/ | 1716066368 | 1.0276360530288E+14 | Roman Cisneros | regular_page | 1 | Roman Cisneros | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442437751_1449774792311004_6542364973463869779_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Nl9QrxbydcAQ7kNvgGADNCF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBD2C6XeQwyDQNiIzloFmIjQrctXUhSf39k1o-ffMG1w&oe=664EFFC5 | 1 | 3 | tx concrete - $1,500.00<br /> <br /> Good condition any size is welcome free estimate <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Roman Cisneros | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100003869963150 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827995 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 10:35 AM | 1716079227 | 1749483310 | 810 | 674273038162301 | 1 | 4.6799663224492E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 337199903871381 | 0 | Tony Marks | 120209489662720193 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Extended Cab Work Truck Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1718791918650272/ | 1716067598 | 3.3719990387138E+14 | Tony Marks | regular_page | 1 | Tony Marks | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443823210_748599707467772_9149276291785736566_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pExPryMpMCkQ7kNvgG8KtwQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVlOdKZMVMRRY-jnrLY1_xaC0XZ7BkcUp3UKogzZZ-Wg&oe=664F1574 | 0 | 3 | 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Extended Cab Work Truck Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft - $15,995.00<br /> <br /> GOOD CAR COMPANY<br /> <br /> 208-408-1514<br /> <br /> We're located at 4524 CLEVELAND BLVD, CALDWELL, ID<br /> <br /> ๐ WE WORK WITH ANY CREDIT TYPE!<br /> <br /> *BAD CREDIT IS OUR SPECIALTY!!<br /> <br /> ๐ฐLOW DOWNS, YOUR JOB IS CREDIT!!!<br /> <br /> ๐ป๐ฑJUST FILL OUT OUR ONLINE APPLICATION TO GET APPROVED TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT0EX8LbZaet8Kb-CwrKgAD1oCiusOgmF8b-OjjPn7Qt2QbeadwXeRVPPDETizFOU1JVGRGQvM4XaujhttR-POAKTQl_GCwB5IRSQjMtyxRZNDqw3SeAeDRN4b-cBBdXZgxvz4p90bjsLA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> โ๏ธ EASY APPROVALS โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ GOT A TRADE?.... BRING IT IN, WE LOVE TRADES! ๐<br /> <br /> โ *NEW JOB, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *BAD CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *GOT REPOS, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *NO DRIVERS LICENSE, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *SECOND CAR, WE SAY YES<br /> <br /> โ *COLLECTION, BANKRUPTCY, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *FIRST TIME BUYER/ NO CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *ITIN BUYERS WELCOME!<br /> <br /> ๐ WHEN EVERYONE ELSE SAYS NO, WE SAY YES!!! ๐<br /> <br /> WE ARE HERE TO MAKE YOUR CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE EASY AND STRESS FREE WHILE GIVING YOU THE BEST DEALS AND SERVICE<br /> <br /> OPEN 10AM-6PM MONDAY-SATURDAY<br /> <br /> VISIT: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT0xI2fQSfINr-8_KlHzGgJLIUw9ik_Qc_3BLDM9KQDyjy6zTH_mJ40m9kK1NJ8IsdLUTBv4-WK9SSLHNSg4ojfARP1BF0415yICjFB8izRGPSL3zNK4oO341jxal6_BkuOYguztEDTv2g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> Good Car Company<br /> <br /> 4524 Cleveland Blvd<br /> <br /> Caldwell, ID 83605<br /> <br /> Call or Text us at 208-408-1514<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Tony Marks | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1711467530 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827999 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 10:35 AM | 1716079227 | 1749483315 | 810 | 446217211418578 | 1 | 8.0119551877429E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 107928950955229 | 0 | Nestor Sobrino Leiva | 120211193949160076 | Contact us | NONE | image | Create your dream space. | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/825953212733049/ | 1716067576 | 1.0792895095523E+14 | Nestor Sobrino Leiva | regular_page | 1 | Nestor Sobrino Leiva | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319424_1121556552299021_2037808305563049297_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NsHqGJ33FU8Q7kNvgEi7x6T&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcVzATDuTEI1jurEBdxB6B5vldtJGbSass18uAWAJn1A&oe=664F22A4 | 0 | 3 | Create your dream space. - $1,00<br /> <br /> Insulated Roof, Patio Cover, Pergola. Variety of designs and colors.<br /> Free estimate $$$$000<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Nestor Sobrino Leiva | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100007480209617 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827937 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/5/25, 7:12 AM | 1716079226 | 1749125565 | 810 | 1821949025300713 | 1 | 4.3118140630269E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707524210317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Embroidery Thread Kit with Organizer Box, All-in-one 63 Colors 100% Polyester Sewing | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/369280732790639/ | 1716068247 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442444644_986819076350987_8731777819047448888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-KzvBc9R3JEQ7kNvgErYRUG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAsMIt8jouy9Hg9MOdIAjnWHTmE1k7Qq3-p-VwCsv73eg&oe=664F2832 | 1 | 3 | Embroidery Thread Kit with Organizer Box, All-in-one 63 Colors 100% Polyester Sewing - $59.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> Sewing Enthusiast's Ultimate Embroidery Kit : Includes 63 colors embroidery thread(Each spool features 40 WT and 500M(550Y) , 1 x Storage Box, 6 x Bobbins, 4 x Thread Net, 1 x Water Soluble Marker Pen, 1 x Scissor, 1 x Measure Tape, 1 x Tear-off Backing, 1 x Color Card. This all-in-one embroidery thread kit is crafted to effortlessly fulfill the diverse needs of your embroidery & sewing projects.<br /> <br /> Customized Spool Storage Solution: Unlock the possibilities with our upgraded 3-layer stack-lock storage box. Each layer comes equipped with removable clap boards, you can set the space freely according to your needs, easiliy store your embroidery thread and embroidery supplies without worry the size issue.The portable design ensures carry your storage like embroidery machine threads and essential sewing supplies. Effortlessly anywhere you want, with style and ease.<br /> <br /> Quality Embroidery Machine Thread: Crafted with premium materials imported from Germany, our threads undergo rigorous testing with certified 20000 Yards NO BREAK& NO TANGLE Tested performance. Experience the seamless glide of our thread as it enhances your embroidery work and safeguards the longevity of your sewing machine.<br /> <br /> Exquisite Colors Embroidery Thread Design: Elevate your creative journey with our collection of vibrant & captivating embroidery machine threads, immerse yourself in a world of limitless creative possibilities with our premium embroidery kit. This premium embroidery thread kit is suitable for various embroidery machines as Brother, Innovis, Bernina, Babylock, Janome, Husqvarna, and Singer.<br /> <br /> Your Trusted Embroidery Companion - Simthread Embroidery Machine Thread is your year-round partner, ensuring vibrant colors withstand daily wear and tear โ be it laundering, bleaching, rubbing, washing, or perspiration. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828015 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/20/25, 6:00 PM | 1716079228 | 1750460411 | 810 | 1553523968539448 | 1 | 3.403990990513E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107694761759879 | 0 | Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls Waverly Place | 6585258558379 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716067457 | 1.0769476175988E+14 | Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls Waverly Place | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442493130_427623653456283_3709239643303507694_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ghqffFPCuVIQ7kNvgFUDcsI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA9Ubm57C1tdxfO4U93-0drXgl3fn_AD5BK_4j3rXzmfA&oe=664F2C02 | person_profile | 0 | Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442498856_1017869769766031_1946737086434005293_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p_ViqwGMrYQQ7kNvgHB08qc&_nc_oc=AdgkCpgL35TH0hVz7ljKR65-9UlGH2m8n-bgSvUYclfHcGk8q62aQCKihh_hRiT8D8Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4n-5cKpGSuSPbhD75xM8nPeKYn6WpUgFUYwkByVcaQg&oe=664F14CD | 0 | 3 | FREE CHIPS OR COLE SLAW AND DRINK WITH ANY ROLL NOW THROUGH JULY 1ST. <br /> <br /> *DINE IN OR TAKE OUT ONLY. | Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls Waverly Place | 1466 | https://facebook.com/MasonsLobsterCary | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828552 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/18/25, 4:47 AM | 1716079237 | 1752832062 | 810 | 263959806743416 | 1 | 1.4797735562689E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 166942043364439 | 0 | Styles To Rock | 120208842734150006 | https://stylestorock.com/shop | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Best BRAIDED WIGs will you have feeling like a star! | Get inspired by the hottest braid looks! Shop our collection of braided wigs for the best protective styles, hottest trendy looks! | https://www.etsy.com/shop/StylesToRock | 1716064782 | 1.6694204336444E+14 | Styles To Rock | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426400591_822454139220774_3449087401809581618_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdDhSb7BtPMQ7kNvgEiACMP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4w8Lf0EbY5S_irnDhukes28mIswU8aK_QKkUx7Bn9ag&oe=664F2F65 | person_profile | 0 | STR Styles To Rock Braided Wigs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138881_464673496071188_7254117004897816662_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7S5pdYQicNsQ7kNvgE4_zSF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC6fdye1h7NhBcWY8hSR6Of74jUCD4rK2E-50Xlr1NeKQ&oe=664F15D8 | 0 | 3 | Best BRAIDED WIGs will have you feeling yourself. Copy celebrity styles with our amazing BRAIDED WIGs. Shop now! | Styles To Rock | 7465 | https://facebook.com/stylestorocks | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828380 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/29/24, 11:10 AM | 1716079234 | 1724947850 | 810 | 1659386624804329 | 1 | 1.1945982885603E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 458934754171926 | 0 | Willowsford Conservancy & Farm | 6573271224158 | willowsfordconservancy.org | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Yoga at the Farm Stand | Join us for yoga at the Farm Stand! Connect with the outdoors and meet other yogis for this all-levels flow yoga class. Willowsford resident Jennifer of JKS Yoga will take you through a series of poses to help you take in the sights and sounds of doing yoga at the Farm | https://willowsfordconservancy.org/event/yoga-at-the-farm-stand/ | 1716068925 | 4.5893475417193E+14 | Willowsford Conservancy & Farm | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443823990_1106387683786498_4462711098088609596_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lF-MSlJL8TwQ7kNvgErgvW9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDS7w_9Kj61c_KoRQs32QYdAiCffNdLXcqDUwuQ6YfCEQ&oe=664F1E3A | person_profile | 0 | Willowsford Conservancy & Farm | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436234009_1247724232871301_8631004971798198064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kODok6_phUgQ7kNvgH3EvR_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCtXmgtk4YD-ojDWw6qrzCvQbATrCZM9jm3oWqzGsbYDQ&oe=664F1D34 | 0 | 3 | Join us for yoga at the Farm Stand!<br /> <br /> Connect with the outdoors and meet other yogis for this all-levels flow yoga class. Willowsford resident Jennifer of JKS Yoga will take you through a series of poses to help you take in the sights and sounds of doing yoga at the Farm Stand. We will meet to the left of the Farm Stand in the big lawn. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. All levels are welcome!<br /> <br /> Each class is $10, the link to buy your ticket is below: <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwillowsfordconservancy.org%2Fevent%2Fyoga-at-the-farm-stand%2F&h=AT2yZBiwjA5-7MhTqWoRcibW5n_FW0Hv7aznGnsMzFskK5EWToS2ze8TW-aeAb0LsX2znZv4eCUeq6rZ7v3aDdB4WZcidpoRmm7HdsXcrNQ4dGV02EeakUKGI0dce89wqMQceuYuQbfV8g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://willowsfordconservancy.org/event/yoga-at-the-farm-stand/</a><br /> <br /> This will be a monthly series running through October, sign up for all dates and get a one class free ($10 discount) by emailing us at info@willowsfordconservancy.org.<br /> <br /> Everyone who signs up will be asked to complete a waiver. We will have a list on hand of everyone who completed a waiver at one of the earlier classes (you will not need to sign again).<br /> <br /> We ask that you park across the street from the Farm Stand at the Sycamore House parking lot and then walk over so that we can ensure there is enough parking for those visiting the Farm Stand for our weekly market. We would love you to visit with us after yoga for a refreshing iced tea or to take home some of our organic veggies. | Willowsford Conservancy & Farm | 3322 | https://facebook.com/willowsfordconservancyandfarm | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828109 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 11:56 AM | 1716079229 | 1749488185 | 810 | 382971074730999 | 1 | 1.1752713401483E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 319196378764369 | 0 | YASI & FARA | 120208493670360167 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/yasiandfara | 1716066668 | 3.1919637876437E+14 | YASI & FARA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499873_365440136508006_1966920980155647686_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SWMBkUZ8r48Q7kNvgFHTTUs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB7bqJ5FAQsoqFImrvc1pGym-_hMDKcfCz1P4AiIwam5g&oe=664F1EF4 | person_profile | 0 | Yasi & Fara | Handmade Vintage & Antique Rugs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442486563_426304413521702_5058400355923731504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8v6RhVmRqyAQ7kNvgHgyjUa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPNZ3BWm6CcJda5i4kgD-waKpOUuLZJRmE2W8Zu9fYPA&oe=664F2504 | 0 | 3 | Excellent Hand-Knotted Collectible Antique Tribal Rug - low soft wool pile.<br /> Size: 9โ 1โ x 5โ 3โ<br /> Limited time offer US$780 + Free Expedited Shipping to select countries.<br /> <br /> @yasiandfara <br /> <br /> #nomadic_rug #antique_rug #vintage_rug #persian_rug #arearug #antique_rugs #persian_rugs #carpet #antique_rug #vintage_rugs #arearug #turkishrugs #farmhousedecor #kitchendecor #hallwaydecor | YASI & FARA | 145 | https://facebook.com/YasiAndFaraShop | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828428 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/21/25, 7:24 AM | 1716079235 | 1747830259 | 810 | 1821218878383925 | 1 | 3.7173700587232E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 328080080379283 | 0 | Elegynz | 120211228504780768 | Send message | NONE | image | Snake Bracelet | SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturing process: Hand made Metals Type: silver Certificate: YES Main Stone: Zircon Diameter: 16CM+5 Item Weight: 1.1g Metal Stamp: 925,Sterling | 1716064946 | 3.2808008037928E+14 | Elegynz | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445356365_1500881267521395_6856435579795877870_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ju5aIcyQIDEQ7kNvgF61II7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDpaDpTmDq5-SgHhAmzBuzpFmMfbgFzbZnRSD4vPXCdmQ&oe=664F00E9 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Inspired by Elegance, Crafted with Passion<br /> <br /> Shop Now Our New Bracelets Collection and Get Free Shipping Worldwide and alot of Discounts ๐ | Elegynz | 1 | https://facebook.com/61558933844416 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827443 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/21/25, 9:52 AM | 1716079212 | 1747839149 | 810 | 945390680403842 | 4 | 1.395046164541E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 228365983701502 | 0 | Mitraall-GB | 120209889840220640 | mitraall.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Big sale | 30 days free returns | https://www.mitraall.com/collections/boots | 1715840826 | 2.283659837015E+14 | Mitraall-GB | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442386810_1303753544347259_3520830076829588684_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fCDr13CEg64Q7kNvgHrYhBM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDV4MsQrCVA3NmKFRrkGoiYRs3JOrm17PyEf1k6RargaA&oe=664F11CB | person_profile | 0 | Mitraall-GB | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443818850_1609754796261273_3791298253212415557_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-AELSlVFMUoQ7kNvgHYYPju&_nc_oc=AdjQI63T7Awt4jjPP19_GF3sMknrWlihT9h9YghuPduy7QRbAQb_qN5-z9ba6kcndf4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAd5dFlYI-usyl6zsDKfUn2Wwh0Tqr6y68ZA7bvUUbttQ&oe=664F1C15 | 0 | 3 | Our best outdoor shoes are just $6.99 today, order now for immediate shipping. ๐ Choose your favorite ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Freurl.cc%2FEjjggk&h=AT0jOWaYjqoX8HgIouIHvYREZPDo2YWCr1W2qB9oE0Y42HabAUtCkmiRX4yhblDMRHlqxWdtLwfFmxbl5CFCRJXMpaa99I9gF1H6D-v437EvQHsxWoeM7-k-6AJOlcV3pLye50q_aXWgkg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://reurl.cc/Ejjggk</a> | Mitraall-GB | 3 | https://facebook.com/61557288835420 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828213 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/9/25, 10:29 PM | 1716079231 | 1752118195 | 810 | 983851559453347 | 1 | 4.5739864694589E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 111792468215367 | 0 | Angel Hair Experience | 120210872944910017 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"How much does this cost?","response":""},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Can I book an appointment?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066068 | 1.1179246821537E+14 | Angel Hair Experience | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441499223_3648675418706281_7833971069946997678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fbTNCkxVWogQ7kNvgFJnC93&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDkNw76MEg1s9df3dTq28l9AChLPVr8vAGbUGr4O9uZcA&oe=664F163B | person_profile | 0 | The Angel Experience | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441923598_2174448552912342_2067273781111912552_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rtxjGG70AYgQ7kNvgFbZ94z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB7suIDDNjdT9vgHAxfNozIoGqE2MYyFndxzTqLhjlyQQ&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | ๐โ๏ธ **May Hair Makeover Special!** โ๏ธ๐<br /> <br /> Ready for a stunning transformation this May? ๐โโ๏ธโจ Look no further! For just $300, indulge in our exclusive Hair Makeover Package! Here's what you'll get:<br /> <br /> โจ Full Highlights or Balayage to add dimension and depth to your locks.<br /> โจ Toner to perfect your desired shade.<br /> โจ Haircut tailored to enhance your features and style.<br /> โจ Special Treatment by Brazilian Blowout for silky smooth, frizz-free hair!<br /> <br /> Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Book your appointment now by texting or calling 916-662-1145. Let's make this April unforgettable with a fabulous <br /> new look! ๐ <br /> .<br /> .<br /> . #TransformYourLook | Angel Hair Experience | 1176 | https://facebook.com/angelsandiegohair | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827472 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 5:30 PM | 1716079212 | 1749508251 | 810 | 422845043891488 | 1 | 9.7273419790578E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570917450341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009316 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441492273_486676817118049_3601229487299124661_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lY4Tdi1hktcQ7kNvgFDCBDB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB-6yooieuz138h6D0OuXA_bPh-drCREo8NgG_IdpX3EA&oe=664F064B | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441302203_1421978455091639_8130133112088976828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=swgRCV2NOPQQ7kNvgHZocuk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA6w309x6qOVYDuGEhCW95h4o-VrkQCIHpF25L2FmEoNw&oe=664F2D38 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827484 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/7/25, 7:00 PM | 1716079213 | 1744070452 | 810 | 1086135439149683 | 3 | 1.6391570069023E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570874380341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009236 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474690_803655025025501_6044985925377714138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oPp3kUXptgUQ7kNvgGFkRau&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCFtWPIQAELfIUK7Yz6y1hOCN5ZdT9frT_zqCEe5tqwZA&oe=664F34D6 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441325647_411947841658120_1497653360853687478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Sd8vptQEAQYQ7kNvgH-QlGF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCO_glvRPC99eGjyBzSpRU216ev2OO5cRQ6VabXkhEObQ&oe=664F21A4 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828248 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/22/25, 6:53 PM | 1716079232 | 1737593608 | 810 | 412172698308059 | 1 | 8.1149626048799E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 261593020363213 | 0 | Magical Epic Breeze Travels | 120207881140970329 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716065893 | 2.6159302036321E+14 | Magical Epic Breeze Travels | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443719552_932232325310182_5739759438667624559_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=resPuS_yGgkQ7kNvgHrx6qs&_nc_oc=AdgKfgOHdpPMiEWGn64BDzQ6TpX0vx8YL04QN_BNLcziJQQrej8FUtsxjeyfk5_UvCg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAtjywC9dq3I5dONJsKzSCVIvgH0ax-0FPcvwPCYZHO5Q&oe=664F0FCC | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ด๐ Get ready to soak up the sun and immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Sunscape Dominicus La Romana All Inclusive! ๐ด๐<br /> <br /> This August and September, I'm offering an irresistible deal that will make your stay even more memorable!<br /> <br /> Book your vacation with Sunscape and receive $200 in resort coupons to enhance your experience! Whether you want to indulge in our world-class spa, savor gourmet dining, or embark on thrilling water sports adventures, these coupons are your ticket to luxury!<br /> <br /> But that's not all! I am also offering an incredible discount of up to 43% off on your stay. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a lavish vacation without breaking the bank!<br /> <br /> And here's the cherry on top: the first kid aged between 3-12 stays free when sharing a room with two adults. Imagine the joy on your little one's face as they explore our kid-friendly amenities and activities, all at no extra cost!<br /> <br /> Thinking about upgrading your room? I have some enticing perks for you! Enjoy breakfast in bed as you gaze out at the stunning ocean views. Relax with a soothing neck & shoulder massage at Sunscape's state-of-the-art spa. And there's even more waiting for you!<br /> <br /> Don't miss out on this fantastic offer!<br /> <br /> Book by May 31st and get ready for an unforgettable vacation at Sunscape Dominicus La Romana All Inclusive. Your dream holiday is just a click away! ๐๏ธ๐น<br /> <br /> #SunscapeDominicus #AllInclusive #VacationDeals #BookNow | Magical Epic Breeze Travels | 26 | https://facebook.com/magicalepicbreezetravels | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827989 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/28/25, 4:12 AM | 1716079227 | 1745831543 | 810 | 1159417298451729 | 1 | 3.3454819266583E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109569957340565 | 0 | Zain Jan | 120208812987830406 | growth.solarceos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Get 25 Solar Deals GUARANTEED | https://growth.solarceos.com/biz-owners?utm_source=FB&utm_medium={{adset.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}} | 1716068016 | 1.0956995734056E+14 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441523842_786249259904139_1116838151161859033_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5pcQDZMRxoAQ7kNvgE6mANI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDSd7lw4qy0nmvuGctTTdT8TlrZpsOuq-M_vZZPknIfXg&oe=664F1BFD | person_profile | 0 | Zain Jan | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436185254_376370048145057_7221040416184288463_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1pirSGe-2tYQ7kNvgF4vRq5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOydXY65Ld_JmTKoCQYGVUKjLWOsPVYekw02XGXPiqPw&oe=664F0500 | 0 | 3 | Solar Business Owners, let's cut to the chase. I will GUARANTEE you close an 25 extra solar deals minimum with this offer or we'll work for free until you do.<br /> <br /> My name is Zain Jan and I have scaled my own solar installer to tens of thousands of deals by implementing the strategies I'm going to teach you.<br /> <br /> (It's called Better Earth Solar, feel free to google it)<br /> <br /> And in the past few years I started helping solar business owners grow and scale too with these exact strategies - and the results have been mind blowing.<br /> <br /> And listen, this is not a gimmick or a trick.<br /> <br /> Anyone else would be crazy out of their mind for offering this.<br /> <br /> But we are so confident we can help your solar business grow that we guarantee you 25 deals or we'll work totally for free until you hit it...<br /> <br /> We help you with every part of the business (not just marketing)<br /> <br /> And we can do that because we actually own a 9 figure solar business and have done it before...<br /> <br /> THIS IS NOT A COURSE OR AN AGENCY<br /> <br /> This is actual 1on1 help from my business to yours.<br /> <br /> We will teach you all the proven processes and strategies of my 9 figure solar business so you can scale your operations to 7, 8 or even 9 figures.<br /> <br /> If this is not enough to catch your attention I don't know what else will.<br /> <br /> Schedule your call on the next page and see if this makes sense for you <br /> <br /> (the only reason it wouldn't would be because you don't want to grow your business bad enough, or because you're straight up crazy to pass on this offer ๐)<br /> <br /> Talk soon,<br /> <br /> -Zain Jan<br /> CEO of Better Earth Solar | Zain Jan | 3353 | https://facebook.com/zainjanofficial | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828565 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 2:24 AM | 1716079237 | 1744097067 | 810 | 1881210682392601 | 1 | 1.4414558100664E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 154732734551429 | 0 | Consuela | 120210185678760566 | consuelastyle.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Make A Statement โจ | Carry your joy with you. | https://consuelastyle.com/collections/new | 1713993116 | 1.5473273455143E+14 | Consuela | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439839210_2115351412166393_9146726208359941067_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gwx12ECEUv0Q7kNvgH2TkSV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZm5_GX5QlTjqdhBKfItL5bFHe_fDSVDpC6YEa78DSgA&oe=664F1ECD | person_profile | 0 | Consuela | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439874209_397948589810681_9108282964748400681_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjXd1t0aDUMQ7kNvgE-EDMG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAwz-ZtDGmZnt0inReN0qJBzJytVdsrJ4yM8gn0WBKvyw&oe=664F3829 | 0 | 3 | With bold and colorful designs that are functional and stylish, bags like our Char Chica Tote are as unique and versatile as you. ๐<br /> <br /> Free shipping on orders $99+ <br /> Free returns/exchanges | Consuela | 188237 | https://facebook.com/ConsuelaStyle | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827859 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/23/25, 5:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1737652084 | 810 | 223816920823868 | 6 | 1.5093957163086E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104884662424259 | 0 | High Roller | 6563041378228 | sweetie.wheel-store.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://sweetie.wheel-store.com/?fbp=423747283705478&sub1=us1&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&ad_campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&network_channel={{placement}}&source={{site_source_name}} | 1716028790 | 1.0488466242426E+14 | High Roller | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445170536_419761944194139_3967602106270523301_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AGrXW1AW6A0Q7kNvgF8gG_F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDtB0WMKU3EZERvZB1DNE8NsPZnWZrXLFsjgArwUqdLpg&oe=664F2331 | person_profile | 0 | High Roller | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076913_1078886719873421_6822241610712790042_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L_tgvWC7MPUQ7kNvgE0AWMt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAe1NzIWyZHde6J-bKZG7yMS8o2XOqIHue5FkSQ7t1AmQ&oe=664F0283 | 0 | 3 | High Roller | 162 | https://facebook.com/100086935277377 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827485 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/18/25, 6:00 AM | 1716079213 | 1744974022 | 810 | 1106725223947104 | 2 | 9.2328343980748E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570893200341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009276 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442417014_1473751499903658_1965159705881327096_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=akMVL3EmEowQ7kNvgFWHrWw&_nc_oc=Adg0Ewl-YJILoMv9SNTz1Fydsb972B2yKXkXDqzzf1XoRjHMobUmF7qaFwhMsaFpIPg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA1Xt_tpXVDNQDQbQNZ29K69hLNUcr-g7OU6NLEtojKuQ&oe=664F27D8 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442444657_818872346342579_2057799055139448856_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fx0Uv6adjjEQ7kNvgHLCQIX&_nc_oc=AdjfQX4qFm-t1mI_3WOqXy7BTsOSgX2VQdza9kbHqaqyz2PI54Yv-2WYDzNDL6LQtXo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBjBe7Cz2gltCdxezuEB4UqqKmDAcjA_kLpq6Q0YBFHvw&oe=664F0B26 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1828418 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774118 | 810 | 352490174114469 | 1 | 1.1231448988047E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 300526767435018 | 0 | Mary | 6549029204277 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/maryandcrew | 1716064826 | 3.0052676743502E+14 | Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822648_329462583299269_2513338271494227970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fGihFYkSYH4Q7kNvgEPKHUI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZYhAjyIlIFHu6APV_jH5qLpKJH-zqR01L4zKB9zz02A&oe=664F1F1E | person_profile | 0 | Mary Everard | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_1188330792606301_5225998755174308972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lnCIlDbiNt0Q7kNvgHcPVtn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOC7DX1a3H7OBKO6bhBJbPPOFHiMlp9fgZKlXTNjofhA&oe=664F17BF | 0 | 3 | Mary | 180 | https://facebook.com/maryandcrew | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827934 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774118 | 810 | 1002200158218657 | 1 | 3.8487793720544E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 279928468540393 | 0 | Live Local | 6622177933482 | No button | NONE | image | 1716045137 | 2.7992846854039E+14 | Live Local | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213712_978361430600729_2560997898060907764_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hp_dyCOgLbYQ7kNvgHp5oAV&_nc_oc=AdgVLkDTVxarRjIOnkcMbDzj4Kk_OT5LuXP8ABkp97OT5aQw5fzccXWOkVfH-UjMQhM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBpaojGtHg6wIlBzWdqYpS_tCsUyxNMWB3Tu2vPYAlKyA&oe=664F3229 | person_profile | 0 | Live Local | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438259942_1531918407395099_4235868094996147893_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FpobV_Ci_NoQ7kNvgFUmYuN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAooUQsBnZCeUrDUVJuYkuRFZCXW-15SFzRRG4osOGApA&oe=664F086D | 0 | 3 | Hey, concert venues! We know promoting shows is the last thing you want to be doing. You hope the bands know how to bring an audience. But here's an EASY and FREE solution to helping generate additional guests to your shows. <br /> <br /> Add your venue to our database, and soon we'll be live, helping you AND the bands promote shows in your city. Join us! <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flivelocalevents.com%2F&h=AT2YWMGql_6FSGdHzDMyQk51CpidMBkyVhiz5woNNJJ9n7RSduFXEUUuRWdQOKQVTVvgYqYelFTB7RcYk3DHOhVAzgXRrLvDO7FTDTkniIZpPRzezUoTpT6LZD2LN463mHct6ZcMmB2ABg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://livelocalevents.com/</a> | Live Local | 8 | https://facebook.com/findlivelocalevents | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827962 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774118 | 810 | 269779506147034 | 1 | 8.3999049460845E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250823244791943 | 0 | Project Multibrand | 6635855363418 | projectmultibrand.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Free shipping | This is your category description. Itโs a great place to tell customers what this category is about, connect with your audience and draw attention to your products. | https://www.projectmultibrand.com/category/all-products | 1716067983 | 2.5082324479194E+14 | Project Multibrand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442464229_3625677164415497_2516674217496152039_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q1lXJQOJjD4Q7kNvgHJ00OT&_nc_oc=AdhCTVE3ZQDonbYFdLH-VtgengXiKNmpZ3ZyhkCKFWzU8tMOngRwQPdexcKsId2t3z4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBkqOPSFJLcam9ksq_w-M5ZtABJV6BVCG5ASmlXryivgg&oe=664F01E6 | person_profile | 0 | Project Multibrand | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711222_1777605762802505_6496924190674130411_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NRcQuA1y09cQ7kNvgHz4tr2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCdDL6wmbjwrVLyJdq9qIGlEiKgcb99vL1NZhf3umsymQ&oe=664F21DD | 0 | 3 | Find your perfect outfit and elevate your wardrobe with the cutest designs from the finest Thai designers. | Project Multibrand | 980 | https://facebook.com/project.multibrand | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828132 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774118 | 810 | 309062675583068 | 1 | 8.1561699381411E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 206114635923322 | 0 | Brand Jewelry | 120210588207080327 | brandjewelryco.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | https://www.brandjewelryco.com/products/bat-necklace | 1716066383 | 2.0611463592332E+14 | Brand Jewelry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441316109_348383887890362_7580448173825477264_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cD5eZ1YjTDMQ7kNvgFFl4a9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDz532FStfOVx00wQgu69cVahdkTEdw3P1vuA-Iw74IIw&oe=664F2104 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410844_943094137296087_3250170420512874001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W43zDALp4GcQ7kNvgGDIG0V&_nc_oc=AdhZ2LoDws8oyPun37IJ7vfj-MrCv4TrlAetGjWvYpYdawltlmN1SjwCW_etM09RXLQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBzso46iuIVhlZB0Ih9FghHwObRsqF56KomOVdH8jvJHA&oe=664F0CE5 | 0 | 3 | BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! WAREHOUSE SALE ENDS TODAY! | Brand Jewelry | 0 | https://facebook.com/61555878120683 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828130 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1723774118 | 810 | 1345108692827654 | 1 | 4.1909399427304E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109719455049393 | 0 | Michelle Perkins | 6607904752993 | www.MichellesSmells.com | Shop now | NONE | video | http://www.MichellesSmells.com/ | 1716066529 | 1.0971945504939E+14 | Michelle Perkins | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440966625_967292628423334_5747618715731913375_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-joo5NMlNLYQ7kNvgF6BPqU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA1RX-wlBiUBheovG5y5LVmMWdEYPDDiyE8gfm5HewowA&oe=664F24EE | person_profile | 0 | Michelle Perkins | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137919_1123116898998863_3709496864665581023_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=487-cxZQYycQ7kNvgGf8aFI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAhETjeXvcJk3xiHXT_urHMa4-AXZnwUjwyTq29omWP2g&oe=664F234B | 0 | 3 | Let's talk about this box here. | Michelle Perkins | 1500 | https://facebook.com/michellemixonperkins | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828200 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774119 | 810 | 476596381468129 | 1 | 3.9761147993717E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 354477354119 | 0 | Smyth Performance | 6573193521892 | smythkitcars.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | Audi A4 S4 truck kit | https://www.smythkitcars.com/ | 1716066104 | 354477354119 | Smyth Performance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953480_1443673116261089_1528078073978012024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IZh5ezDdUssQ7kNvgGIywbJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD9qToqamZheunddjaRKlDkn4csu6oAsWKShGYSkHR1Tw&oe=664F32A3 | person_profile | 0 | Mark Smith | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445076835_2750113468485825_4985529578857211816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9dKC5gTs-_IQ7kNvgHNdYiD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBt8xZCe3edNiFDGRJ2uh_P2ndwrFeSG63cyvG_xXxKzg&oe=664F33E7 | 0 | 3 | Smyth Performance | 115098 | https://facebook.com/SmythPerformance | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828354 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/12/25, 12:27 AM | 1716079234 | 1747027634 | 810 | 467972249096269 | 10 | 1.1735925374175E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 308633722332830 | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6558196372814 | abugarciaclearance.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ | https://www.abugarciaclearance.com/collections/best-selling-reels | 1715246615 | 3.0863372233283E+14 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954474_1121728502381159_8397352305163815107_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ed1yv_Ar3osQ7kNvgE40yy3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCng4z2LO0WgibmVsPuobOZAg5nFbLoOogIBWCvKWk8pA&oe=664F378E | person_profile | 0 | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438146185_493299953023395_527774045815941549_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Bd80Zp_bcWIQ7kNvgGABV-b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAUHQ9mRon1F9ocLxcBJxn-Tcy8Uhm95Ay8RJ83KnU8ew&oe=664F09E2 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐น๐ถ๐ซ & ๐น๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ณ&๐ช๐ถ๐ด๐ฉ๐ถ๐บ๐๐ผ๐ท ๐ป๐ถ 90% ๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ.This is a great opportunity to refresh your fishing equipment!<br /> ๐ Donโt miss it! Limited Stock! <br /> โ Package delivered within 7 days.<br /> โ Free returns within 60 days.<br /> โ Authenticity assured.Hurry, these deals won't last! | ๐ด๐๐ข ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 6 | https://facebook.com/61559584917442 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828415 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774119 | 810 | 352490174114469 | 1 | 1.1231448988047E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 300526767435018 | 0 | Mary | 6549029204277 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram Profile | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/maryandcrew | 1716064826 | 3.0052676743502E+14 | Mary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443822648_329462583299269_2513338271494227970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fGihFYkSYH4Q7kNvgEPKHUI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZYhAjyIlIFHu6APV_jH5qLpKJH-zqR01L4zKB9zz02A&oe=664F1F1E | person_profile | 0 | Mary Everard | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732523_1188330792606301_5225998755174308972_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lnCIlDbiNt0Q7kNvgHcPVtn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDOC7DX1a3H7OBKO6bhBJbPPOFHiMlp9fgZKlXTNjofhA&oe=664F17BF | 0 | 3 | Mary | 180 | https://facebook.com/maryandcrew | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828435 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079235 | 1723774119 | 810 | 876166397604702 | 11 | 9.3230601557839E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 243891445484199 | 0 | Barrel Wash | 120209309864510545 | barrel-wash.com | Learn more | NONE | video | No Mess, No Waste, Maximum Cleanliness๐ซง | https://barrel-wash.com/products/barrel-wash-eco-friendly-laundry-detergent-strips-60-loads | 1715880179 | 2.438914454842E+14 | Barrel Wash | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442412154_1351647799563261_6338158319385360111_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0UYuu0l8fDgQ7kNvgGIbEyX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBIGU3wWnhlpju1L4hC3E4zeHFyLZWDBhK4bxmEAKwFFg&oe=664F2864 | person_profile | 0 | Barrel Wash | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441928066_7431777310192961_2847293067071993859_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cPDRch3Qx74Q7kNvgFUOYyX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAi3RewQFt1P1LH5u_AosImxzPvrFfrVfDOR22dsB7deg&oe=664F31D2 | 0 | 3 | Tired of wrestling with heavy detergent bottles, making a mess with spills and running out of storage space?๐ฅฑ๐ฅฑ<br /> <br /> If the thought of carrying home another heavy bottle of detergent has you groaning, or if you're tired of messy spills and taking up precious storage with bulky containers, it's time for a change.<br /> <br /> That's why we've developed Barrel Wash Laundry Detergent Sheets, the mess free, eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry detergent.๐งผ๐งบโค๏ธ<br /> <br /> Swap the jugs for our lightweight and compact Barrel Wash Laundry Detergent Sheets and make laundry time easy while saving the environment!<br /> <br /> โ ๏ธEasy to Use<br /> โ ๏ธConcentrated Cleaning Power<br /> โ ๏ธPlastic-Free<br /> โ ๏ธEco-Friendly<br /> โ ๏ธBiodegradable<br /> โ ๏ธParaben-Free<br /> โ ๏ธDye-Free<br /> โ ๏ธChlorine Bleach Free<br /> โ ๏ธPhosphate-Free<br /> โ ๏ธSuitable for hot & cold wash<br /> <br /> Clean clothes have never been easier!โค๏ธ<br /> Clean clothes have never been easier! Just pop one sheet in and experience a powerful wash that leaves your clothes fresh and clean.<br /> <br /> Switch to our detergent sheets and join the fight against plastic waste! | Barrel Wash | 6 | https://facebook.com/61558797395482 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828550 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 12:21 PM | 1716079237 | 1744132864 | 810 | 981614096972529 | 18 | 2.1641105572729E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 150060524859382 | 0 | Megan Love Handzo | 120210419462210222 | asetreka.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ๐Free luxury shoe care kit | Free shipping worldwide | https://asetreka.com/collections/birkenstock?variant=dnbffGPsdF&campaign_id=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D | 1715762127 | 1.5006052485938E+14 | Megan Love Handzo | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441601365_303520269514690_6551285675275279452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qgrkUcxTDmwQ7kNvgF78onR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAdeT6mJX5fbfvLv2w7EPkEjR2XrOkM1YChg16Dmk_sCQ&oe=664F229C | person_profile | 0 | Megan Love Handzo | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440930914_7636168166438014_3114853363035663697_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V5Hib1fSRCkQ7kNvgH0gkF1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBX1jOUwmtdfSNfZeD_6ZFOSxBqjzAxgrp9FLAcR1tjDQ&oe=664F2ECB | 0 | 3 | ๐ฒ โ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ปโ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐ด๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ!โ<br /> ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐จ๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ<br /> ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ต ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐.<br /> ๐๐๐ถ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป | ๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ป๐ผ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒโฐ | Megan Love Handzo | 0 | https://facebook.com/61552775639256 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828422 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 12:23 PM | 1716079235 | 1744133037 | 810 | 439070228748188 | 1 | 1.5969928344789E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555129370051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040251 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473509_339095785866369_2428647073490203409_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eNwZE0AyggUQ7kNvgEXyAzY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBi02QSdixmGzpjxgDnZ0AYxx65qjA-oD-I72bNxbgSiA&oe=664F2FF5 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441640954_495287296279732_3752529790520050612_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lFt54y23764Q7kNvgEuzz0m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAePtW0mmOUXQeaayYvr4HDzmmyaWh0W7qb6hjvCcKyzw&oe=664F16DB | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827733 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 1:15 PM | 1716079222 | 1744136133 | 810 | 323539393907490 | 1 | 2.80876798436E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419206470718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=196940 | 1715311184 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441327159_980881543046392_7776236112838810276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gisewDAUZNYQ7kNvgFo_au0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVYWcM9qc2Lq18aZqCdthf8dXJM5BwOMD9oX56k63GRA&oe=664F347B | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441270640_453989980544665_435188287305187644_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glod62enilMQ7kNvgFwHREp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA0qhe5sn0-cAdk0BqUvmHvXUYOAREssxWfi3CEWB7h9A&oe=664F142B | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827825 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/7/25, 12:43 PM | 1716079224 | 1746639781 | 810 | 778482634460950 | 1 | 1.3651292975029E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 280877995117051 | 0 | RL Cleaning Services | 6592644062878 | Call now | NONE | image | Get A Free Estimate | Cleaning Service | 1716069831 | 2.8087799511705E+14 | RL Cleaning Services | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442428553_421602664013472_5271295405278252428_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3qazNwswPOYQ7kNvgF7u-8c&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8R6Sp5S-T6L-fgS9Lmg9NIsjb8Dz6i0FxLWfc8wirzQ&oe=664F0146 | person_profile | 0 | RL Cleaning Services | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443818656_819273190126267_4205931931187320683_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dmSJIwRQy0MQ7kNvgHcCAfu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBNqsfxBh1Dk-iQhGn-smifH8oZgTuI7swJfr9VWaC5pg&oe=664F1809 | 0 | 3 | โจ ๐ Exclusive Offer for New Customers! ๐โจ <br /> Ready to experience the magic of professional cleaning services? ๐งน๐งผ New customers receive an exclusive 20% off their first-time service with us! Let our expert team transform your space and give you the clean workspace you deserve. <br /> Claim offer now. ๐คฉ | RL Cleaning Services | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559601719396 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827823 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/22/25, 4:51 AM | 1716079224 | 1753177883 | 810 | 7688194671247490 | 1 | 1.5293730646791E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120207551608730068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1715723177 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436514845_1492162438353363_6950776565615031173_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FupprbnCBD4Q7kNvgFcJHsM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB01vGiXXnvG93j59bJHrFcHGHvQ8WsdsbkTZRCX-hLYA&oe=664F04BF | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487599_25420881420892316_7016545396968294937_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pXWOiLLtnMkQ7kNvgEzOI0G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBnPMda4or4TDuJTzg_oxJTPLd3Ras1UipQaFGV9l0SJA&oe=664F21EC | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827935 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/22/25, 9:58 AM | 1716079226 | 1747925884 | 810 | 1179509846400596 | 1 | 8.6878938174345E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110920260343244 | 0 | Krewe of Black and Gold | 6573270470358 | NONE | image | Krewe of Black and Gold | A celebration of a city, a state and its unique culture. Krewe of Black & Gold is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. | https://facebook.com/KreweBlackAndGold | 1716068278 | 1.1092026034324E+14 | Krewe of Black and Gold | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441313584_1137832440976059_4547648778981115334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r81tNxNXD-wQ7kNvgFIrGJs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDAxi-59J-EG1xh_vF4ZhuMXneY2HFEu2I-jHeXjfwrQ&oe=664F3634 | person_profile | 0 | Kim Bergeron | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441318289_2066393057094158_981848560562780763_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CoM4vll9kY4Q7kNvgEsrxWG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCMIC9zOsnw8MEtXQv2PCjTkDimT4ZMQXpsacLwQKw9dg&oe=664F2D09 | 0 | 3 | We are grateful for all of the support for the <a href="/events/7654674994554463/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D">Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line </a> next Saturday, May 25, 4 pm in City Park, featuring Young Men Olympian Benevolent Association, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/To-Be-Continued-Brass-Band-TBC/100027974695071/">To Be Continued Brass Band TBC</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bigchiefbo">Bo dollis jr and the wild magnolias</a>. The event is presented in memory of those who passed during the pandemic when funerals were restricted, and will honor all the pandemic and disaster recovery workers and volunteers during the past challenging years. Admission is free.<br /> <br /> This event is presented by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KreweBlackAndGold">Krewe of Black and Gold</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notcfund">New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund - NOTCF</a>, a Community Partnership Grant from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jazzandheritage">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation</a> and support from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewOrleansEntertainmentCoalition">New Orleans Entertainment Coalition</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/offbeatmagazine">OffBeat Magazine</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whereyatnola">Where Y'at Magazine</a>, <span class="_39_n">Sophisticated Woman Magazine</span>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ozonemusic.org">Ozone Music Education Foundation & Songwriter Festival</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RightBrainDiaries">The Right Brain Diaries</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRentalsNOLA">United Rentals - New Orleans</a>. | Krewe of Black and Gold | 276 | https://facebook.com/KreweBlackAndGold | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827881 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/8/25, 5:59 PM | 1716079225 | 1744153198 | 810 | 994262795547766 | 1 | 2.9252267049561E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 318695637993 | 0 | Friends of Lewis Library and Technology Center | 6584935807384 | NONE | text | 1716069044 | 318695637993 | Friends of Lewis Library and Technology Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436495097_433100712789448_5408942021442113210_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LkN8aCupKUwQ7kNvgFPcWUb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDXJD6_Zz2SLgtGf7lTNbPDAES0z-ARJ2cwtaigtI-W0A&oe=664F2F94 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Hello Friends! Mark your calendars itโs time for our Big $4.00 Bag Book Sale! Bring your own bag or purchase one from us for $1.00. Special Early Bird Sale Friday May 31 3:30pm-6:00pm, Saturday June 1 10:00am-6:00pm, Sunday June 2 12:00pm-3:30pm. The address is 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana, 92335. Remember this is a cash only sale. Thank you, all proceeds go towards keeping the programs free at the Library! We are always accepting your donations of gently read books and applications for volunteer opportunities. | Friends of Lewis Library and Technology Center | 1848 | https://facebook.com/100064757348541 | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828083 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774119 | 810 | 424347027007154 | 1 | 2.4484278222114E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113561291351907 | 0 | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | 6574775664608 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716066935 | 1.1356129135191E+14 | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441607159_1675345613200864_8375857169157631550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AAPcTqo1V4wQ7kNvgF0h1Xp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCv_z-GAMUY2jtdUpxD8-5y4NfjmjmVZ2uI_XgZwmD1tg&oe=664F06CF | person_profile | 0 | Premier Buildings & Trailers o | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441607299_359230153828497_2484582641082391507_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qdcOzfFBVHsQ7kNvgF3fWHz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEeEW7Zq4H9SFws-9GZ2VFahk6_zgHJ-6R50KimWQrIg&oe=664F113D | 0 | 3 | ๐ฃ๏ธNeed storage but low on bread? ๐ธ๐ฐ<br /> <br /> ๐คGet Ahead & Buy a SHED๐<br /> <br /> ๐กBehold Our NEW 10x16 Side Lofted Barn๐ก<br /> <br /> โผ๏ธONLY $150 Down & itโs ALL YOURSโผ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ช(2) 2x3 windows๐ช<br /> ๐ (2) Reinforced Lofts @opposite ends of interior๐ <br /> ๐จGreen Siding w/ White Trim & Roof๐จ<br /> ๐ซNo Credit-Checks๐ซ<br /> โ๏ธNo Penalty for Early-Payoffโ๏ธ<br /> ๐Free Delivery & Setup up to 50 miles ๐<br /> โ Tax Exemption for Tribal Members & 100% Disabled Veterans!โ <br /> <br /> ๐ฐOriginal pricing $5,865โฆNOW ONLY $4,736๐ฐ<br /> <br /> ๐ต36mo-$220<br /> ๐ต48mo-$198<br /> ๐ต60mo-$176<br /> <br /> โ๏ธCall Brandon ๐ฒ918-314-6178 OR ๐ฒKeenan 918-500-4466โ๏ธ | Premier Buildings & Trailers of Tulsa | 1064 | https://facebook.com/100083029967656 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828518 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 2:39 AM | 1716079236 | 1744184381 | 810 | 1010711530425915 | 3 | 1.1623882749186E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120207388121330351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Unlock Free Stickers | Year of the Dragon | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/dragon-vol-1-collection | 1712772772 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_947329636785087_2133619540174278881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9HNYM6cTI0Q7kNvgGbOrq1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBhxx18GHfGC8dRqChH6U74j-du98nIZIQnGXMcnZYMaQ&oe=664F16F5 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434640646_944757594019268_4179504926464385445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0c9Yh7M5gZgQ7kNvgEZplkz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsSD_KOa9TFz9IOQ7HvGhABMx1Sug0gWvjJs0ZmtFLtA&oe=664F0302 | 0 | 3 | Year of the Dragon | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828104 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/24/25, 8:52 PM | 1716079229 | 1737751924 | 810 | 413910924789042 | 1 | 4.1905049758971E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 321035188458327 | 0 | Forging Pueblo | 6566704394614 | Biblical Citizenship Seminar | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Biblical Citizenship Seminar | Register for our event at: https://www.forgingpueblo.org/events You're invited to join Forging Pueblo and the Patriot Academy for our Biblical Citizenship Seminar at Pueblo Christian Center on June 22nd from 8:30am-3:30pm with lunch provided. Cost to attend is $10 for adults (18+ years) and free for students age 13-17 (ages 13+ for seminar) Biblical Citizenship, a seminar series by the Patriot Academy, will equip you to be a Biblical Citizen in our world today. At the event you will learn ways to be involved in your local community government and how to impact our community with a Biblical worldview. The seminar will be directed by Don Banner and Mark Gazzett with time for Q&A with a group of local community leaders. Registration is required to attend. Register at: https://www.forgingpueblo.org/events | https://www.facebook.com/events/381740517549647/ | 1716066640 | 3.2103518845833E+14 | Forging Pueblo | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137925_1180525366274647_5533360264674144709_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WbLG3CDUtgsQ7kNvgFmEEI4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7p7n3Qv4DI9zEgkRTDHvcLiNjRsXaBZZ6ddDSeWZGQQ&oe=664F1321 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Join Forging Pueblo and the Patriot Academy for our Biblical Citizenship Seminar at Pueblo Christian Center on June 22nd from 8:30am!<br /> <br /> Biblical Citizenship, a seminar series by the Patriot Academy, will equip you to be a Biblical Citizen in our world today. Learn ways to be involved in your local community and make a difference in Pueblo. | Forging Pueblo | 1747 | https://facebook.com/forgingpueblo | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827945 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/18/25, 11:28 AM | 1716079226 | 1744993710 | 810 | 803168861418547 | 1 | 4.8484753054654E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 435580586838344 | 0 | Carley Wilson, Closed by Carley | 120209282853610510 | Learn more | NONE | image | What is Your Home Worth NOW? | Recent home sales have affected your home's value! Get your home's new value instantly for free! | 1716064842 | 4.3558058683834E+14 | Carley Wilson, Closed by Carley | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441944452_1474610149852392_4611872874237583526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hun66l8ogJMQ7kNvgGpNuzM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA32E3WTwjw2knYnDXzs9KVc_ogauU6hfQDdcOngyVLrQ&oe=664F204B | person_profile | 0 | Carley | Atlanta REALTOR๐ก๐ | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442478798_1861377447617315_2611225788387746114_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OKjJ_SeqP8kQ7kNvgEAcQLR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD2BJKTqfhVTv_ubsfqMfaCofQn5s1iynQKBUKt9rUPpw&oe=664F2818 | 0 | 3 | What is Your Home Worth NOW? ๐ก<br /> <br /> Recent home sales have affected your home's value! Get your home's new value instantly for free!<br /> <br /> Click below for the FREE information! ๐ฏ | Carley Wilson, Closed by Carley | 160 | https://facebook.com/closedbycarley | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828174 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/18/25, 2:30 PM | 1716079231 | 1745004637 | 810 | 957703952677946 | 1 | 4.1701989788088E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1187170177959891 | 0 | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | 120210744608390315 | fb.me | Get offer | NONE | video | Top Cash Price OFFER For Your Home & Sell AS-IS (No Repairs Needed) | Get Your Cash Offer within 24hr ๐ | http://fb.me/ | 1716066240 | 1.1871701779599E+15 | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436234962_1441671163380412_3446326011763865840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8B4yiGuWHlEQ7kNvgF0moyO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCYtwhh_Wgw0cKSWfUjaNKuRHJlxnL2QT6Hxz_RZoBjXg&oe=664F0F15 | person_profile | 0 | Eagle's Vision Property Soluti | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440943144_1116056496293822_7174475135228226857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RBFW05PmmLcQ7kNvgHE9hHZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB9Y1V4urRWCdG4YJ29N_5CurcCzqDayjkX0IJsU5E66Q&oe=664F2E5C | 0 | 3 | ๐ Attention Florida Homeowners: We'll BUY your house Quickly on your timeline at a Top CASH Price, with our competitive Cash Offer and without the need for repairs, fees, or commissions.<br /> <br /> Just click the "Get Offer" button below to request a free, no-obligation offer.<br /> <br /> Now, if you're wondering how we can make such a bold claim?<br /> <br /> It's simple - We've helped hundreds of property owners in Florida sell their properties FAST for top cash price:<br /> <br /> We bought Larry's old property for top CASH price and closed in 14 days...<br /> <br /> We bought Brenda's vacant property, closing within 1 week...<br /> <br /> And we bought Samuel's property for top cash price within 20 days of him reaching out to us...<br /> <br /> This is our promise:<br /> <br /> โ We'll buy your property FAST on your timeline<br /> <br /> โ You'll receive a Top Cash Price Offer on your property<br /> <br /> โ Without the need for repairs, we'll take your property as-is<br /> <br /> โ Without commissions or fees, and no need for a realtor<br /> <br /> โ We treat you like family in the closing process<br /> <br /> ...Would you be interested in a no-obligation Cash Offer from us?<br /> <br /> We have a simple 3 step process:<br /> <br /> Step 1 - Fill out the quick form below to get a fair offer for your house within 24 hours.<br /> <br /> Step 2 - We will contact you to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide you with the best option to sell.<br /> <br /> Step 3 - After choosing the best option for your situation, we can close in as little as 14 days, and you only have to deal with us.<br /> <br /> Request an offer by clicking below, and we'll send a fast, free, no-obligation offer. | Eagle's Vision Property Solutions | 47 | https://facebook.com/sellmymiamihouse | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827905 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/18/25, 2:34 PM | 1716079225 | 1745004886 | 810 | 965674351527478 | 1 | 1.100315691077E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 285638814779914 | 0 | Zarazua Painting | 6588625228295 | Call now | NONE | multi_images | 1716068611 | 2.8563881477991E+14 | Zarazua Painting | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442499055_7744985328873282_6310961355724241965_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yoNjEWA7KoAQ7kNvgFH4yD2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAtp_9CA7Bqx6Yrvi_T905jx34-Q4gl-sHHIluUKXDmPw&oe=664F3428 | person_profile | 0 | Juan zarazua | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442487227_982860353068134_937858802490136624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lQ5CrDFj2wIQ7kNvgGmhKjI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_0TkhlnvH2mmxJE7XJQqBoJe_uB4Yynp5rAkPmRhF2A&oe=664F1F0F | 0 | 3 | Here's a #throwbackthursday to one of our STUNNING home transformations!๐ก From boring to eye-catching ๐ the green makes this house POP ๐ฅ<br /> <br /> If you're looking to add some curb appeal to your home, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fzarazuapainting.com%2F&h=AT2z-J5AXc_gefG_YkbZa8rzDpAGGwiKVcXt5aV0_mJ2fTuFFmNmpwrMl9n9q4ElhOPPoeU5Z5hbWxPg-6fJ2nPWtZB5ZBKl9b0ruyauDSxwbWUrUT_8gpoTVdZ_j0LzOoBEZ_tq3H3DNw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://zarazuapainting.com/</a> for a FREE quote! | Zarazua Painting | 731 | https://facebook.com/zarazuapaintinginc | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827846 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 3:25 AM | 1716079224 | 1744187136 | 810 | 804701791586658 | 1 | 4.2034701728227E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777669480068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1713827172 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439915172_397213269852605_220239129731171133_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ytGyVLLfd74Q7kNvgEzBi6J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDz2Bbbl6tuvZDo9SGX0GmrlDBWrp07PbB-eUmN98Cpmw&oe=664F1218 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438714695_803697238355171_3681938814572757500_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TS5pLiKWoBkQ7kNvgE0YUsw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBKl9kRI9-7_HE3_O8Rpx0IPHOirADPhJFs0V74qu4sRA&oe=664F07BF | 0 | 3 | ๐ Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827491 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 4:01 AM | 1716079213 | 1744189287 | 810 | 2109484436104202 | 2 | 1.1716327238528E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570910420341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009263 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239267_811329614391766_6805006632297392873_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-JKamwGGuPkQ7kNvgGcf65T&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB5XcVWnnJRlFiGjL5HbK5eqln0qDryxZiPudnk3w4fzQ&oe=664F2FE7 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300914_1354776425198617_4964468284685364412_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=79hVPPATwyUQ7kNvgGwKjdq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCU1SA6goz66Bt-j-fNWjXHC7obYD1GlFqdUd04F3uDmg&oe=664F0288 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826859 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/19/24, 10:08 AM | 1716079143 | 1724080085 | 810 | 7235147689941420 | 1 | 2.6370711831182E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105432618216052 | 0 | Pain Free Painting LLC | 120209882040250753 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716061386 | 1.0543261821605E+14 | Pain Free Painting LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441404595_1576310793098039_4805660886260155840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SjDwdGrghr8Q7kNvgHKwx7B&_nc_oc=AdgukEleZvef30dRzSJj1HyAf3pKUyVcvASE58Cu-Z39MTJJNLtLlNjd5bLzjtqLThE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBN74o97l2QI8x2z6Z0-St0_gahRfbsgahqSrL93n733g&oe=664F20CE | person_profile | 0 | Pain Free Painting LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441319814_442872348392111_4631272373008130136_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QLLz5xO8xSQQ7kNvgGMHF6l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCAPnhI-KOuihnJePW3AeuPky9qnGYLz2B7v1dzZlZ5rg&oe=664F3568 | 0 | 3 | Introducing Pain Free Painting โ Your Solution for Stunning, Stress-Free Painting Projects!<br /> <br /> Revitalize your home with our expert painting services! At Pain Free Painting, we specialize in cabinet and interior/exterior house painting, delivering top-quality results without the hassle. Say goodbye to the stress and mess of DIY painting โ let our skilled professionals take care of everything for you.<br /> <br /> Transform your kitchen with our cabinet painting expertise. Whether you're looking to refresh the existing color or completely change the look, we'll handle the job with precision and care, leaving your cabinets looking brand new.<br /> <br /> When it comes to interior and exterior house painting, Pain Free Painting is the name you can trust. Our team will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, using high-quality paints and techniques to achieve a flawless finish. From color consultations to the final brushstroke, we'll ensure your home looks its absolute best.<br /> <br /> Why choose Pain Free Painting?<br /> - Professional, experienced painters<br /> - Attention to detail and superior craftsmanship<br /> - Hassle-free service from start to finish<br /> - Competitive pricing and transparent quotes<br /> - Satisfaction guaranteed<br /> <br /> Don't let painting projects cause you stress โ experience the Pain Free Painting difference. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and give your home the stunning transformation it deserves! | Pain Free Painting LLC | 505 | https://facebook.com/painfreepainting | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827483 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/9/25, 5:22 AM | 1716079213 | 1744194132 | 810 | 967609458027747 | 3 | 1.1441126235702E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570883150341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009258 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442447251_980996119955721_6119652839116464686_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jEcB0wLK5ckQ7kNvgETgQqc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD4IhGygEtCXmW1INBsJRhYOe8C9hmctCrIbHy0jpCWUg&oe=664F2E94 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441328697_465863405934092_6563704658084040570_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CQn4j8wawcUQ7kNvgGV1jH1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAJhMpRQ5h8lC0U7IYjAMeRSLESMEZQGmpGHml-HQvioA&oe=664F0828 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827410 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/22/25, 2:32 PM | 1716079211 | 1747942324 | 810 | 756751983000280 | 4 | 1.3775839327434E+15 | 1715670000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704476560151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085778 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300657_452786410586844_565642673581621680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0yhfkPfUj6EQ7kNvgHkPsmw&_nc_oc=AdhE7BLeE65KF9AKS5Tv8dUWK_8BU2t9aYVeehBNrN-1osydZhT5UkErP4ChCa8bQEU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB1820BV6EouITrcMgf3HRnCGxW7kt203JoP6F4kpcDjA&oe=664F1ABF | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438264509_410545325099003_501593162229265570_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=maiwWiIeRqYQ7kNvgGHd7VW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYByHG27kD-a1v0SKl_Ii39Hx5pbQ35V0ffXbf9DRJk4RA&oe=664F005C | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT11X7l1raYY41-bHQ0PH5MiVl2QBQIIio53Dh3dNm2cshgCpVkfJrrkjiJoc_BXYOEidzGfnI9I714oLBgflagkDExNTTay7go8aYEx5LwYb_z5WkfVEcFC8zjIkzzKVO9aqd0rfBQdqw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828092 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774119 | 810 | 250579418112041 | 1 | 3.586018821649E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 345379905314617 | 0 | Ultimate Legacy Painting | 120208699261190030 | Call now | NONE | image | Ultimate Legacy Painting | 1716066776 | 3.4537990531462E+14 | Ultimate Legacy Painting | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441522356_375824414876113_4501678700140645170_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RxN8YkYR0JMQ7kNvgHggwHg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDO-VOf53FKZXKD_y601hCZymtq-kj8woN47TFznyoZlQ&oe=664F2F9A | person_profile | 0 | Ultimate Legacy Painting | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444917233_460703466477106_8598453179722217159_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-1GW1VPm5kkQ7kNvgG51zam&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCXEso78HXSO70HYPWTY35U6zwGq-VBk1TilopriPsYTw&oe=664F20AA | 0 | 3 | Our professional team is dedicated to providing exceptional residential and commercial painting services, focused on quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction. <br /> <br /> For a free estimate, call or text 979-412-9331. | Ultimate Legacy Painting | 8 | https://facebook.com/61559221120346 | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826854 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774120 | 810 | 1133506387891847 | 2 | 2.9960532205337E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060018060618 | NONE | video | 1716056776 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441970216_1414599963274309_1596989028335694116_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tZt4Fbxdm5YQ7kNvgFPspgE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_ETN3JQD1cZXap0jPCgaDhPZdTvbwo_SdvGeZfTGBQA&oe=664F2DC6 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954542_3724670727797206_4307953203965570653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f1wYhIJvvo4Q7kNvgFDB3xY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAbENFqvhLmmpqRJM_H0LvRKf5Mcxko4F9ROcHYB_i0vg&oe=664F2E9B | 0 | 3 | Here's what to do when people ask you why you're not drinking...โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfree #alcohol #quitdrinking #sobercoach #alcoholfreelifestyle #sobergram #sobriety #noalcohol #quitalcohol | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828470 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 4:16 PM | 1716079235 | 1746998166 | 810 | 1016451666736371 | 1 | 9.7864062673192E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 113842516733680 | 0 | Dale Cintura Party | 120209883392980753 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/reggaeton_dayparty | 1716065305 | 1.1384251673368E+14 | Dale Cintura Party | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442472988_760146342770150_4484015996439389774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=26_H7FqGhN8Q7kNvgHwj0_R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAuivubSUQk6_FJ7NY502umz-uKeKZ_LqkB4d3ydDq6Xg&oe=664F2ED2 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441420177_1225088038875981_8238725713758782150_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X25QS8JvCR0Q7kNvgGfcGdH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAPDjLpguuQIotw1eaJIG1TfZhGVIyAQAF8ATdYUR93eg&oe=664F0A4A | 0 | 3 | We are one day away from our first Day Party inside @treehouserooftop ! ๐ณ๐คฉ<br /> Free RSVP now available in our Bio โ๏ธ<br /> ๐พMargarita Tower sections available for you & your friends ($275 with Table) ๐พ | Dale Cintura Party | 56 | https://facebook.com/dalecinturaparty | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827955 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774120 | 810 | 1170062191102118 | 1 | 3.7507644223602E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 181499436681 | 0 | Mozart's Coffee Roasters | 120213503401950112 | linktr.ee | Learn more | NONE | image | https://linktr.ee/mozartscoffee | 1716068047 | 181499436681 | Mozart's Coffee Roasters | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300285_428129006593781_4408458809700304841_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N9U4UKaiGrYQ7kNvgH1_mir&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHjkuXQLGkTWOv9ALYymqhZT0GX5RbYHWKJlLHH6HgSQ&oe=664F305C | person_profile | 0 | Mozartโs Coffee Roasters | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479929_1584876729023527_5067399106261909106_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HwGsHrho3zAQ7kNvgG7kQJ5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA3cXUfaQ3IYHSD2TTRe6Rp6qe3hM23urjawdbwhWlusw&oe=664F0362 | 0 | 3 | Mozart's Coffee Roasters | 31290 | https://facebook.com/MozartsCoffeeRoasters | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826893 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/22/25, 10:25 PM | 1716079143 | 1747970718 | 810 | 1008126430647039 | 1 | 4.6717070912757E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059983610618 | NONE | video | 1716056898 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442449156_1610453132831895_7758148965175775552_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g1yuCRnaj-kQ7kNvgFPEckW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBwRj6Jb5NFihAm8_iVkLi6LOjzhKrDRZ3a3jctwRAG9Q&oe=664F05A4 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442465003_1243501403286790_3386875001264069022_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BETSCMYyeTYQ7kNvgGlYArx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHjZaOjpfzAIzV_BdMDxMvL1_lIX-nSo--PbW7FvL3_Q&oe=664EFED4 | 0 | 3 | Bad news for people drinking just 1-3 drinks per night. โ <br /> โ <br /> New studies are revealing the damaging effects just 1-3 drinks per night, most nights, can have on your brain. โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcohol #alcoholaddiction #quitdrinking #stopdrinking #sobercoach #soberaf #soberlife #sobriety #alcoholfreelifestyleโ <br /> โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828382 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 10/18/24, 12:54 PM | 1716079234 | 1729274089 | 810 | 370659146010011 | 1 | 1.3868071720309E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555145060051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040264 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441312125_388160874223515_2463085275983807526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U0m15JPFBLcQ7kNvgHwzhOI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDv-mFvzQ6-M_EUNyPGK-IBc8pmPTcTkSAEWdXW_Bb6yQ&oe=664F2F81 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441246048_1003092491508869_5516412225400511161_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=99h1rtXhPI4Q7kNvgHEK_Sy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAtYGbSrqPU98iSq_ViIr6TM683T_AfGGco17i3BRkxQA&oe=664F37B8 | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826863 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079143 | 1723774120 | 810 | 1116808672934340 | 2 | 8.2167369598458E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059993620618 | NONE | video | 1716056910 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954517_731851912471303_4508063079568821257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oWd5W5rU2IwQ7kNvgFezvI7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDUHJMo38c4e1kYg0f1GuBNold5gTM0aY5fVQ18mm38Pw&oe=664F24D9 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417399152_972406277829115_4671325616503262650_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iyEjGe8bbIoQ7kNvgGzL-kw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7oIkODnZoY0Bb0lrN9dJ198ZZJJSdsLT9YFUAxIF2Lg&oe=664F0771 | 0 | 3 | Youโre not stuck in life because youโre physically addicted to alcohol. Youโre stuck because youโre mentally addicted to alcohol!โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you must drink to numb yourself to the pain, stress, and worry of life. Youโre not addicted to alcohol. Youโre addicted to your (limiting) beliefs.โ <br /> โ <br /> The truth is that alcohol does not relieve you of stress and anxiety, it actually does the opposite.โ <br /> โ <br /> It's time to wake up and start valuing our health and happiness over a toxic and addictive substance.โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #soberlifeโ <br /> #alcoholfreelifeโ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #drinkingโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #sobertokโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827790 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774120 | 810 | 454546647078026 | 1 | 2.028538494341E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 293106120716794 | 0 | Uncle Bobs | 6550713534154 | No button | NONE | image | Uncle Bobs | All the games/great food/full bar/Free Buzztime games/9 pool tables. | https://facebook.com/UncleBobs69 | 1716070695 | 2.9310612071679E+14 | Uncle Bobs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436278972_365471543176631_957294598460844230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vmVJ9Smr4QoQ7kNvgE6k_mQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCi6n9EBC-LFn-kx2fj1gQwqvSb9d2745XZt3puo_tncw&oe=664F32F2 | person_profile | 0 | Uncle Bobs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441450282_1531472354418336_8641839096547146481_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=usRjwMjjfGQQ7kNvgHGt5SE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBU-O4-wSsXGl4JwdEs94rsGTM-HcqF6bAh_RV10FlZLg&oe=664F3238 | 0 | 3 | Uncle Bobs | 1698 | https://facebook.com/UncleBobs69 | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828177 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774120 | 810 | 1201588741212421 | 1 | 2.4785325841787E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 185405914655912 | 0 | Pawsh Pet Grooming & Daycare- Shary | 120212442200310170 | Call now | NONE | image | Pawsh Pet Grooming & Daycare- Shary | stress free grooming experience! ๐ 956 538 4285๏ฟฝ๐ 2210 East Frontage Road Suite M Mission TX. 78572 | 1716066160 | 1.8540591465591E+14 | Pawsh Pet Grooming & Daycare- Shary | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475649_1436792623869948_8537422997528082853_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TdHKiCd7sasQ7kNvgEg8Moj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB9UWV6k9-0z1n4COCaiKZ9G6Ytzi6YfAgIY8kvS8uvqA&oe=664F2F02 | person_profile | 0 | Pawsh Pet Grooming & Daycare | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441398209_426013756807720_305884557216474310_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jDbr9ipkewkQ7kNvgEKYymo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_38i750pDYK_2XHG0oYY17G-3IFHukvxMMa30YN6yJQ&oe=664F04CF | 0 | 3 | We still have availability from 4 to 6pm at the mission location | Pawsh Pet Grooming & Daycare- Shary | 505 | https://facebook.com/pawshmission | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827593 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079219 | 1723774120 | 810 | 458419553241636 | 2 | 1.4154232798581E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 236793616186277 | 0 | Milano Nail Spa Magnolia | 120208907283080052 | NONE | multi_images | 1715972796 | 2.3679361618628E+14 | Milano Nail Spa Magnolia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442483158_1277476036990275_7546140331382328626_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PW4JooXAU7QQ7kNvgFMvvO5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8PmSPFGG4NGH1fjn8_JsotWGHmStO3VfEDz3fz7wM1A&oe=664F2ADE | person_profile | 0 | Milano Nail Spa Magnolia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441407191_817576789817013_3759018265281666844_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-AO12bIo_MQ7kNvgGktiAk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYATXfW4vVE-AsQm9pR8wY1LnxErSXZZkdLHWCRgK3B3KQ&oe=664F252A | 0 | 3 | ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐ Come and be a part of our soft opening event on ๐๐/๐๐/๐๐๐๐ and enjoy exclusive offers: ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ or ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐-๐๐ง, ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ.<br /> <br /> โณ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ: 05/31/2024.<br /> <br /> โ ๏ธ Promos cannot be combined.<br /> <br /> ๐ Don't miss out on this chance to experience luxurious nail care at no cost! Perfect for treating yourself and feeling rejuvenated.<br /> <br /> ๐ Reserve your spot today! Treat yourself to a little beauty and relaxation at ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐.<br /> <br /> Make appointment online<br /> Link: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FbookingMilanoNailSpaMagnolia&h=AT0Oi_lQS_bC97ujHuIH7TnWYtykEu0jjkL69ogHykAcfE-4qE_RIoatDyBhsieZCyZ7kCv__8EVW-twlV9CWZBdGmihpbX6eGUVTCy6UnByg3bk1KcE3zKjjxi0yp378hOZG5f4uPjHJg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/bookingMilanoNailSpaMagnolia</a><br /> <br /> --<br /> ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐<br /> ๐: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmilanonailspamagnolia.com%2F&h=AT2T-NuwEBNKj1RgoDWjI57dr7iCXhyHLVpQOiSMMbuAkirPVOl5a2kYgXUsVtI3KUCMQxOWStb5uvuHpjk4eL_hBH0mPJPJQbRlmqiNwap2k3-TgIrnj8paIS-Bt5VGguBD7orT6nmAkg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">milanonailspamagnolia.com</a><br /> ๐: (832) 521-3256<br /> โ: (832) 521-3253<br /> ๐: 13397 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354<br /> <br /> #milanonailspamagnolia #nail #nails #nailsart #naildesigns #nailsalon #nailartist #Promotion #promotion2024 #promotions #openning #openings #nailtrend #nailtrends #nailtrending #nailtrendart #MemorialDay #memorialdaypromo | Milano Nail Spa Magnolia | 80 | https://facebook.com/milanonailspamagnolia | 0 | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828400 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1723774120 | 810 | 436157765684918 | 1 | 1.7026841672069E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110915948353495 | 0 | KKookie UK | 120209404911600604 | www.fb.com | Visit Profile | NONE | video | http://www.fb.com/110915948353495 | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"How much does this cost?","response":""},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Can you recommend something for me?","response":""}],"text":"Hi, {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716065056 | 1.109159483535E+14 | KKookie UK | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436467603_1182227552682345_3780673000980654125_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mOn8tp8DraMQ7kNvgGtM4UT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAqKbdYjUl0ry32TIQvIbF2CDjlERPwJVU9MyXYwWqRsw&oe=664F021A | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Experience THE Magic of Dvokโs latest magnet collection - featuring 12 unique cat eye shades just like the glow of the moon ๐<br /> <br /> Coming soon to KKookie โจ <br /> <br /> (13 free, HEMA free) <br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> <br /> #kkookie #nailsupply #dvok #cateye #summernails | KKookie UK | 710 | https://facebook.com/kkookieuk | 0 | VISIT_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827975 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079227 | 1723774120 | 810 | 3407481776210272 | 1 | 4.136533549084E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 114441608307217 | 0 | Albert Stone | 120209068356630214 | Contact us | NONE | image | Garage Door | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1579448555931542/ | 1716067816 | 1.1444160830722E+14 | Albert Stone | regular_page | 1 | Albert Stone | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441200802_1585174272045487_4746941158259511503_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K1nYYWvVZBYQ7kNvgFrnDn4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDsvs6f8y8TWmX39q2h9eN4A_2lkwyg0nOYWnKR9H2j5A&oe=664F1FBC | 0 | 3 | Garage Door - $59.00<br /> <br /> Broken garage door? No problem! Riedinger Garage Door is the quickest and most affordable way to get your door up and running again. Family owned and local, we offer a full range of garage door services.<br /> We offer:<br /> Tune Ups<br /> Spring Replacement<br /> Rollers<br /> Cables<br /> Motors<br /> New Doors<br /> And More...<br /> <br /> Note : We don't charge any hookup or advance payment. All you've to pay after the work done after you're 100% happy and satisfied.<br /> <br /> Interested peoples kindly pm me your zipcode for Availability and Free quotes<br /> Thank You!<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Albert Stone | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100036665731208 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827611 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079220 | 1723774121 | 810 | 969060154374041 | 2 | 7.9638162210585E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | logged_out | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 666736686769510 | 0 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | 6.6673668676951E+14 | BeBalanced Centers Franchise | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438169421_1127157908435909_8102319650621669256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dayIVcw-UYgQ7kNvgEpAtXp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAlrZofTWWqsvS_pKoEESNsCGi-WEAXHjnsbnWIUS2GZw&oe=664F31F9 | person_profile | 0 | https://facebook.com/BeBalancedFranchise | 0 | 1715065200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827815 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774121 | 810 | 2457183791159139 | 7 | 1.0878047958012E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 161022600602748 | 0 | Vivint | 6542126435214 | fb.me | Get Offer | NONE | dco | Protect Your Castle Today | http://fb.me/ | 1709767793 | 1.6102260060275E+14 | Vivint | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430092378_794107952575924_6515274893762272119_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9wP_WKoll-QQ7kNvgHvaBHA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCRo2rPF1T5czJSdan8TVtDud_uEvlXKZ_XS_AzQcyGTQ&oe=664F2981 | person_profile | 0 | Vivint | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/430673556_1075396303763949_5493963322972100012_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T8CHSRXc_fQQ7kNvgHavzyw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBd9A3I1VYkOSxNoN0evUxabZOx-mzim24f_ojxW_l7gg&oe=664F14DB | 0 | 3 | {{product.brand}} | Vivint | 519218 | https://facebook.com/VivintHome | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827458 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/7/25, 6:42 PM | 1716079212 | 1746661328 | 810 | 276618388776979 | 12 | 1.9813467889635E+15 | 1715842800 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 428255367239310 | 0 | Nascenit | 120209819728400303 | nascenit.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Ultra Carbon Blue Titanium Bracelet | Miss this time, wait another year | https://nascenit.com/products/ultra | 1715844099 | 4.2825536723931E+14 | Nascenit | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436233254_406681868943187_4928645249328279901_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qptSBRV4eSoQ7kNvgHnuhPH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBl2KJOlYKnMkR-ZsdDAnd0244r4lTyxVhXeohwVZt_nw&oe=664F1D0A | person_profile | 0 | Nascenit | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441310012_990100485816177_4019875154270324021_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l94eFTe1XUEQ7kNvgF5504v&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBnjrqx0w13eZNmKQ7s38eGw8XdcnMhR7Vjue282BS-XA&oe=664F27F1 | 0 | 3 | Get the biggest deal on a magnetic therapy band that burns fat naturally<br /> ๐Get it๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnascenit.com%2Fproducts%2Fultra&h=AT1_QVdk7iJogleuYCBW4mMoxfvVHtGmfGAUbzwxGerxt1fZzi4FXZnoYK6gP_JycZF27zKaGuXqwI0zcSn9yboLlOTzOH76MJDvgfP9mCDQzWTc86-sVniao0DRC2Oa-0ayrHEoGjh6YA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">nascenit.com/products/ultra</a> | Nascenit | 3 | https://facebook.com/61551607464995 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828101 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774122 | 810 | 961513698844052 | 1 | 8.5866364940556E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114419885296234 | 0 | Texas Market Guide | 6621714401267 | NONE | multi_images | 1716066654 | 1.1441988529623E+14 | Texas Market Guide | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436130282_1591700538342733_2533222963395410484_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CsaTwVF2zhIQ7kNvgGxelj3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCwnBukCmnFLR3VQRpjH_0n_So0EK4HUCClJ9Eu5y_oXg&oe=664F1C0B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | We have had a great day of shopping at the 4th annual <a href="/events/1165151380968021/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D">Main Street Market Waco</a>! We are open tomorrow, Sunday, 5/19 from 11-4. Make your plans to come shop with over 100 AWESOME booths under one roof! Here are all of the details:<br /> <br /> <a href="/events/1165151380968021/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D">Main Street Market Waco</a><br /> <br /> ๐<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BASEatextraco">BASE at Extraco Events Center</a><br /> 4601 Bosque Blvd.<br /> Waco, TX<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธMay 18-19, 2024๐๏ธ<br /> <br /> โฐSat 10-5 and Sun 11-4โฐ<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธ๐๏ธAdmission is $6 or $5 with your non-perishable food donation to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeart">Shepherd's Heart</a> food pantry! Admission is good for the whole weekend. Kids 12 and under are FREE! ๐๐๏ธ๐๐๏ธ๐๐๏ธ<br /> <br /> Strollers and wagons welcome. ๐ฆฎService animals only!๐ฆฎ | Texas Market Guide | 58476 | https://facebook.com/TexasMarketGuide | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828163 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079231 | 1723774123 | 810 | 1160291558336788 | 1 | 1.0018786581873E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 162372563629816 | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 120209210647440080 | play.google.com | Install now | NONE | video | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radar.offlinemap.radarapp | 1715942883 | 1.6237256362982E+14 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239429_454149630310269_4131252727837508217_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yh5xlgJ5zQYQ7kNvgGoKH4L&_nc_oc=AdiYzn69wo85QfoB2BuUpcP6BhdjXZqD77Z9Dpkn0OJxX5pIJS0Ujqcfce-mFQogaJw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4WwvY5zGMN7DcPApHmSVACMuJNkdv3PStUjCntjkPxw&oe=664F2368 | person_profile | 0 | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426392663_1148804319764652_606782551422006472_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m2iaVVqkAyoQ7kNvgFWjT3Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDcctMx_aqqvtpa5XKmneillEvcxxa9Zec2yNMsYpz8Cw&oe=664F15DB | 0 | 3 | Use FREE GPS even without Internet ๐๐ | Radar - Speed Camera Detector | 18 | https://facebook.com/61553661027171 | 0 | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827831 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079224 | 1723774123 | 810 | 1647956285950802 | 7 | 3.2952274320512E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 755554074493872 | 0 | Generac | 6622112369706 | www.generac.com | Get quote | NONE | video | Generac Standby Generators | Schedule a consultation. | https://www.generac.com/home-standby-generators/campaigns/schedule-install/?&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid-social | 1715788077 | 7.5555407449387E+14 | Generac | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436253358_8146876848678029_2127218779191319452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WkWEWJCFOpUQ7kNvgGYmiB6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDZBJAoJ6rZPyId7pyyNivbLe0ynWeNFvI6ycFKZsaxow&oe=664F30E6 | person_profile | 0 | Generac Power Systems, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442498046_796796329253863_423317705084399891_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_wNQD7uVAuwQ7kNvgHASIJU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA7IZHvhGGa5RCx0sK1UmlFagcAWuivk03xrZXgUSVGzg&oe=664F2EB6 | 0 | 3 | Take control of your power. Set up a free in-home consultation for a Standby Generator today. | Generac | 57382 | https://facebook.com/Generac | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827777 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079223 | 1723774124 | 810 | 1046013100219198 | 525 | 4.0397026241090E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 166991129824378 | 0 | Kittencaesstore | 120208475971020199 | kittenca.com | Shop now | NONE | image | ๐จLAST DAY limited time promotion!!!โฐ Today only $49 | Whether you are a fashion-forward individual, a trendsetter, or simply looking for comfortable everyday wear, we have something for everyone. | https://kittenca.com/products/99?utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D | 1714978580 | 1.6699112982438E+14 | Kittencaesstore | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441033264_3611327119196661_8318926697299676553_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NSUIaqq42hkQ7kNvgFmC9UK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBBIbviVhJWIYXctWbASgqq5NBAfVmIHHUHU_TQWTbWHg&oe=664F1856 | person_profile | 0 | Kittencaesstore | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440946756_490986860080898_3754661964812065090_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WnAfeHXcPUMQ7kNvgF2UVdg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPg08VM1wpFTaARX9emGeBP3NQ3Bfj6xCI4-M4Fai3Vg&oe=664F0585 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฒElectric Bikes designed for Seniors โ Max 120+Miles Rangeโ Standard 750Wh Big Batteryโ 5 Inch LCD Display With USB Port.<br /> ๐Foldable electric bike with full suspension<br /> ๐5 years warranty.<br /> ๐Free return and exchange within 60 days<br /> ๐คฉPerfect for off-road adventure and daily commuting. Escape outdoors and get your adventure on!<br /> #ElectricBikeForSeniors #OffRoadAdventures #DailyCommute | Kittencaesstore | 4 | https://facebook.com/61552788606147 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828381 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/10/25, 10:31 AM | 1716079234 | 1749569489 | 810 | 365692392669666 | 3 | 2.2434482725267E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110951937484781 | 0 | Athletic Republic Cary | 120201987287010195 | fb.me | Book now | NONE | video | ๐ Book Your Free 1-Week Trial ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ | http://fb.me/ | 1701900462 | 1.1095193748478E+14 | Athletic Republic Cary | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406681337_3478820235781370_6501024681402470027_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uUzRGQIR7pcQ7kNvgGK7OFW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDomSP_MUUGVJ3ihERI_HlpHU9ayfp4rCvvPpFlD6eluA&oe=664F04F3 | person_profile | 0 | Athletic Republic Cary | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406746074_1025301478764502_4307484964551520791_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MnvjNke16yoQ7kNvgEcvZN1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-CT-l-WlsAD0kGo1DjOG2BBQEXqT0Uisxaue7n7Blrg&oe=664F2B56 | 0 | 3 | Claim your FREE 1-week trial today and experience the benefits of our small-group classes! Transform your fitness routine with individualized workouts, a vibrant fitness community, and expert guidance. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Sign up now! ๐ฅ<br /> <br /> โจ AR-FIT: 60-min, small-group classes offering individualized workouts for ALL fitness levels, with a balanced mix of upper/lower body strength, core strength, balance & stability, flexibility and endurance.<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Mobility/Stability: Your body deserves the best care after an intense workout. Our 30-min Mobility/Stability class is tailored to help your muscles recover faster and more efficiently. By focusing on joint mobility and muscle flexibility, you'll minimize soreness and ensure you're ready to conquer your next fitness challenge. | Athletic Republic Cary | 494 | https://facebook.com/AthleticRepublicCary | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828107 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079229 | 1723774124 | 810 | 1101880971107753 | 1 | 4.5963582341915E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110544188177390 | 0 | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | 120209816871110162 | fb.me | Learn more | NONE | image | FREE LIST OF HOMES BELOW $597k! | Get current prices, photos, details and more now! | http://fb.me/ | 1716068520 | 1.1054418817739E+14 | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442426668_1382515562463322_8726724646770200659_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FNvDjIl6jMkQ7kNvgH2Ht7B&_nc_oc=Adj-xtzPIdlH5Tp52rixDn5GOFB4ylV1yeRp_jrZb6difYNiMINGjySAH6XZ5wryLEw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDKnG3W7OVI_5bNYD8FrVAvYx4VOCDRe2R_6YrAwxjqog&oe=664F1BC7 | person_profile | 0 | Julie and Bryce - The Davis Team | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441880336_709048277908366_1430434526073251976_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pvvpFjcg2JwQ7kNvgFnWLhE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYChlRe7x1ZotdQmPYiglr37wsa150GYinONtkVQhC5h0w&oe=664F11BA | 0 | 3 | โ๏ธATTENTION SOUTHERN MAINE: FREE PROPERTY LIST UNDER $597kโ๏ธ<br /> <br /> Do you know anyone looking to purchase a home?<br /> <br /> We have created a FREE report of homes for sale right here in Southern Maine under $597k. Some of these homes even qualify for Special Financing Programs!<br /> <br /> These homes are priced BELOW the market value!<br /> <br /> FREE instant access to this updated list of homes in the Southern Maine area.<br /> <br /> Click below for current prices, photos details and more... | The Davis Team - EXP Realty | 569 | https://facebook.com/TheDavisTeam.eXp | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827874 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/19/25, 12:10 PM | 1716079225 | 1742404201 | 810 | 1629925784459771 | 1 | 8.2845210584319E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 104016401846528 | 0 | Emily Aiken Kotzan | 120207853983690144 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2022 Hobie Mirage Compass Duo Tandem Kayak | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/302580506231412/ | 1716069222 | 1.0401640184653E+14 | Emily Aiken Kotzan | regular_page | 1 | Emily Aiken Kotzan | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445175438_1206236564086753_6122504695882482850_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qri6y4swyk4Q7kNvgGZMr_u&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAgTUpWRXXtv7xaOS_3lIjBT0Dk2H9yjTbMj6j6gGf5lA&oe=664F1230 | 1 | 3 | 2022 Hobie Mirage Compass Duo Tandem Kayak - $2,000.00<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hobie.com%2Fkayaks%2Fmirage-compass-duo%2F&h=AT2NVRbZ-cZWznjxHWVJ2-WzlMzacgcmKeWbyqLf8U3EMKxhTYeb5oZUpcCnlUbbLxjqMrTo8nFbPX4yS7e7oFoOPjHfeqXg5qWGrS4EdETIUyFnh8Mq4lNqnvFP04bcMYw6yIXT5OldmQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-compass-duo/</a><br /> <br /> Get on the water and chill! Fish, padde, or pedal hands free on the water with this recently serviced, well maintained highly rated 2 seats pure enjoyment! We will throw in pick-your-paddle, rail lights and a hand-pulledtowing trailer <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Emily Aiken Kotzan | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=688960150 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827926 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/15/24, 9:08 PM | 1716079226 | 1723774124 | 810 | 428629450102506 | 2 | 1.1745170302202E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952391890737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067677 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442495895_1193337401679271_6685792854984830222_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mGI7-pKMCJUQ7kNvgFqE_xh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-pxhADJtQp_ZeAhRexD7IW8v2Xl9MnrzNoCZInq0CRQ&oe=664F1AC4 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828528 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/19/25, 2:52 PM | 1716079236 | 1742413975 | 810 | 1091414045299916 | 1 | 1.4735444901717E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137860351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432570785_957801105712322_7855720152842834926_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8pN9TE1LWNMQ7kNvgFc91pA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCM_QZpYWCHQddN783nY5_c4CSDR6aHWdZ2d7jbgHjovw&oe=664F2700 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433100217_1907791322988274_8474112890041165838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RY2MeP--upYQ7kNvgGsFWDN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYIr-Y_W89fJph5qBYONQ6_ijRARZVFJaG4RBfK0DVQ&oe=664F08EE | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828277 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/10/25, 2:24 PM | 1716079232 | 1749583468 | 810 | 1750111908848911 | 3 | 2.3917088177053E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 606916809746125 | 0 | The Football Coach | 120207203719310741 | fb.me | Sign Up | NONE | dco | Free Football Coaching Material | http://fb.me/ | 1715458675 | 6.0691680974612E+14 | The Football Coach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172426_2225347187811434_1058564786032253976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zssSfYZoPrwQ7kNvgEeOQZ3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA32Eh-5s4HkrzjUxuu8-qc0oplf2pS2-WQW5ci5BEgJA&oe=664F30DA | person_profile | 0 | TheFootballCoach | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165914_452268973876387_6256662534768666456_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=teYA6K6hxLkQ7kNvgFjPaVa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDFkze4uuZ3j76lGBUVsy9KSlm7Q_fhAxEyvl-QZUetIA&oe=664F37E2 | 0 | 3 | Get Free Football Coaching Material | The Football Coach | 29564 | https://facebook.com/THEFOOTBALLCOACHX | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828046 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/29/25, 8:47 AM | 1716079228 | 1738140424 | 810 | 436566982504232 | 1 | 2.8321529536006E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 216481905146440 | 0 | Tyra Madison | 120210952299950737 | www.facebook.com | INTERESTED | NONE | event | https://www.facebook.com/events/339862285778354 | 1716067429 | 2.1648190514644E+14 | Tyra Madison | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436358060_1359698878755771_7267936872511598337_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RIyh6ccR0VsQ7kNvgHhG6x8&_nc_oc=AdhOOZLZa6DVsJKHBgPTN8kuMGxGrYA_CWmNimSEbTgHXLaYlTXLH8apHvKta_KFgNQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCFKgYbIcXy-sHkQFQSw--xi_0GDEoZtuqbDusMpRIwaA&oe=664F14A9 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Nashville! Join us for an unforgettable evening with rising country star Tyra Madison at Live Oak this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6 PM! This FREE full band show is your chance to see Tyra live before she hits the big time. ๐ต<br /> <br /> ๐ Location: Live Oak, 1530 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203<br /> ๐ Date: Wednesday, May 22nd<br /> โฐ Time: Show at 6 PM<br /> ๐ Cost: FREE to the public!<br /> <br /> Donโt miss your chance to witness Tyra Madison live and up close and FOR FREE. See you there! | Tyra Madison | 32690 | https://facebook.com/tyramadisonmusic | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827779 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 8/30/24, 4:39 AM | 1716079223 | 1725010747 | 810 | 424127870392454 | 2 | 1.3717283901662E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 143529385507527 | 0 | Shineinsky.de | 120210882046890343 | www.shineinsky.com | Shop now | NONE | video | All Website 30% off 4 installments interest-free | https://www.shineinsky.com/collections/best-seller-lx?ids=e3c41037-7d3b-4dd8-b6d8-63941d58be81&show_page=first_page | 1716021906 | 1.4352938550753E+14 | Shineinsky.de | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439259330_1388467445195443_1440032998427178466_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NzgG2rNZcYwQ7kNvgFxitFE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBXfpRckZUh5BcHJ68G25b7M3X0caxWtd-dgmr_SzLzNg&oe=664EFF44 | person_profile | 0 | Shineinsky.de | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438254977_380603948303189_364748422908215548_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wt0Z_ozQcwoQ7kNvgEiKiGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAzsKIW2GxQn5FYSLHmNTcTGAT_nIVS6iDCSW6Sn7fekw&oe=664F0CB0 | 0 | 3 | Looking for the perfect dress to wear to your next gala or black-tie event?<br /> ๐Worldwide Shipping<br /> Enjoy All Website 30% off ๐<br /> ๐ฅ4 installments interest-free | Shineinsky.de | 236 | https://facebook.com/61551925927206 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828025 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/19/25, 1:40 PM | 1716079228 | 1745088032 | 810 | 1106721020444660 | 3 | 9.3953513428334E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146628125203759 | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 120208980658590391 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | image | $6497 For A New Roof | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | http://fb.me/ | 1716067394 | 1.4662812520376E+14 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441509400_352574327840195_1068344523254627675_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rPOXmM_bBl8Q7kNvgF-Y6eB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC4qFyj_WY5FEnuI83XnJYubhYdtjITqlBlulrbZQAb5Q&oe=664F03BE | person_profile | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474287_1266415504763596_1261948586571455192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fPYAm5nhJtwQ7kNvgGbJ9aG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBg935A5Xb46CfaJaOM5eJJGXcy6sg52pdh1Kix4a7Eew&oe=664F2A4A | 0 | 3 | $6,497 for a roof?<br /> <br /> Sure, it has to do with it's size.<br /> <br /> Some roofs are 10k, 20k or even 30k.<br /> <br /> But our roofs are more affordable than most our competitors.<br /> <br /> Here's why:<br /> <br /> We might be Mighty Dog, but we are not a BIG company. We are locally owned and operated.<br /> <br /> We don't have 20 offices, 50 trucks and 100 billboards.<br /> <br /> We run our business like a lean mean machine.<br /> <br /> We have a small team, run our own crews, use smart marketing and we manage our finances properly.<br /> <br /> Less overhead for us.<br /> <br /> Better prices to you.<br /> <br /> All of this while still using the same high quality materials these other contractors use but charge 3x more.<br /> <br /> Click the "GET QUOTE" button below to get a FREE Quote! | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 102 | https://facebook.com/61552982302665 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828210 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/24/25, 9:09 PM | 1716079231 | 1748138957 | 810 | 249063564936156 | 1 | 1.1004075076851E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250558408150511 | 0 | Juliana Cleaning Service | 120211190605980768 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Takes less than 2 minutes | http://fb.me/ | 1715977768 | 2.5055840815051E+14 | Juliana Cleaning Service | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444152241_1152618222654652_7518813197752380320_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UiDceV2I5CYQ7kNvgHGwRIJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCDe9IU5iEvCWTw7g7_a6rjREfMLAE9-R9PA4eWuy_u4A&oe=664F2341 | person_profile | 0 | Juliana cleaning services | New York | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436431866_340258652107947_1707647397229147158_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qyjuOTcOp00Q7kNvgGyIInb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDKFs6NmMKGZkvnErKTgQ3DE3g_EacnMf9cBTR3sA1cBg&oe=664F2D6E | 0 | 3 | Time saving<br /> โฐNo time to clean your house? Are household chores taking up all your free time? Juliana cleaning services is here to save you time and energy.<br /> <br /> โจ Our professionals carry out quick and efficient cleaning in your home, allowing you to enjoy more free time for what really matters: your family and personal interests.<br /> <br /> ๐ Satisfied customers praise our speed and the quality of our service, highlighting the freedom they gain to focus on what really matters. Leave the cleaning to us! Fill out the form below and schedule your carpet and sofa cleaning service. | Juliana Cleaning Service | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559304119136 | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828270 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/1/25, 6:57 AM | 1716079232 | 1735736273 | 810 | 479460757847684 | 2 | 7.8267873400226E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 978283482291360 | 0 | Local Vyntage | 120210255945020583 | localvyntage.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | โญ Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews | {{product.description}} | https://localvyntage.com/collections/boston | 1715974310 | 9.7828348229136E+14 | Local Vyntage | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444165418_1123787268881339_580613696784871175_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bQXAGH9uiIYQ7kNvgHn8KHw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAGQ2gS3isESHr-1t4AudKmXMI8490-qJkmvsRkIsRfbA&oe=664F31ED | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | DADS LOVE COOL TEES! | Local Vyntage | 29928 | https://facebook.com/LocalVyntage | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827837 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/12/25, 1:30 AM | 1716079224 | 1747031406 | 810 | 1184383539217430 | 1 | 7.7283801505537E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206778119040068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713828347 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439204965_750108013911253_5464284004390076443_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CwzLWxXbMSoQ7kNvgF5CprS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBCQYD5GZJZ97grzvipyJ9_ds-e6xNL-_NK6Q4U-gOZkg&oe=664F1747 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439204314_1162084814973855_3658760720325335993_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GUOrRDrUnBEQ7kNvgGJtt6B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBUSfaiSBP7RID9gOENMf7zjDZjbos2MfHVgcIukrRFDQ&oe=664F1150 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Frisco Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility:16100 TX-121 bldg b 220, Frisco, TX 75035<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826852 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 7/11/25, 3:40 PM | 1716079143 | 1752266424 | 810 | 366315346453088 | 1 | 7.7070836857042E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059983450618 | NONE | video | 1716056733 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475216_745897324426459_406492747471724783_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rDNC5d_qUCMQ7kNvgEcEcBL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcv1iduED2Aitu7dPAAVTF2FESLUESYwdwROFr1f4YPA&oe=664F160B | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442488174_795900765887139_3571598044660090518_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XgMSLt2UHNgQ7kNvgEDrCmk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBSFkFt8b2UiMhkBvlqqgjJ0sn_xP50istls0DAgw9nhQ&oe=664F275F | 0 | 3 | Youโre not stuck in life because youโre physically addicted to alcohol. Youโre stuck because youโre mentally addicted to alcohol!โ <br /> โ <br /> You mistakenly believe you must drink to numb yourself to the pain, stress, and worry of life. Youโre not addicted to alcohol. Youโre addicted to your (limiting) beliefs.โ <br /> โ <br /> The truth is that alcohol does not relieve you of stress and anxiety, it actually does the opposite.โ <br /> โ <br /> It's time to wake up and start valuing our health and happiness over a toxic and addictive substance.โ <br /> โ <br /> #soberโ <br /> #soberlifeโ <br /> #alcoholfreelifeโ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #drinkingโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #sobertokโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828477 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/19/25, 5:45 PM | 1716079236 | 1742424347 | 810 | 470445395453399 | 1 | 9.5726205916177E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332136170351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375327 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432260535_388485937126834_8487966054053648341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bYuEcq-cjfoQ7kNvgEq7eCu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD03usGgLx6RyapdPxRq0ybQJU41DEEdjhpSKmHUzJj8A&oe=664F1639 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432198349_2206702319722097_3769842405278744341_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jH0QQmsXHQ8Q7kNvgEsaEaT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBpFGcn3HLYZ70x4kNstVD5wa4h9DpSeqIA2dP-yDGJzQ&oe=664F317F | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826851 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/25/25, 4:43 PM | 1716079143 | 1748209410 | 810 | 1147138859809033 | 2 | 2.1431159760326E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059976090618 | NONE | video | 1716056878 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442410423_1817663232043756_7445913121796764376_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BKBfnXTF69EQ7kNvgEwXC03&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCFy2EB4mV9irCJLOhoocIC73hSnftgRgqf7v5-cekxUw&oe=664F1852 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441460995_466391002579470_4770609838270941568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Asx97Mtc-u4Q7kNvgFdXvpz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7k9Q5_qstkP4p-IhlxPxtqP-7WiXno0JdaTP3LFw7fA&oe=664F2B58 | 0 | 3 | There are 625 calories in a bottle of wine, the equivalent of three candy bars, It's madness, yet we drink regularly and then wonder why we can't lose that weight.โ <br /> โ <br /> You wouldn't eat three candy bars before you go to bed, yet people will regularly drink a bottle of wine in the evening. โ <br /> โ <br /> Our Head Coach @victoriaenglish1111 explains.โ <br /> โ <br /> PS. All our 90-day clients have been shocked at how much weight they lost by simply quitting alcohol...โ <br /> โ <br /> If you're finally ready to look better, feel better, and be happier, then DM me the word '90' or comment '90' below and I'll send you a message back with information about our industry-leading (98% success) program. โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholmakesyoufat #alcoholfreelifestyle | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828508 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/19/25, 5:30 PM | 1716079236 | 1742423457 | 810 | 814777783436211 | 1 | 3.699018127222E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332137830351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375326 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431897250_3560189120960308_3865566927472846160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-5ObZfrzMt4Q7kNvgH9ItX7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC5PmG6ZkR7oxBfuj2kZNcEybCzkm33ExTLAc_nqK51YQ&oe=664F0AF8 | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432244992_939004411149498_7033563971681846098_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gHPXMJaJmbwQ7kNvgF7JVgM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDuc9i7RxSIfKcl1LhBhwuqZNijEB02vhpX7M2zwpuyRA&oe=664F3830 | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828085 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 4:42 PM | 1716079229 | 1746999770 | 810 | 1217269066307726 | 1 | 1.0980012574469E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 104521152280511 | 0 | aspire_patches | 120210035873060577 | instagram.com | Send Message | NONE | carousel | http://instagram.com/aspire_patches | 1716066877 | 1.0452115228051E+14 | aspire_patches | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/332510192_740104064152699_2931112214997385941_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ivIDB3JZIn0Q7kNvgFLSzvg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAf1dTL8mREysae0f7evb32Lvk9DC5DM_GOpmGCRLM8mg&oe=664F18DE | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Aspire Patches | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441543749_514913357527971_3621340490909555492_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mOQsTeVxfxoQ7kNvgH1R1-L&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDXM2gq_TpPHvNIpqN0MaLEynEN_OQSRwUoOdkGEvUy7w&oe=664F2996 | 0 | 3 | aspire_patches | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/aspire_patches | 0 | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828157 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/28/25, 7:27 PM | 1716079230 | 1745886466 | 810 | 1131154457939986 | 3 | 3.9040396370072E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39965616890 | 0 | Lulus | 6534268016105 | www.lulus.com | Book now | NONE | video | Book a free Styling Session | https://www.lulus.com/melrose?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=ag_ppc_awareness_melrose_br&utm_term=ag_ppc_awareness_melrose_br_customer&utm_content=021424_melrose_bridalboutiqueappt_bridal_studio_video | 1707876809 | 39965616890 | Lulus | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428370454_1095121158281832_5755883628832687057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SqTLVUW8oHEQ7kNvgFDi8ip&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDK72UQVbkU3H1eM1_xa6b6qTIOrnkKt915_g_uFBPm5w&oe=664F2900 | person_profile | 0 | Lulus.com | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428413095_246288368527186_6504887425914010056_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EyTWgfZAUrkQ7kNvgEmt9Gy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC_z5QZiNtsbPAzvzZBgsk8IHDH5zah_UKTarEIUbTv1g&oe=664F01D4 | 0 | 3 | Our bridal boutique is OPEN on Melrose! Make an appointment with one of our expert stylists today for your bridal & bridesmaid needs. | Lulus | 1214718 | https://facebook.com/lulusdotcom | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827958 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/28/25, 9:04 PM | 1716079226 | 1745892284 | 810 | 7349703215137995 | 12 | 7.1529795548127E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1731149377151424 | 0 | Lance Mikkel | 6615713927120 | webinar.refocusonhappiness.com | Learn more | NONE | image | These phrases are the beginning of the end of a relationship! | https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ | 1713403196 | 1.7311493771514E+15 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437913586_408297158816292_8468147916373418680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O3xP24ZSSugQ7kNvgGmDjWh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDqEAV2bEn2bx2514dSMoyuNN2cGM_sE1RkmbHGUIocug&oe=664F0535 | person_profile | 0 | Lance Mikkel | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437714084_2188148944866022_6542724943465176524_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UV9XK4bR0AQQ7kNvgEIX11I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDv84ABGgY16dsNAIVNghUr18g_6SyHu_oeTm5p3QgN-w&oe=664F20F5 | 0 | 3 | If your partner has recently said to you "I need some time to myself" or "I need time to figure out what I want", you better listen carefully!<br /> <br /> The decision to be in or work on a relationship is emotional, NOT logical! So if they need more time to themselves and are looking to spend less time with you, don't ignore the signs!<br /> <br /> So if you are dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge you want to get back to being a rockstar in your professional life / business, the time to take action is NOW! As in life, the best defense is a great offense!<br /> <br /> My clients are proof that it's possible for men and women to get their confidence back within days, even if they feel beaten, downhearted, and worried they'll never be the same person again.<br /> <br /> They get over the past hurt and disappointment, even if they secretly didn't think they never would. And when you feel great you radiate! When you feel great, you finally stop the pattern of sabotage at the emotional core! And that is when the tide starts to turn and a relationship can be seemingly be resurrected from the ashes.<br /> <br /> But to do this within days requires you to do something very unconventional. It requires you to do something that you probably never thought was possible. It requires you to get over your ex within days rather than the conventional wisdom that tells you that it takes weeks, months or even years.<br /> <br /> To do this requires you to rewire your brain to get out of the sadness, anger, and fear you are currently feeling.....and back into happiness, gratitude and power.<br /> <br /> The good news is that science shows reality is the brain can be trained just like a muscle, and Iโll illustrate step-by-step how to get that mental-six pack within days.<br /> <br /> If this โcrazy ideaโ that you can actually control your brain sounds even a little enticing, you need to check out this free training:<br /> <br /> "10 game-changing insights to reclaim your power when dealing with a breakup, โtime apartโ or relationship challenge!"<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwebinar.refocusonhappiness.com%2Fs%2FaW7ICQ&h=AT0UR0pIVTnOmFxGyg2HWGrk0JqzYoAEipuQV4jf7Zef-cbcXD-Tc5qEJilhhrUf8E-KLkRVmjpgs0faQimnWIEhurMJPtAC_Mg24TH3Fm0qCTFPgzxMKHxyW8lGeqMHgv27cCwnqFQikg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://webinar.refocusonhappiness.com/s/aW7ICQ</a> | Lance Mikkel | 7165 | https://facebook.com/LanceMikkel | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828123 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/27/25, 1:13 AM | 1716079230 | 1748326381 | 810 | 7510689282361423 | 1 | 4.1882329433932E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 567548276676576 | 0 | Riverside Yoga and Massage | 6549031241077 | riverside-yoga.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Beach Yoga is Back! | We are a boutique yoga studio in the heart of Newburyport MA offering vinyasa and traditional Ashtanga yoga classes. By keeping class sizes small we can offer individualized attention to each student and help safely guide all levels of practitioners from beginner to advanced students. We also offer | http://www.riverside-yoga.com/ | 1716066462 | 5.6754827667658E+14 | Riverside Yoga and Massage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489639_987795882691528_2862306564263322671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4od0iAYomPoQ7kNvgGaYtHV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBYALl80wlxaHwmKprmHWHPzDGSTrYkhJXof04Hnisgrw&oe=664F11C2 | person_profile | 0 | Riverside Yoga | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473023_1572181590297107_8086576229839588417_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OL52ThAE1CMQ7kNvgEq5qKl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAMxb1jmNB1QAd2RC2oxBE_WGXsUgHNq9ztm9ThvoqvPQ&oe=664F1749 | 0 | 3 | Join Riverside Oceanside for Plum Island Beachfront Yoga ๐ <br /> <br /> Weekly classes starting Memorial Day weekend<br /> 8 am on Mondays, Wednesdays + Sundays <br /> Parking generously provided by our friends at The Sunset Club <br /> Drop in to class for $20 or use your class card or membership. <br /> Classes are shine only<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FRiverside-Yoga.com%2Fplum-island-beachfront-yoga&h=AT10u5Y814e6fOlCdmBt49qxddK8_5GhhqmDRID7ITcnaFSixMsGJuAGWEAZhsOfUJq0_z8OA966SifF3eD_CDfO3VndVFuNPq2mYAM4O-yEd2fqDKDRE0j0kyyyyKIYGBXuxa52B1w1XQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">Riverside-Yoga.com/plum-island-beachfront-yoga</a> | Riverside Yoga and Massage | 1614 | https://facebook.com/riversideyogastudio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828301 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/27/25, 4:46 AM | 1716079233 | 1748339204 | 810 | 7583229801765288 | 1 | 1.8350206403006E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104622121026372 | 0 | Earth Breeze | 120208985723900623 | earthbreeze.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Make a Difference Today | Over 90,000+ 5 Star Reviews | http://www.earthbreeze.com/shopnow | 1716065834 | 1.0462212102637E+14 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442438943_2334332270105063_5457917254401853784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5dfytti8AjAQ7kNvgEuaRua&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDloJJ39D1XcY0xvhae2I3EurirCmlVEXYLrtyQwXjiuw&oe=664F0E54 | person_profile | 0 | Earth Breeze | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407667_1084778712590014_463876120300395142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JSgxGxwbuFYQ7kNvgGmtpLS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCq5N1T_Cb2E4WYhZyvnhmjfNSzSUPPfnQdHBgRo5nr1g&oe=664F2B64 | 0 | 3 | Did you know that you should rinse out detergent jugs before recycling them?! โ Tackles tough stains & odors โ Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested โ No more messy detergent or plastic jugs โ Only $12 for 60 loads (20 cents a load) โ 1-3 day FREE carbon offset shipping โ 100% guarantee! We will refund you if you have any issues. โฃ โฃโฃ We donate 10 loads of detergent for every package ๐ | Earth Breeze | 122474 | https://facebook.com/myearthbreeze | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828429 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 7:09 AM | 1716079235 | 1730462977 | 810 | 1209302940442401 | 1 | 1.4005182239908E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 130124646850739 | 0 | Hailey Barr | 120209248310050340 | amazon.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Read Free with Kindle Unlimited | The Nanny's Second Chance: A Sunshine Virgin Romance | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2Y7CC1F | 1716064945 | 1.3012464685074E+14 | Hailey Barr | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139549_412425078295547_626480748540931512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i1Jh_p1tmJsQ7kNvgGD9JQY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBRe9JY7_-DdFxmpZXXk1GBg9mm8K-hBdRW06fCmYCugQ&oe=664F3584 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | A heartfelt story of one woman's cancer survivor journey as she learns to fight with the cancer, and her whirlwind of emotions she has never really experienced before in her life...<br /> <br /> What readers are saying: <br /> โI haven't felt so emotional in a book for a long time, a lot of reading feels like work, which I don't mind. But this, this was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed to read.โ <br /> <br /> โThis is a heart-warming story, full of compassion and hard feelings. Heart-breaking. I was rooting for them since the beginning! It was fantastic! highly recommended!โ <br /> <br /> "A sweet story that keeps you wanting more. It was easy to connect with the characters and love them. A story that constantly pulls at your heartstrings." <br /> <br /> Immerse yourself in The Nanny's Second Chance today and experience an emotional, heartwarming journey that will captivate you from beginning to end. | Hailey Barr | 48 | https://facebook.com/61551506138752 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828423 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 7:08 AM | 1716079235 | 1730462929 | 810 | 793069066113100 | 1 | 2.5516869444628E+16 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116920771284975 | 0 | Sell Beef Direct | 120209834387240263 | sellbeefdirect.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Turn LIKES into SALES! | Download My Free E-Book: The Farmerโs Guide to Selling Direct Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth With Amy Hay! | https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing | 1716064970 | 1.1692077128498E+14 | Sell Beef Direct | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445221016_1160094778343743_8274936173502241097_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3dqw5OBE6VEQ7kNvgH4BwGn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA8zVTnJYZq5A7SLJzgAzOW1ENu5vmpV0wTTLM_DOMJmA&oe=664F152D | person_profile | 0 | Amy Hay- BUSINESS + MARKETING FOR FARMERS | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473768_680924784159559_4593633850966114070_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sUrXCjPMPQ8Q7kNvgFYz5yj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZ3SbQ-7FfcJfudOpmYV8K-A2VuZ2ysAnspiT2OXUH5Q&oe=664F10D5 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Unlock the Power of Social Media! ๐<br /> <br /> FREE EBOOK INSIDE! <br /> <br /> Hey Farmers! Are you ready to revolutionize the way you sell beef online? Dive into our FREE eBook: โMastering Social Media: Your Free Sales Machine!โ No ads? No problem!<br /> <br /> Discover how to:<br /> <br /> ๐ Leverage social platforms to maximize exposure<br /> ๐ Engage directly with your buyers<br /> ๐ Boost your sales with ZERO ad spend<br /> <br /> ๐ฑ Transform your farmโs presence online with tools you already have at your fingertips. Become a pro at using social media not just for likes, but for turning posts into profits!<br /> <br /> "This has been great, thank you Amy! This has doubled my email list already this week. Looking forward to getting more leads and from there sales. Thank you!"<br /> <br /> "I have learned more from you in this free book than I have from a lot of courses I have paid for. Top Job"<br /> <br /> ๐ Grab your copy NOW and start your journey to becoming a social media sales expert! Click here to download <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sellbeefdirect.com%2Ffree-ebook-advancing&h=AT2rUlKVADxK-EoElzu6zboR3PJL1IjiFxve-c0DphOdjNzFkrWjgb6C-4SK14H6Tt373Hd-R0RoCa7LezeH4CJVAVWljEmlQn5P2T7fxg_PPLmhcGsaxrpVxPdLNh4Izy-DOgE8x4I9fA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing</a><br /> <br /> โจ Donโt just sell beef, sell it smarter with social media! โจ | Sell Beef Direct | 726 | https://facebook.com/sellbeefdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828551 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 8:25 AM | 1716079237 | 1730467503 | 810 | 430943406338119 | 1 | 3.424166757729E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101417978927880 | 0 | Elham Faghanimehr | 120210068882960100 | Contact us | NONE | image | Persian Wool Rug 11.7' x 8.2โ | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/916928346783227/ | 1716064780 | 1.0141797892788E+14 | Elham Faghanimehr | regular_page | 1 | Elham Faghanimehr | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440942556_1006247487681307_5499211087780624077_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LGTGC8rszgkQ7kNvgF_VQZh&_nc_oc=AdhdU_KGNDCpwGpHOzNlSzZjhvOORTaUNc8OOlXmleXCpK7IFB4zmyoR8mpKl_9JkxI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDKqqYTcfGYPqftigYEisn6zad3opp1bexRFcX2S9qLag&oe=664F2AC7 | 1 | 3 | Persian Wool Rug 11.7' x 8.2โ - $400.00<br /> <br /> Pure New Zealand wool, beautiful, very thick, soft, and heavy. No stains, rips, or tears. No need for a rug pad. <br /> Approximately 11.7' x 8.2โ.<br /> <br /> FREE delivery up to 15 miles.<br /> Pickup in the Green Lake area of Seattle.<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Elham Faghanimehr | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100031877806726 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828420 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 10:35 AM | 1716079235 | 1730475341 | 810 | 3381934905431596 | 1 | 4.6703896923117E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116920771284975 | 0 | Sell Beef Direct | 120209834387340263 | sellbeefdirect.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Turn LIKES into SALES! | Download My Free E-Book: The Farmerโs Guide to Selling Direct Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth With Amy Hay! | https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing | 1716064970 | 1.1692077128498E+14 | Sell Beef Direct | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441453894_3600758286812516_7532769600270871020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=epADcx6CNT8Q7kNvgGo0gcF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDAtx2EUQL99RYpjfcFf9SRxbrbZ0-1_5lLXE3ZEp1GWw&oe=664F190F | person_profile | 0 | Amy Hay- BUSINESS + MARKETING FOR FARMERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442423998_1471019030287362_6487195995145273313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mvwFNBWkRtoQ7kNvgH4QzOE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAvikK5H-TpAlo-C36JmKsAfbR0HOI6vQ09agDWaFS6Ng&oe=664F330D | 0 | 3 | ๐ Unlock the Power of Social Media! ๐<br /> <br /> FREE EBOOK INSIDE! <br /> <br /> Hey Farmers! Are you ready to revolutionize the way you sell beef online? Dive into our FREE eBook: โMastering Social Media: Your Free Sales Machine!โ No ads? No problem!<br /> <br /> Discover how to:<br /> <br /> ๐ Leverage social platforms to maximize exposure<br /> ๐ Engage directly with your buyers<br /> ๐ Boost your sales with ZERO ad spend<br /> <br /> ๐ฑ Transform your farmโs presence online with tools you already have at your fingertips. Become a pro at using social media not just for likes, but for turning posts into profits!<br /> <br /> "This has been great, thank you Amy! This has doubled my email list already this week. Looking forward to getting more leads and from there sales. Thank you!"<br /> <br /> "I have learned more from you in this free book than I have from a lot of courses I have paid for. Top Job"<br /> <br /> ๐ Grab your copy NOW and start your journey to becoming a social media sales expert! Click here to download <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sellbeefdirect.com%2Ffree-ebook-advancing&h=AT13F9QnDfA_RbguHHZxCJkTWvrrHr7K2j-zvbrTIQYygRHAphVW0gD5O6UhAVDI2SmaA9kmDJ6L9FI0-4bewmQbjZuQQyeAiBdrcHjCseuwvrdL4CBjBjRoruo9YMoJwdlOwBFgsR4hrg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.sellbeefdirect.com/free-ebook-advancing</a><br /> <br /> โจ Donโt just sell beef, sell it smarter with social media! โจ | Sell Beef Direct | 726 | https://facebook.com/sellbeefdirect | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828452 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 12:01 PM | 1716079235 | 1730480479 | 810 | 1154194629114054 | 1 | 1.0333819481772E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 247891111741597 | 0 | Culture for Community | 120210035000440577 | cultureforcommunity.org | Learn more | NONE | image | Culture for Community | We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. | http://cultureforcommunity.org/ | 1716064864 | 2.478911117416E+14 | Culture for Community | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436380752_3450707098559803_9182304272922682545_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EqFUYlegu9UQ7kNvgGn-oe7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCii4KSbA8nSokUBNIHZephnaOqZtrgpk2y3jnzY_af4g&oe=664F2E6C | person_profile | 0 | Culture for Community | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436271072_1410917439591306_1132384489134313688_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yb2KKnzltc4Q7kNvgEqiUEU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCXyIz7iGzLczCNa4eMyleN-bOGtqR8xC3f-n731u2T4A&oe=664F127A | 0 | 3 | UPCOMING EVENT IN ROSEVILLE!!! <br /> <br /> Culture for Community is a non-profit organization created by a local high school senior as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The goal of this event is to provide a location for local groups and individuals to share parts of their cultures and encourage community and connection in Roseville!<br /> <br /> This event will take place on May 25, 2024, from 11am-2pm, at 311 Vernon St, Roseville, CA 95678.<br /> <br /> Everyone is welcome and entry is entirely free.<br /> <br /> Look out for posts throughout this week about the local groups who will be present at the event, and join us for a unique, informational, and fun day in Roseville! | Culture for Community | 2 | https://facebook.com/61557103378741 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828467 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 11/1/24, 6:32 PM | 1716079235 | 1730503931 | 810 | 3974399309454145 | 1 | 9.7146025133784E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 223735984468782 | 0 | Tri-County Auto Garage | 6607413867914 | Call now | NONE | image | Tri-County Auto Garage | 1716068860 | 2.2373598446878E+14 | Tri-County Auto Garage | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428362472_1498447994401427_6543504593681610243_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ttfXY6aqM5YQ7kNvgG8xU2e&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCNU_8ijzfYt5D1KDhESOAh5F-VfaLJAgUAifB_yBiyHg&oe=664F270B | person_profile | 0 | Tri-County Auto Garage | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444138554_454825963596349_2499864720515012033_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jz0JhPPAnh4Q7kNvgFQXhfP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHR1CD_NhelyvP1syssG93_QH43OQvD81KDtx9HB3G6w&oe=664F0C08 | 0 | 3 | Is your vehicle ready for the fun-filled summer ahead?<br /> Get it serviced and make sure everything is in tip-top shape to enjoy a safe, hassle-free ride. | Tri-County Auto Garage | 888 | https://facebook.com/tricountyautogarage | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827894 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/29/25, 2:32 AM | 1716079225 | 1745911965 | 810 | 1168321211182898 | 1 | 2.572824739545E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103187711517485 | 0 | Illusion Dance Academy | 6584662136265 | illusiondance.org | Sign up | NONE | image | Illusion Dance Academy | We offer a free trial class to new dancers. | http://www.illusiondance.org/ | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Where are you located?","response":""},{"title":"What amenities do you offer?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716068799 | 1.0318771151748E+14 | Illusion Dance Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950911_848106117142468_8563879058827500680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VGMD7-9biuUQ7kNvgE0bhc0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAl2a-SrAOPC9FcKJaBN9cg2rsQFzki7MtDA1eHrZOELA&oe=664F2D56 | person_profile | 0 | Illusion Dance Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441970140_461180406399137_7707661574708869077_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gW05yZdcQ0UQ7kNvgFm_LQr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCVP2jgiNhsCLiPjudq7kiBEbo52tjxnhTQwBvIAe7GoQ&oe=664F289A | 0 | 3 | Sign up for summer camps with Illusion Dance Academy! Come join us for dancing, singing, arts & crafts, and more. Summer camps run Monday through Thursday with a small performance for the parents on Thursday. | Illusion Dance Academy | 487 | https://facebook.com/illusiondanceofcovington | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828356 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/27/25, 12:34 PM | 1716079234 | 1748367250 | 810 | 1158597378603019 | 7 | 1.1837940759656E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101127846306631 | 0 | vita_skrivere | 120210472482310042 | saytenc.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ๐ LAST DAY SALE 50% OFF ๐ฅ Bone Conduction Headphones ๐ง | https://saytenc.com/products/headphones | 1716065646 | 1.0112784630663E+14 | vita_skrivere | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436336891_366052899790658_1448296869181246289_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wl4-iGmSlQYQ7kNvgF3zGGv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAnUXjR36pmsmwIyxuzQrFbhYcRi7kg54a_yyFVo2Qbpg&oe=664F1C22 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ถ Dive into a world of sonic enchantment! Unveiling the Wireless Bone Conduction Headphonesโwhere perfect sound meets hands-free bliss and waterproof marvel! ๐ Elevate your auditory journey effortlessly. ๐ Act swiftly, secure yours now for an unparalleled audio adventure! ๐ Don't just hear itโimmerse yourself in the captivating beat! ๐ Don't Miss Out 50% OFF LIMITED STOCK LEFT! ๐ Shop NOW ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsaytenc.com%2Fproducts%2Fheadphones&h=AT0_e3g5oS0xkVpOWkv9YfNprwEjRadMunrA47Yee4qWQJEyyJ49TIyin9jQdFDffUJMgy0fZ_a4_wSZBG61nQU6z3zH7TtJzdghRF8Ogy1pigZ7gzBqJbHUSahMKZPLBT6Fo343NM8-bA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://saytenc.com/products/headphones</a> | vita_skrivere | 2 | https://facebook.com/100091990179946 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828110 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 12:52 AM | 1716079229 | 1745128322 | 810 | 1158808665161449 | 1 | 4.2972542968357E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 193658097174059 | 0 | Texas Affordable Flooring LLC | 6621714318867 | Send message | NONE | video | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can you tell me more about the types of flooring you offer?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066632 | 1.9365809717406E+14 | Texas Affordable Flooring LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441226369_1645592809529044_3171339248794563891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=glAvgW4dI_YQ7kNvgEsEvpq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDwKP4E8DyidDucSHlzWbr5Q8soHuQ6qOKJ6HkSPi6eLQ&oe=664F2F7D | person_profile | 0 | Texas Affordable Flooring LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442404231_1521036112180336_1855492289388519997_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qi4PqGcEJQIQ7kNvgHaXa_s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC22iLYHBgVoYGs7JFV3FpvCdn_RS0Jspl-M0tgdH2IkA&oe=664F0059 | 0 | 3 | Quality installed at only $4 per square foot. Furniture move, cement patch, and shoe mold cost extra. Contact us for your free over-the-chat quote! | Texas Affordable Flooring LLC | 9 | https://facebook.com/txaflooring | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827967 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 4:51 AM | 1716079226 | 1745142706 | 810 | 975239394238851 | 2 | 2.7615465890958E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 294645973721681 | 0 | Ugetlifeinsurance | 120209405172550313 | https://ugetlifeinsurance.net/life-insurance/ | Get quote | NONE | image | Schedule a Personal Appointment with a Licensed Agent | ๐ก๏ธ Attention Families with Mortgages! ๐ This essential coverage helps your family stay in your home, even if the unexpected happens to one of the breadwinners. With Mortgage Protection Insurance, you can: โข ๐ต Maintain your family's financial stability if the unexpected happens. โข โ ๏ธ Avoid financial problems when one parent is no longer helping pay the bills. โข ๐ก๏ธ And most of all, keep your family in your home. Donโt leave your family's future to chance. Secure their well-being today. Get a free quote with a licensed agent and learn how truly affordable it is to protect what matters most. Click Here to Schedule an Appointment https://tinyurl.com/home-protection-insurance -------------------------------------------- ๐ค Why Work with me for Your Mortgage Protection Insurance Needs? As a dedicated life insurance broker, I prioritize your family's protection and peace of mind. Here's why you should choose me: โข ๐ ๏ธ Personalized Solutions: I tailor insurance plans to fit your unique needs and budget. โข ๐ Expert Guidance: With years of experience, I navigate the complexities of insurance, making the process simple and stress-free for you. โข ๐ค Trusted Support: I'm committed to being there for you every step of the way, from choosing the right policy to making claims. โข ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family Focused: I understand the importance of securing your family's future, and I work diligently to ensure you have the best protection. Protect what matters most. Contact me today for a free consultation and discover the right life insurance plan for your family. Click Here to Schedule an Appointment https://tinyurl.com/home-protection-insurance #MortgageProtection #MortgageProtectionInsurance #TermLifeInsurance#LifeInsurance #InsuranceAgent #InsuranceBroker #SecureYourHome #ProtectYourFamily | https://ugetlifeinsurance.net/life-insurance/ | 1716067880 | 2.9464597372168E+14 | Ugetlifeinsurance | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442466488_792478649278350_3209550260854227958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N9i08GWmLRMQ7kNvgG5yGLQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBT4LW1zuifrb6huOoNnvOiUmr9tPmVGJKognd2BZRfBA&oe=664F3508 | person_profile | 0 | Ugetlifeinsurance | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954824_1094502974954789_7847299214833287989_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VzSgZcSnimkQ7kNvgFrmv6f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCswh85aIOJCPEvyuh-l5HLyHG4i3nEZirTWmPbgveb3A&oe=664F218B | 0 | 3 | ๐ก๏ธ Attention Families with Mortgages! ๐ <br /> <br /> This essential coverage helps your family stay in your home, even if the unexpected happens to one of the breadwinners.<br /> <br /> With Mortgage Protection Insurance, you can:<br /> โข ๐ต Maintain your family's financial stability if the unexpected happens.<br /> โข โ ๏ธ Avoid financial problems when one parent is no longer helping pay the bills.<br /> โข ๐ก๏ธ And most of all, keep your family in your home.<br /> <br /> Donโt leave your family's future to chance. Secure their well-being today. <br /> <br /> Get a free quote with a licensed agent and learn how truly affordable it is to protect what matters most.<br /> <br /> Click Here to Schedule an Appointment <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fhome-protection-insurance&h=AT2ox5Xuj3oPPd53bw9DTolUp4gqzzS14WHshS4KDXC28mGA0ZlVW7DLpncn8IH0u3jaFfoxej8Nbx5LKF1I3b21BPQ-lEV1bZsWMABjXERK9aPcGzUMrCxXwa42Jeo-xamojgRwYPeiFQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/home-protection-insurance</a><br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> ๐ค Why Work with me for Your Mortgage Protection Insurance Needs?<br /> <br /> As a dedicated life insurance broker, I prioritize your family's protection and peace of mind. Here's why you should choose me:<br /> <br /> โข ๐ ๏ธ Personalized Solutions: I tailor insurance plans to fit your unique needs and budget.<br /> โข ๐ Expert Guidance: With years of experience, I navigate the complexities of insurance, making the process simple and stress-free for you.<br /> โข ๐ค Trusted Support: I'm committed to being there for you every step of the way, from choosing the right policy to making claims.<br /> โข ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family Focused: I understand the importance of securing your family's future, and I work diligently to ensure you have the best protection.<br /> <br /> Protect what matters most. Contact me today for a free consultation and discover the right life insurance plan for your family.<br /> <br /> Click Here to Schedule an Appointment <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fhome-protection-insurance&h=AT2lWUfmUaNKIajeBQpIVYMGe50Sk2sDrz4mHKsK_lMIuB6EWXD1nZERiGrU4m795QCnrZIVLuuJsFpJBTPWwpywN38vIiRQmoLi8OuH08ubgt0feEUlRngbE1_1vCd_q8diBvmBdMbQaQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/home-protection-insurance</a><br /> <br /> #MortgageProtection #MortgageProtectionInsurance #TermLifeInsurance#LifeInsurance #InsuranceAgent #InsuranceBroker #SecureYourHome #ProtectYourFamily | Ugetlifeinsurance | 1 | https://facebook.com/UGetLifeInsurance | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828487 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/7/25, 8:29 AM | 1716079236 | 1741357747 | 810 | 470416048797182 | 1 | 7.9714393917947E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 770648679653574 | 0 | Zeeb Labs | 120206332142180351 | shop.zeeblabs.com | Shop Now | NONE | carousel | Edition of 100 | Empire Collection | https://shop.zeeblabs.com/collections/empire-collection | 1710375331 | 7.7064867965357E+14 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432403440_792712462724828_7249037804642036395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pdNiHDjTrJAQ7kNvgFxtn4U&_nc_oc=AdjOXPCluedsZj6zc3JudeRM9jOVC8JzaDF1DV4t7V6a2EldS3OO1fiSA4I9xGS52po&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBl1v07JOWvdZd2SoYaQPLfDMHmsT81PflX2h32_IMW3g&oe=664F341D | person_profile | 0 | Zeeb Labs | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432325369_1112039160129633_3716062255585818146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J8V0n9KSZfQQ7kNvgFuZLFK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBe6--QrBDO66Smm0BB9GogAvavprga3bFlIsuIGa5A6A&oe=664F25DC | 0 | 3 | Empire Collection | Zeeb Labs | 676 | https://facebook.com/zeeblabs | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828345 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 11:44 AM | 1716079233 | 1745167478 | 810 | 424646963753785 | 1 | 1.4621795247264E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 265954656602096 | 0 | Shawn Runitback | 120207545983430572 | Contact us | NONE | image | Pearlridge Collector's Show May 25 & 26 Macy's Phase Center Court Wembanyama & Stroud RC | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/383293047374494/ | 1716065366 | 2.659546566021E+14 | Shawn Runitback | regular_page | 1 | Shawn Runitback | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441176374_355820630845040_140787549976220707_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0T4PYVNRgIEQ7kNvgHPjply&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiur12dHuAstYVtfhPREqdWayzD0Mjz_Au2E-OncybeA&oe=664F0CD0 | 0 | 3 | Pearlridge Collector's Show May 25 & 26 Macy's Phase Center Court Wembanyama & Stroud RC - $123,456.00<br /> <br /> Aloha and Please Visit us At the Megalopolis Memorial Day Collector's Show Pearlridge May 25 & 26 Sat & Sunday - Free Admission & Parking Macy's Phase Center Court <br /> <br /> Got some products that we were sold out in and will have some restock of them at this Show.<br /> <br /> Select Basketball Mega & Blaster <br /> Prizm Mega & Blaster & Cello Packs<br /> Wembanyama Roookie <br /> <br /> Prizm Football Mega & Blaster <br /> CJ Stroud Rookie <br /> <br /> Bowman Baseball Blaster <br /> <br /> ETB 151 <br /> <br /> 3D Stickers <br /> Lanyards <br /> Jersey's <br /> Singles <br /> Binders <br /> Plush <br /> Gift Bags <br /> <br /> Check us out Center Court and location in our PIcture <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Shawn Runitback | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=61557509199083 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828384 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 1:23 PM | 1716079234 | 1745173431 | 810 | 467782568981487 | 1 | 7.7406125150161E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 230241140180540 | 0 | Tastelabel | 120210689056130683 | facebook.com | Like Page | NONE | image | Tastelabel | https://www.facebook.com/230241140180540 | 1716065132 | 2.3024114018054E+14 | Tastelabel | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443818217_7518076734914448_5299815346531635408_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uQc1MVDzQ8cQ7kNvgFWFefn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCCw6KUuL_PxUWgrXZCQaee9gtnITWXXhqAM24ZGA9aFA&oe=664F329B | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Want to elevate your cooking game? Hit that thumbs up! AND Get 70 FREE YummY recipes today | Tastelabel | 11281 | https://facebook.com/61557490460147 | 0 | LIKE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828548 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/20/25, 3:51 PM | 1716079237 | 1745182268 | 810 | 875944880966307 | 1 | 9.5842854574805E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 247332611798852 | 0 | Green Home Care | 120209682269480520 | api.whatsapp.com | Contact us | NONE | video | Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning for $249 Only | 5โญ Rated Company | https://api.whatsapp.com/send | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested in $249 Air duct + Dryer vent cleaning + AC Inspection combo ","response":"Hi! Thanks for showing your interest in Air Duct Cleaning + Dryer Vent Cleaning + AC Inspection service special for just $249 (limited time offer).\n\nPlease let us know your zip code and phone number, so we can let you know our availability for the appointment."}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi, ! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"template_id":"713843217285859"} | 1716064987 | 2.4733261179885E+14 | Green Home Care | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213688_811741190473431_5983158341193714774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y41SXymwoqwQ7kNvgEX94f3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAK4fhZNSX_bjX_K7ZVvSTgu-XfHmBdWHy8wU-GLfukRA&oe=664F1A9D | person_profile | 0 | Green Home Care LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301947_1478426653025140_6170490126050035110_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MN5mllCZggEQ7kNvgH9bIMm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBV9N10qf-D7kUTlMpJqaB42YWvVL4NmxPZANLSnpdhzA&oe=664F1BB2 | 0 | 3 | Phoenix & Surrounding Areas๐ฅ๐ฅ<br /> Get Air Duct + Dryer Vent Cleaning + Full AC Inspection for just $249<br /> <br /> That's right! We're rolling out this incredible deal, but it won't last long!<br /> <br /> Our Pro Offer Includes:<br /> โก Air Duct cleaning<br /> โก Dryer Vent Cleaning<br /> โก Complete Air Duct Inspection & Report (with pictures)<br /> โก Negative air pressure machine cleaning to eliminate all pollutants and allergens.<br /> โก AC Inspection<br /> <br /> Experience the Benefits:<br /> ๐คฉ Heavenly Fresh Air<br /> ๐คฉ Energy Savings $$$<br /> ๐คฉ No More Stuffy Noses<br /> ๐คฉ Smooth Laundry In No time<br /> ๐คฉ Allergy-Free, Bacteria-Free, and Pollutant-Free Air in Your Home, all for just $249! Yes, you read that right โ No hidden fees!<br /> <br /> So why wait? This offer is about to disappear. Click the button NOW and grab this opportunity TODAY! | Green Home Care | 51 | https://facebook.com/greenhomecarellc | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828099 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/16/25, 7:32 AM | 1716079229 | 1752669141 | 810 | 1223770881927581 | 1 | 1.6092858032477E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116535864716985 | 0 | Holistic Hercules Haven | 120209996036220603 | holistichercules.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โ BETTER THAN COFFEE! 20 In 1 Power Blend! | ๐๐ชBlood Flow & Nutrients Are KEY!๐ฅ๐ฆ | https://holistichercules.com/products/20-in-1-blend | 1716066707 | 1.1653586471698E+14 | Holistic Hercules Haven | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442497189_1119435566006433_7722184986461699496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CBCHR3k2nOYQ7kNvgHoz0wd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA8G0z0Db5G4dSVhytreTgORN4cRMTL6ZfGpkyFHZeNWA&oe=664F0CEB | person_profile | 0 | Holistic Hercules | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441966472_1485969998680542_941996122993859648_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s3tV_sQsqh0Q7kNvgE0H0Bc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCPe7ZemANI6M8OhWzG478X4VqcPbp1N6c_1Bh66pNW8A&oe=664F07B3 | 0 | 3 | โWay Better Than Coffee! 20 1 In Power Blend!<br /> <br /> ๐ฑSea Moss X Shilajit Dynamic Blend! <br /> <br /> The Best Supplement To Take Daily! Now Buy 1 Get 1 Free!<br /> <br /> โณLimited Time Offer | Holistic Hercules Haven | 15116 | https://facebook.com/100090896118387 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827490 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/22/25, 11:13 PM | 1716079213 | 1753244013 | 810 | 1471278626839115 | 2 | 4.4311451843083E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570935250341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | image | My new husband is disabled, yet he manages to wear me out every night | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009311 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441513720_8151765958191407_3879472091313218094_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ANeAisQ-0z4Q7kNvgG85G5G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcA7mgCP1urwfmFTiXIVjSr_IXFCB7jPHlwz30Gya5zQ&oe=664F0DDE | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445242085_2114731045579767_6216416224717048132_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YY_1RZJ7Cw4Q7kNvgEjGxUK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBEmoES-yntDdmz6ztaX2wSGfTYlUkGCroAMx_zrXAFFw&oe=664F20B0 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828084 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/29/25, 11:10 AM | 1716079229 | 1745943034 | 810 | 913030933963976 | 1 | 4.249834038192E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1044056275671196 | 0 | Let's Dance With Me | 6635851045818 | book.squareup.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Book FREE lesson now! | https://book.squareup.com/appointments/10xh310tegqi9u/location/K20GY0NB03331/services/6U6GE5TKZMSCCJCHC2GB4WP5 | 1716066942 | 1.0440562756712E+15 | Let's Dance With Me | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441592565_416466354589680_364231943878334760_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FfXcHwC3XhUQ7kNvgFIra0F&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCcZbnVdeGOlbjHJSqry517-hp6ZYpe83wFw9T5dw9Wrw&oe=664F15DC | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Now enrolling lessons and classes!!! What are you interested in learning???๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฏโ๏ธ๐ค What style??? Book your initial lesson here!!!!๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frb.gy%2Fy1iszo&h=AT1omIFofoGOCQ_OUNa5piO0XA3lL55nlLM7rWhVBKDuAuBM5D8Ku_F05D37Aae78lhp8r6IqoNBhRfSFyGANyvaCFavXKEV0z9dA1yChQbAazBxRDIp2A4JtA7UupWyNrXMi6bG2GM8JQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://rb.gy/y1iszo</a>!!!! | Let's Dance With Me | 5557 | https://facebook.com/letsdancewithmenaples | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828070 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/4/25, 11:39 PM | 1716079229 | 1738733983 | 810 | 435990005820353 | 1 | 1.3860182920739E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110683535625438 | 0 | Bosley Medical | 6592490539393 | bosley.com | Book Now | NONE | dco | SoCal's #1 Choice for Hair Restoration | {{product.description}} | https://www.bosley.com/lp/gnbh24/ | 1713551104 | 1.1068353562544E+14 | Bosley Medical | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438108664_450974730784114_5097952368545468220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J-Z6iAb_hF0Q7kNvgFMfXff&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3C-PO7i0m7IDJVFRT64Juw4vxVbVmAZOkUzDgF8YZsw&oe=664F1B71 | person_profile | 0 | Bosley Medical | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438097698_964804732030461_2721143844133313250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jtaksYdxuKgQ7kNvgEDL9Mu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBCmYaTPYO5KPOfu8hgkqUudUCC1PFhtIa9v_hmGIwPNw&oe=664F28A9 | 0 | 3 | Get your FREE consultation and get your hair back with Bosley of Southern California. Discover our simple, 1-day procedure. | Bosley Medical | 36525 | https://facebook.com/BosleyMedical | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828383 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/18/25, 7:43 PM | 1716079234 | 1752885805 | 810 | 752149706968449 | 1 | 4.2933256972712E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555120380051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040270 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444193577_414221658179664_3439343749303927575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lVQvuzZGKzwQ7kNvgFNHzHe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPdasSaj-qPlU1OOP2A3DmWmGjOJDCk-ZysEu0VOW3Qg&oe=664F2E0A | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445356452_7363664853761331_8999678506005157769_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Dhz9JfqG_AMQ7kNvgG6AXF2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA4PA0VhO7zZt6okVJJ3tRhOV3bV86zdpS1gfg9ciQJhg&oe=664F29BD | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827780 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/6/25, 7:01 AM | 1716079223 | 1738825260 | 810 | 989020309241385 | 1 | 9.9078503876133E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100591129779701 | 0 | Prairie Classical | 6596894729330 | prairieclassical.org | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Riders on the Storm: A QUARTET RODEO | https://www.prairieclassical.org/23-24-season/not-my-first-rodeo | https://www.prairieclassical.org/23-24-season/not-my-first-rodeo | 1716072302 | 1.005911297797E+14 | Prairie Classical | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440813927_1191320498915507_1731244999665673706_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8zN2Z-jyvt8Q7kNvgFKUykB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDo_59EipR7FALiIL6htiNWd9GATLtiQUNYEIhv2_4qBQ&oe=664F010D | person_profile | 0 | Prairie Classical Foundation | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436338441_981518823306254_360514288094014915_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AOCVGEK1rW4Q7kNvgHPeTye&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDnkGdR5DC82Mx8YaS9hvMRc15ceuwxsCzzm0meJrDoYg&oe=664F169A | 0 | 3 | Riders on the Storm: A Quartet Rodeo | Haydn's Op. 74, No. 3 "The Horseman", Debussy's String Quartet, THE DOORS, & Copland's Hoedown from Rodeo with a special Prairie Classical Youth feature! <br /> <br /> This concert is free, but PLEASE RSVP @ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prairieclassical.org%2F&h=AT2vgjHD-WWVVmbH3Hb9INe3HW0cqfnra7ljXaY4hCKIwCxjo1neUUZi67QblVMYFWeA3dSxvRAk_oQObjebji4yjo6t159tlHzrDvdGukLprXLHlcAYDdAe-wEp2zv-sM0nGP5r0Gbe8w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.prairieclassical.org</a> & reserve your seat in case of overflow + so we know how many goodies to provide at our reception!<br /> <br /> Featuring Destiny Ann Mermagen, Violin; Michael Mermagen, Cello; AND a special guest appearance by the Prairie Classical Youth String Quartet. Featuring Navoโs Shah Sadikov, Viola, and Vรฉronique Mathieu, Violin. | Prairie Classical | 216 | https://facebook.com/prairieclassical | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828023 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/5/25, 11:34 AM | 1716079228 | 1738776861 | 810 | 812281020463424 | 1 | 3.3765260239933E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 637215236704590 | 0 | Come Together Day Nashville | 120207503502650436 | cometogetherdaynashville.com | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Summer Kick Off | https://cometogetherdaynashville.com/ | https://cometogetherdaynashville.com/ | 1716068023 | 6.3721523670459E+14 | Come Together Day Nashville | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438263373_1195134158585234_6295171597438886428_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eZx_0DoW7TYQ7kNvgHZlT_B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDI7gIV2qzOgPXBdBak8kqepok6_jy2SBfFIigr_vIh1Q&oe=664F349E | person_profile | 0 | Carl Owens | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444213737_1471059853502318_5319746568181531342_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WZUbU-W4BbgQ7kNvgF1mSfP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCSjRaJlZ6bWHTH43c31SiG7am9BGQkwaMuqV92L5ZmDg&oe=664F2EE9 | 0 | 3 | It's Almost here Nashville!! Come Together Day's 4th annual Summer Kickoff Fun Festival is Memorial Day weekend. <br /> <br /> Music, Vendors, Food, Bounce Houses, & More! Saturday & Sunday 12p-6p @ Hadley Park - FREE FOR THE FAMILY!<br /> <br /> Come hang out with Joe Major from 101.1 the beat on Saturday and Nashville's own comedian Mike Drew on Sunday with the DJ spinning your favorite hits and some of the best local talent Nashville has to offer. <br /> <br /> Bring the whole family and let's kick the summer off right!<br /> <br /> For more information or for food or retail vendor spots visit our website! | Come Together Day Nashville | 1696 | https://facebook.com/ComeTogetherDayNashville | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827772 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/6/25, 9:47 AM | 1716079223 | 1738856863 | 810 | 340975292028255 | 1 | 3.6494393657389E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41230758002 | 0 | Free Poker Network | 6590920601365 | Send Message | NONE | carousel | FPN Leagues = FUN | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716052768 | 41230758002 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445074290_399655853065372_355373949081185891_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UKMwv8Y596YQ7kNvgG7s8YU&_nc_oc=Adj74PJPToDEC6POddRk_UeUyg0Wg9rjXgFrJZ_KRtKABz0SjQq9AK3hzjepwWWiI-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0EHx6vssiXa4nem-kJB93h2o-gP3AhWyrxYK5VR17qA&oe=664F0D10 | person_profile | 0 | Free Poker Network | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441963609_1087990672273196_8821680885849134845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bm6zDuAMDrAQ7kNvgHUxwOx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCjwIIGJzisHQRG0hhG7z51Wo0h76KE3X-fPDporeQLMg&oe=664F0EAF | 0 | 3 | Free Poker Network | 7888 | https://facebook.com/freepokernetwork | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828371 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/7/25, 2:39 AM | 1716079234 | 1738917542 | 810 | 782821260599318 | 1 | 1.0759265835057E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 117204024658491 | 0 | voznovusmilenio | 120211694726400002 | etix.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31551701/xxxtentacion-memorial-concert-los-angeles-1720 | 1716065166 | 1.1720402465849E+14 | voznovusmilenio | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/361886152_241944908660112_5806571870122202479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=ogqL4dAHFMQQ7kNvgESQM4m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCmbROEZGxlsjWau8gVLbZlnTjYawLsS3NhV5R6CHPhIA&oe=664F2CC3 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | Diego Guerra | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209447_995866015253923_2021772472824911209_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mBHVLPtVPpcQ7kNvgH-cwzS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBf5z0ETMSjOhUCtmJ1_OipxcB6iyAURJ0zwcJu3VhH8g&oe=664F10A3 | 0 | 3 | voznovusmilenio | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/voznovusmilenio | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828436 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/7/25, 7:14 AM | 1716079235 | 1738934088 | 810 | 960697225518265 | 1 | 2.5013720602532E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10477767586 | 0 | SKECHERS | 120214288742830011 | skechers.com | Shop now | NONE | image | https://www.skechers.com/ | 1716064900 | 10477767586 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442489793_1502228037382471_2173929235811306545_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BjP2wnJhOhcQ7kNvgHu9wfO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9TJlw9Hucc5zjDZbI1hzBA2ZQwntLBLaf8QI6UhqKTA&oe=664F220C | person_profile | 0 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441315087_883820293757470_2153034961852478703_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FTV8dyZbleUQ7kNvgENIQxY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDHFxVCLE2wDKJWjqBk2ZQt0U6a8AQveewZp0eE66FZgw&oe=664F285A | 0 | 3 | Let your shoes do the talking, Snoop style ๐ฅ๐ฅ #skechersxsnoopdogg | SKECHERS | 7780870 | https://facebook.com/SKECHERS | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827941 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/10/25, 3:31 PM | 1716079226 | 1744317097 | 810 | 434460452555363 | 1 | 1.4240834951346E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 108972647495513 | 0 | CASH For CARS | 120209280992300770 | Send message | NONE | image | FREE REMOVAL OF VEHICLES | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}!Year make model ? Title? "}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716068177 | 1.0897264749551E+14 | CASH For CARS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137940_364182409916544_5705335585028794047_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=auZi7lvsBQQQ7kNvgEKFO9N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAcYSfMQXN-29Tto8H6ShGgZ7NAyJdHpSWjqBcrrBjg8g&oe=664F1FCF | person_profile | 0 | Oregoncitytowing.com | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441083931_798093502004332_4167210336753022687_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OU0XBjLQuKgQ7kNvgGbp7b5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCbmi_GtU_TKN5wY9vIiPuCvo82YZu10918yOoM7e0tIg&oe=664F17DD | 1 | 3 | <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oregoncitytowing.com%2F&h=AT3k6XQGJNtJfPMGOhzTw9OKt8UWBjmGvbSiG0F5rSAt2K7omIvJbNshZULq8v-u1E6C_420WppJYxFK-9hhh756d57DtiVdJinDly64ZhpleSjEuLHygnQ5TnO63GZvY9GXu17XepLoQg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.oregoncitytowing.com</a> | CASH For CARS | 433 | https://facebook.com/ibuycarstoday | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827885 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/9/25, 8:16 PM | 1716079225 | 1746839762 | 810 | 1160041121867764 | 1 | 7.5202619114262E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 101674642441488 | 0 | Brett Young | 120207707706900317 | Buy now | NONE | image | Pet Carrier Up to 15lb. Cat Carrier, Dog Carrier, Cat Bag Carrier, Cat 17.5"L x 11.2"W x 11.5"H | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/412985831621292/ | 1716068947 | 1.0167464244149E+14 | Brett Young | regular_page | 1 | Brett Young | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441173061_1163707174673686_4389769460787809969_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pv2wjGZEU4oQ7kNvgGbIowc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBtha5DUMZ_rka5dCdyx0LDI22j7Nm11zcOtfqLZJvZ_w&oe=664F058E | 1 | 3 | Pet Carrier Up to 15lb. Cat Carrier, Dog Carrier, Cat Bag Carrier, Cat 17.5"L x 11.2"W x 11.5"H - $24.00<br /> <br /> โ - In stock.<br /> ๐ฑ - Select "Buy Now" to purchase.<br /> ๐ฆ- Brand new item (in box).<br /> ๐- Shipping only.<br /> ๐ฆ - Arrives: in 3-7 days.<br /> โญ- Returns accepted: 30 day returns.<br /> ๐- Tracking number included. <br /> <br /> ๐- Feel free to contact me should you have questions. <br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Product Details:<br /> <br /> The size of this cat carrier is: 17.5" x 11.2" x 11.5", recommended for pets up to 15lbs ( Please measure the size and weight of your pet before purchasing this product). With this lightweight dog carrier bag, you can take your pet anywhere and let your pet and you have a wonderful and happy trip.<br /> Mr. Pen pet carrier is made of durable cloth and scratch-proof mesh. Besides, our dog travel carrier comes with a soft washable wool mat for your pet to lay on, which also has a solid base to make it stable.<br /> This pet carrier has two extended handle grips for easy toting; it also comes with a detachable shoulder strap to make an easy carrying. Hand carrying straps and adjustable padded shoulder straps allow for many carrying options.<br /> The breathable and ventilated design allows pets to observe the surrounding environment well, effectively reducing their anxiety and making them more comfortable during travel. No matter when or where you use it, it gives your pet good protection.<br /> Mr. Pen pet carrier is secured with anti-slip zippers; your pets can't escape easily by pushing against the zipper from the inside. The Pet bag has mesh windows, which can bring more fresh air and also easy for you to check on your furry friends.<br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> -Shipping only available to continental United States. (48 states)<br /> <br /> -No international shipping<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands<br /> <br /> -No shipping to Canada or Mexico<br /> <br /> -No shipping to APO/FPO/DPO<br /> <br /> -We do not offer local pickup or combined shipping services<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Brett Young | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1574299467 | 0 | BUY_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828411 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/11/25, 2:53 AM | 1716079235 | 1744358030 | 810 | 370118812727132 | 1 | 7.9794471562259E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 691386241006211 | 0 | Sun Devil Hoods | 120209384471720597 | Call now | NONE | video | 1716065045 | 6.9138624100621E+14 | Sun Devil Hoods | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441174455_1453943665232943_5897329297971896303_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hZr0xIGtNnEQ7kNvgE-Nbk_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCtYnn3poa63kFoeQDkYm8db4fZvhXu_95Ir459uLk7iA&oe=664F1A2E | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | When your restaurant needs hood and duct cleaning, get your free quote from the best service in AZ! Sun Devil Hoods offers top-notch cleaning services to ensure your kitchen is safe and compliant. Contact us today for a professional, thorough clean that you can trust.<br /> <br /> #HoodCleaning #DuctCleaning #RestaurantSafety #SunDevilHoods #Arizona | Sun Devil Hoods | 74 | https://facebook.com/sundevilhoodsaz | 0 | CALL_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827835 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/29/25, 1:50 PM | 1716079224 | 1748544654 | 810 | 460343180001033 | 1 | 3.3316599304715E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206778119060068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713828347 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438082612_721752579873197_2523168967079599233_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4do-gd1gY4IQ7kNvgFRtY_f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCHxjeDIOccaaLC4-oS5uXq3ljfM49G9HzqkDInmbx15A&oe=664F1DD0 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438086288_1103685867516455_8740310316658475155_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eGphYeT4CC8Q7kNvgHRXFmB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB-d8Kh5Tpg88wKu4M4BYfi6co2TgNVg0NphcpXZyNChg&oe=664F316A | 0 | 3 | ๐ Frisco Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility:16100 TX-121 bldg b 220, Frisco, TX 75035<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827785 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/21/25, 2:54 PM | 1716079223 | 1745265286 | 810 | 980233483253086 | 1 | 4.7219993203962E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102392875003184 | 0 | Raghorn Liquidation | 6598668027552 | NONE | multi_images | 1716071109 | 1.0239287500318E+14 | Raghorn Liquidation | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436449137_1792976804556893_1952858400386226852_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NNcBTGSveJAQ7kNvgHDCvn7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDlB7IBCOtqMvajiHDBXEn6Z_s6fUhnL0BJwt6Rl8Hd4Q&oe=664F1ED5 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Monday Night Liquidation Sale! May 20th. 5:30-7:30pm. Additional 50% off all lighting, vanities, and rugs. Plus all clothes are buy one get one free!<br /> 19833 Middleton rd Caldwell.<br /> <br /> #caldwellidaho #idaholiving<br /> #idahodaily #thisisidaho #treasurevalley #treasurevalleyidaho #nampaidaho #tools #idahome | Raghorn Liquidation | 5722 | https://facebook.com/raghornliquidation | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827806 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/9/25, 11:50 PM | 1716079224 | 1746852654 | 810 | 2148666108866760 | 1 | 7.386288017632E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 114500438288393 | 0 | MirandaOutdoors | 120209577809670626 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716070327 | 1.1450043828839E+14 | MirandaOutdoors | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443820524_1403782977007998_7180460916305452147_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EczJgnVonGEQ7kNvgHZtc60&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD4130kzAYRoT_BUZZ1mtU8mv520hrc96ccsgO7aB2lOQ&oe=664F1830 | person_profile | 0 | MirandaOutdoors | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443838222_859754139299880_200695443614655054_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2TlmXiZGLmIQ7kNvgHVC964&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD8MXdJ_DuJ5-APWozOw2CnRTf1GrPx4xQDGgxbm_AB8Q&oe=664F2C77 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ***CONCRETE SERVICES***๐จ<br /> ๐ฐ$500 discount this month only๐ฐ<br /> <br /> Driveway โ๏ธ<br /> Patios โ๏ธ<br /> Sidewalks โ๏ธ<br /> Slabs โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ท๐ฝโโ๏ธQuality work, affordable pricing.๐ธ<br /> โผ๏ธMessage NOW for free estimateโผ๏ธ | MirandaOutdoors | 14 | https://facebook.com/100092327881803 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827802 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 2:24 AM | 1716079224 | 1746861889 | 810 | 795858622498832 | 1 | 8.1948636023769E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 103751942215092 | 0 | Pure Health & Wellness | 6607121613324 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Find out if hormone therapy is right for you! | http://fb.me/ | 1716070568 | 1.0375194221509E+14 | Pure Health & Wellness | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441531465_2089378065287781_2368076595678245129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iNZgCpaKHcQQ7kNvgFUJNfU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB_ItLvSfrXCE24nnbEve7RjnnEe6ekf8L3fG3ksRW71w&oe=664EFFBD | person_profile | 0 | Pure Health & Wellness | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487584_349268814841168_1557334231103265432_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZDnbYYHcgGYQ7kNvgFuLEmC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDhoMdkRibDecgnAohevwVd-6kE6x7NphY_gsjQDiadfQ&oe=664EFF76 | 0 | 3 | Experience a Life-Changing Transformation<br /> Our professional staff are ready to guide you on a journey to restore balance and optimize your hormone levels. With a personalized plan tailored just for you, we'll help you:<br /> โ Boost energy levels<br /> โ Enhance mental clarity<br /> โ Improve mood and well-being<br /> โ Increase muscle mass<br /> โ Support healthy weight loss<br /> ๐ Click "Sign Up" below to claim your free hormone consultation at Pure Health today! ๐ | Pure Health & Wellness | 190 | https://facebook.com/PureHealthDx | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827984 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/15/25, 4:58 AM | 1716079227 | 1742032721 | 810 | 1352932388711881 | 1 | 3.8423639461597E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 110945150312113 | 0 | Josh Gliniak | 120207290734650582 | Contact us | NONE | image | Corduroy White Sectional Modular Couch - Free Delivery | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1133049807792130/ | 1716068152 | 1.1094515031211E+14 | Josh Gliniak | regular_page | 1 | Josh Gliniak | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436299031_468947669138263_2457412552195550936_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m7lctrLcMCoQ7kNvgHtJwTG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB25hYL94e9LmbAbm67x2kphE2iN6Dm4YVsbdTeGFIucQ&oe=664F169C | 0 | 3 | Corduroy White Sectional Modular Couch - Free Delivery - $2,000.00<br /> <br /> Brand new corduroy!<br /> Wide wale Modular sofa<br /> Free delivery <br /> Welcome to come check it out or have it delivered today!<br /> Dimensions is 110โ by 73โ<br /> Can take cash or Zelle <br /> Card has processions fee<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Josh Gliniak | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100000801802147 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827783 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 2:58 AM | 1716079223 | 1746863908 | 810 | 845889364231999 | 1 | 4.5036852433844E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1020109081491604 | 0 | Juan Campos | 6576889575256 | Contact us | NONE | image | New garage door | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/847883410540594/ | 1716071226 | 1.0201090814916E+15 | Juan Campos | regular_page | 1 | Juan Campos | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445181499_461647836385636_3127545932623409091_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=88p-S4Z4vjUQ7kNvgGUgTir&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBbL4QvQuEujg8qOxydwCCq8GjuPl5OTVUDn2jtgMioTQ&oe=664F03A8 | 0 | 3 | New garage door - $1.00<br /> <br /> New garage doors available Message me for a free quote <br /> All sizes available <br /> Facebook Marketplace | Juan Campos | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=100002136218795 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828115 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/29/25, 8:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1745975284 | 810 | 2652708881565561 | 1 | 3.7881014121483E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145667042172127 | 0 | Decoding Creativity | 120208496528450643 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Do You Wish You Were Writing More? | Free, live class looks at the creative process and creative thinking style to find how you will best create time to write. Julia Roberts has her Masters in the Science of Creativity and wants to help you write with ease and satisfaction. | http://fb.me/ | 1715979506 | 1.4566704217213E+14 | Decoding Creativity | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444215320_1131114708145658_2010120722138577960_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I4vqhyWFRkEQ7kNvgHlPVsl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC8H39xN3vbbk2R8DVtIGrX13gnQNJXnL59nRmmpft9Ig&oe=664F2131 | person_profile | 0 | Julia Roberts | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441515327_967167618244117_7503705004360394377_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U2FVE48mkg4Q7kNvgEFmQ6I&_nc_oc=AdjmVSmiZb41YiGgVlGw5RVQN9ECe1QPm_7YF5jjL_HyRIDb-HI4fVBTXte0o4L9cfQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDo5jpBoFRbovGWr7bTwAiSZoqc3BA0eg0RIP5QKnFE6Q&oe=664F1249 | 0 | 3 | Do You Wish You Were Writing More? But let me guess, you canโt find the time โ and โproductivityโ advice seems to miss the point of creativity. Hi, Iโm Julia Roberts, and my one claim to fame (besides my famous name) is I have my Masters in the Science of Creativity. I help writers approach writing, creativity, and productivity in a unique way. Each of us thinks and creates differently โ and that self-knowledge is your key to how to write in the time you have available to you. <br /> <br /> In this FREE webinar, you will learn:<br /> โข The Universal Creative Process<br /> โข The four primary thinking styles <br /> โข Where you (and your thinking style) likely fit or fight the process and get mired in resistance<br /> โข How to lean into who you think for your greatest ease and satisfaction<br /> <br /> CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO SAVE YOUR SEAT!<br /> <br /> Thanks โ see you in the Zoom Room (Yes, Iโll be there, live.)<br /> <br /> Julia Roberts<br /> <br /> P.S. Iโve helped thousands of writers get writing again, in easiest, possible way. Isnโt it time you found time to write? | Decoding Creativity | 912 | https://facebook.com/DecodingCreativity | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828241 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 9:13 AM | 1716079232 | 1749392029 | 810 | 7884824474914925 | 1 | 8.1344657698181E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117489428115639 | 0 | Sarah's recipes | 120211232622920297 | natural-vibrant-life.com | Learn more | NONE | video | Uncovering Type 2's True Cause | https://natural-vibrant-life.com/sd17?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=suga&utm_content=s23h63&cmc_adid=fb_{{ad.id}} | 1716024611 | 1.1748942811564E+14 | Sarah's recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442446544_777958754481290_2665957534404003452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IhW9UKYuPtkQ7kNvgGsswf0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAIRFE14Fy4bfVrn9Jj7kGgys4qs04UoqdRBP9RgBWplA&oe=664F1213 | person_profile | 0 | Sarah's recipes | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445026773_305047762695567_5849675923952007224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zg_Mrv1jX1UQ7kNvgFMsjPi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBfXtsqyt3tcjpOTsJFtAxf4gFIK2JUBtLot0PmvPlguA&oe=664F374E | 0 | 3 | The Real Root Cause Of Type 2? | Sarah's recipes | 0 | https://facebook.com/61550856480508 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827473 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/11/25, 8:29 AM | 1716079212 | 1744378161 | 810 | 423657273920138 | 1 | 4.1579422804862E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 108394237578957 | 0 | Fiction books | 120210570899350341 | fbweb.moboreader.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.com/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1574543220035140 | 1716009296 | 1.0839423757896E+14 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484092_1151586255900275_6766779992546007597_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IlAVqvqpwvkQ7kNvgEdZFXQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDho1SFtsBdOH1yLpyvvz2mIvQvwzkv1AlxG7miuoLufg&oe=664F144B | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442493641_1562591477641227_1888059612232262227_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IngGhf6Bep0Q7kNvgH7dSiW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDl_7MuqEpaDkIdMqZa6FWkFPWYPYzoyEotm5pazVy9Uw&oe=664F35B2 | 0 | 3 | He believed his wife married him for his wealth, even though he was a cripple. He planned to use her and then divorce her. Unexpectedly, after the marriage, he fell madly in love with her. His wife wanted to divorce every day, but he just wanted to pamper her!<br /> =====<br /> Chapter 1 How About We Get Married?<br /> "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. <br /> "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. <br /> The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. <br /> <br /> "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?"<br /> <br /> "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. <br /> <br /> "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. <br /> <br /> Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. <br /> <br /> The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day.<br /> <br /> He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. <br /> <br /> All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! <br /> <br /> Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. <br /> <br /> One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. <br /> <br /> "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault."<br /> <br /> "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancรฉ leave her?"<br /> <br /> "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?"<br /> <br /> The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, there were noises nearby. <br /> <br /> Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?"<br /> <br /> Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?"<br /> <br /> The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability."<br /> <br /> "And he's been waiting here all this time?"<br /> <br /> The staff member nodded. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. <br /> <br /> They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. <br /> <br /> After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. <br /> <br /> She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. <br /> <br /> As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. <br /> <br /> The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. <br /> <br /> Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. <br /> <br /> Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 What Was She Up To?<br /> "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. <br /> <br /> Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. <br /> <br /> "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. <br /> <br /> "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. <br /> <br /> "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. <br /> <br /> Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on."<br /> <br /> Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. <br /> <br /> After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. <br /> <br /> With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. <br /> <br /> Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. <br /> <br /> Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. <br /> <br /> She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? <br /> <br /> Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. <br /> <br /> While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?"<br /> <br /> Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision."<br /> <br /> Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. <br /> <br /> How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. <br /> <br /> He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. <br /> <br /> Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. <br /> <br /> Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. <br /> <br /> As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. <br /> <br /> The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?"<br /> <br /> Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. <br /> <br /> The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. <br /> <br /> So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? <br /> <br /> Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. <br /> <br /> Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. <br /> <br /> Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. <br /> <br /> "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. <br /> <br /> "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. <br /> <br /> On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? <br /> <br /> Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all."<br /> <br /> Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly<br /> Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. <br /> <br /> Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."<br /> <br /> Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. <br /> <br /> Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental."<br /> <br /> "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. <br /> <br /> She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> "Sir."<br /> <br /> In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. <br /> <br /> Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. <br /> <br /> "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution."<br /> <br /> "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?"<br /> <br /> Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things."<br /> <br /> "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?"<br /> <br /> "No need."<br /> <br /> Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. <br /> <br /> The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. <br /> <br /> This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. <br /> <br /> He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money."<br /> <br /> Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. <br /> <br /> Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. <br /> <br /> The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. <br /> <br /> Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. <br /> <br /> Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. <br /> <br /> "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call."<br /> <br /> Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward."<br /> <br /> Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability."<br /> <br /> In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. <br /> <br /> He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. <br /> <br /> #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex<br /> <br /> #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom<br /> <br /> She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. <br /> <br /> Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. <br /> <br /> Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To?<br /> As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?"<br /> <br /> "No, thanks. I'll be back soon."<br /> <br /> Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. <br /> <br /> Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. <br /> <br /> Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?"<br /> <br /> Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. <br /> <br /> She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. <br /> <br /> If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? <br /> <br /> "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. <br /> <br /> Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide."<br /> <br /> "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. <br /> <br /> Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. <br /> <br /> He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. <br /> <br /> "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. <br /> <br /> "No need for that."<br /> <br /> "What?"<br /> <br /> "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done."<br /> <br /> "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. <br /> <br /> "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!"<br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?"<br /> <br /> "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other."<br /> <br /> While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. <br /> <br /> She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. <br /> <br /> Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. <br /> <br /> Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? <br /> <br /> Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!"<br /> <br /> "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!"<br /> <br /> "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me."<br /> <br /> After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?"<br /> <br /> While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 You Can Stand?<br /> "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. <br /> <br /> Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back."<br /> <br /> But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. <br /> <br /> Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. <br /> <br /> She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. <br /> <br /> On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. <br /> <br /> Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. <br /> <br /> For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. <br /> <br /> This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. <br /> <br /> "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. <br /> <br /> "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. <br /> <br /> As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. <br /> <br /> Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. <br /> <br /> "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. <br /> <br /> "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. <br /> <br /> Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. <br /> <br /> "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. <br /> <br /> Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. <br /> <br /> "Let's go home, Elyse."<br /> <br /> "Okay."<br /> <br /> After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. <br /> <br /> "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. <br /> <br /> Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up."<br /> <br /> In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. <br /> <br /> "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man."<br /> <br /> "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. <br /> <br /> Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. <br /> <br /> When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?"<br /> <br /> "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. <br /> <br /> "And why doesn't he return to his room?"<br /> <br /> "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much."<br /> <br /> With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. <br /> <br /> Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. <br /> <br /> Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?"<br /> <br /> ====<br /> "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. <br /> <br /> Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. <br /> <br /> Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? <br /> <br /> Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)<br /> <br /> &6& | Fiction books | 47759 | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1827409 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 12/5/24, 3:53 AM | 1716079211 | 1733392428 | 810 | 430958259660684 | 3 | 1.1260930254461E+15 | 1715756400 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704476530151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085779 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441453316_774297218007226_3141793926398545420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kO-OCVdbSZUQ7kNvgG9qe2E&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCBfCINFvcAPGd-zxoruLxznAKGM1WjUEMsHkPdtCTLtg&oe=664F0D1E | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441446853_1012488506925578_105078825076710593_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8EppQY7cByEQ7kNvgE9TjDv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHnG-hLxX9bRlwhp-q5Uotd6hshMT1nAV7NxJNSBXAPA&oe=664F0E30 | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT0I3rOoUJRicdojhMMKAWL5azrmfrsKsjhRtQnJhnbQAoI4hn6xs5DvqKA-39oJHVR7rwLs0-zVY3zx0kNu4CTbtsbCsNIZxkEoQcE7k4NsqzQ_XHKqGBmCgsNBdEaydqNh2hyb8m6RbA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827441 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 12/5/24, 6:08 AM | 1716079212 | 1733400500 | 810 | 417744777732379 | 3 | 1.4799755296116E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 131060903414814 | 0 | Denrank-US | 120210416595920624 | www.denrank.com | Shop now | NONE | video | โญโญโญโญโญ4.8/5 | Free worldwide shipping on orders over $39 | https://www.denrank.com/collections/mens-outdoor-shoes%F0%9F%A5%BE?st | 1715754075 | 1.3106090341481E+14 | Denrank-US | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442384632_426633000150625_1745116176496764445_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7DntM8Ej3S4Q7kNvgGkjQyq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPTbySIgTixDZE9tGrZ3cxr1xyd0bewoF-6NkoOsZ0OQ&oe=664F0EFF | person_profile | 0 | Denrank-US | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441461293_422013050616836_8981225466653899796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6g2rnoLrlXQQ7kNvgEuErxP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYkZBnzcDfvG2sgM2zZSE3QxZWQabmiHNwO3-BcjnGkQ&oe=664F17F2 | 0 | 3 | โVery comfortable and stylish. I received so many complimentsโ<br /> โ๏ธThe most comfortable and breathable shoes of 2024. Relieve foot pain and sweaty feet or your money back.<br /> โ Ergonomic insoles eliminate foot pain<br /> โ Handmade breathable knitted antiperspirant<br /> โ 30-day money back guarantee<br /> Enjoy 45% off today๐๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Freurl.cc%2FMO4p1X&h=AT3JBjMTlBeKn4yCYvaigb5FYKLSOuwBpqgICTLHMRNXsXDxPAtizMV9eMrDhAC8dxZW3Xqpk5rOJe35PR0jRsJVenULZpJqhrjy8g_3Kb26FttKIp30dyJUSPR-NtTMIn0cHFf0mKCADg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://reurl.cc/MO4p1X</a> | Denrank-US | 259 | https://facebook.com/61550979988861 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828543 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 3:27 AM | 1716079236 | 1746001631 | 810 | 1010959027220069 | 1 | 1.1819261830349E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100233925164761 | 0 | Cathect Communications | 120210165676510682 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Tablet or Cellphone with Unlimited Data only $19.99 /month. | http://fb.me/ | 1716064814 | 1.0023392516476E+14 | Cathect Communications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441333130_1445231812780012_8870456433916557297_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XVU4Bp5q_VEQ7kNvgFR_79Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCd_NIh2g_2rl66nNTEBwEDGL70HNDUKX6xpgMLQD2Ufw&oe=664F1402 | person_profile | 0 | Cathect Communications | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441299042_1561682347743064_7404428525544065465_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FtprntUu8lAQ7kNvgFlCZqC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD1759V069u4ODB1tN0RoXKfhVxfTIwS0zP6wXOpTdKPg&oe=664F1E86 | 0 | 3 | Pay Only $19.99/m And Get A Free Tablet or Cellphone with Unlimited Talk Time, Text and 5G Internet Package! | Cathect Communications | 8653 | https://facebook.com/cathectinternet | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828472 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/22/25, 6:14 AM | 1716079235 | 1745320464 | 810 | 803253731422841 | 1 | 1.1130583199017E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10477767586 | 0 | SKECHERS | 120214288710450011 | skechers.com | Shop now | NONE | image | https://www.skechers.com/ | 1716064830 | 10477767586 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442508212_440339041922771_7791656737773334786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jpTuUjm_jO4Q7kNvgFM_Svt&_nc_oc=AdjJrnlVh6GEnZ-mJ3w8UA7yixbde7Qd0CvpuA1qzpM4t5esM7SrRFqx2iH20tn43qw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBIR6d4Sqnkinzc3bP4YqjP6VxSUlm7VDNXHq-3aeEn9Q&oe=664F0DFB | person_profile | 0 | SKECHERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442497263_370885469306661_285275802996488791_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mg4dvqreE3MQ7kNvgGKt2Yd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB-VOl2Y5xogFWftaP90hP2V_UHiiseVtFsKoSmuMzLWA&oe=664F1613 | 0 | 3 | Experience the best in cozy comfort with Skechers โจ | SKECHERS | 7780870 | https://facebook.com/SKECHERS | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827795 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 5:42 AM | 1716079223 | 1746009777 | 810 | 1181718289513268 | 26 | 1.6366089604259E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 698009747268663 | 0 | HiSmile Results | 6621921019727 | hismileteeth.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | BUY 1 GET 1 FREEEE! ๐ฎ๐ | {{product.description}} | https://hismileteeth.com/products/v34-bundle | 1716070742 | 6.9800974726866E+14 | HiSmile Results | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436128579_2160426350999434_4704837767740969498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2HZmEfa7jSgQ7kNvgGDvY0O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB7SkH0fmbw2mFbuy7zqWeH5T_iqP82BEYklaj6FoJwjQ&oe=664F2DD9 | person_profile | 0 | Hismile | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436222389_394051963619741_4890742371241507907_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AAfXx7OSL1cQ7kNvgGYk-Oz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDOdNUBC8I25cE2h95ZSPO8LqU9bureVT8WU3_GHVs2ug&oe=664F0EA9 | 0 | 3 | YOU need to see this! ๐ณ *only available through this ad* | HiSmile Results | 29668 | https://facebook.com/hismileresults | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828337 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 2/15/25, 2:56 PM | 1716079233 | 1739631360 | 810 | 466721322464652 | 2 | 9.5871929903165E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 176366735873065 | 0 | The Ridge | 120208939164980618 | ridge.com | Shop now | NONE | image | 20% OFF Ridge Rings | Ridge Greats Sale | https://ridge.com/collections/rings-men-5rlp-col?amp_rings | 1715824153 | 1.7636673587306E+14 | The Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441450712_459454653262005_6531166941107046768_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F14Yw2u6UKkQ7kNvgF4ZDKc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD5s5Bb9zPOyeHG9LWZTHD08iyPrq68TrMKoUKji7e7gA&oe=664F233B | person_profile | 0 | Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484780_1165034444522229_247437975062359284_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O0ClvgNusJwQ7kNvgExRdUY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD68gi4uetmHKkbtxcZfDkvY1KnFLdNP9YiIYEGRZVPVA&oe=664F30A3 | 0 | 3 | Shop the Ridge Father's Day Sale before he does! The Ridge Ring Set is the perfect Father's Day Gift, available in over 20+ colors and materials.<br /> <br /> Each ring set includes:<br /> โ 2 Rings: Metal & Silicone<br /> โ 2x FREE Replacements<br /> โ Lifetime Guarantee<br /> <br /> Free Shipping & Returns | 99 Day Risk-Free Trial | The Ridge | 296724 | https://facebook.com/ridge | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828047 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 11:23 AM | 1716079228 | 1746030183 | 810 | 463831096178856 | 1 | 3.2514273377797E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 157804637592893 | 0 | Ray's Carpet Care & Pressure Washing | 6576284290375 | vacuum.bestbuysshopping.com | Shop now | NONE | video | ๐ฅ Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner - ๐ฅ FLASH SALE - 49% OFF | https://vacuum.bestbuysshopping.com/ | 1716066704 | 1.5780463759289E+14 | Ray's Carpet Care & Pressure Washing | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440960991_996573388482701_8830010770129894687_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w5LWVl8DbZEQ7kNvgEqAg84&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTDDpJXOnnP6eOs_KvDCJ1ncM7HyWQT6R7uDOjBAOAMg&oe=664F14B5 | person_profile | 0 | Ray's Carpet Care & Pressure W | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399521_1615467235899855_1805280916005398925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6djIURZqTPwQ7kNvgEPfD_w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAxthJufWrDermGunZ23oAaeX7ALljmmv5kxBjkd5GbWw&oe=664F2BA3 | 0 | 3 | Get rid of all the dirt & dust you couldnโt reach before! Clean like a pro!๐<br /> โ Cleans up every corner of your home and car,<br /> โ LED lights are illuminated at a large angle,<br /> โ Portable and Wireless handheld design,<br /> โ Long-lasting rechargeable battery,<br /> โ Strong suction power,<br /> โ Charge anywhere,<br /> <br /> ORDER NOW!<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvacuum.bestbuysshopping.com%2F&h=AT0UOXPSWpBB6zmqZzJjK6gfRvXeppwEjxOqKqfYhugkDa0jccS7igdX5-4LYIi0Nm-r89HK3xqJABNN82uTRQNkoEuqeN_v-W_7yQFuuyKgO3i6jvAnnps63g-w38OJQdfHK8f0PQDtlqGA3sEL8R3NECk" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://vacuum.bestbuysshopping.com/</a> | Ray's Carpet Care & Pressure Washing | 1459 | https://facebook.com/rayscarpetcarellc | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828158 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 8:09 AM | 1716079230 | 1746018565 | 810 | 1429443281267182 | 1 | 1.386924178678E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 804983366207414 | 0 | Andรฟ Cardona | 6563115478428 | eventbrite.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | https://bit.ly/Listen0521 | 1716066345 | 8.0498336620741E+14 | Andรฟ Cardona | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474342_405822262325997_5015158978835648329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VnXKkQ8JNTAQ7kNvgHuYg8W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDagbY8wvgCfFM_UQ3jws7BqU4nyZZ2WobIn3cTXil3zg&oe=664F341F | person_profile | 0 | ANDYฬ CARDONA | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471376_1667247660683963_4064706422237670934_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bbZsVL1ZhgQQ7kNvgElYG4q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB2U3N7j8JrNq9xdRR4ET2tvG2OHEpHVYM06Vegqh8c6w&oe=664F361D | 0 | 3 | Andรฟ Cardona | 963 | https://facebook.com/AndyCardonaDj | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827747 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/30/25, 2:31 PM | 1716079222 | 1748633461 | 810 | 1377711986224104 | 1 | 9.621288989784E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109441667618031 | 0 | Halara | 120208419204820718 | thehalara.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Stylish Everyday Outfits | Shop Women's Bestsellers, Straight Leg Work Pants, Pocket Flare Leggings and More at Halara, Always Made From Activewear-Inspired Fabrics and Featuring Innovative Designs. Enjoy Free Shipping. | https://thehalara.com/collections/best-sellers?sortBy=196940 | 1715311179 | 1.0944166761803E+14 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441296724_3801265363476689_8866963345646412991_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C-VQTWBc0dgQ7kNvgGOw7-4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHXjKQFCAdbTBbGyOkKp7rPHD42p2QNAFD6yvejeXqSA&oe=664F0135 | person_profile | 0 | Halara | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440786467_2397177704005915_486724029235108037_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=csJZGo4xSdcQ7kNvgG_Pyzj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCaqryFw1J1sB9WXl1gDSE1HmaqYA1E7ZimxjOtThPanw&oe=664F2A8A | 0 | 3 | ๐ Affordable outfits for any age<br /> ๐ Super stretchy, comfortable and flattering<br /> ๐ For lounging, WFH or everyday activities" | Halara | 212301 | https://facebook.com/thehalara | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827444 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/11/25, 6:44 PM | 1716079212 | 1744415049 | 810 | 1118106399403816 | 1 | 1.3841656189263E+15 | 1715929200 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 228365983701502 | 0 | Mitraall-GB | 120209889844020640 | mitraall.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Big sale | 30 days free returns | https://www.mitraall.com/collections/boots | 1715840799 | 2.283659837015E+14 | Mitraall-GB | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441511542_830717739104616_4219021947375239703_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8hH93UQoi6gQ7kNvgE1RMNr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCQaRfG2e0bXgMZX1VoKq-KuifhJFdA55gMZfsAtBmAjg&oe=664F04FE | person_profile | 0 | Mitraall-GB | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441673398_446020874792369_3946482418429773615_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FjjRQbR2UwsQ7kNvgE-xSFq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCC39U-NCWYobGvl6hZyfZy686KtPQg6OBWsuqAzdTMtQ&oe=664F3358 | 0 | 3 | Our best outdoor shoes are just $6.99 today, order now for immediate shipping. ๐ Choose your favorite ๐<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Freurl.cc%2FEjjggk&h=AT0TO8PaITh3kx5dV5Tfv828GSKZZ7h8ZXk-OO0VH11-kcx5m2jGzxo0oLe2DQEbqoAfypYeLCM9k8z1DJoqTgU-kZwiTebYYY1Mry4RN_o_jHWCAq--4_IoAGSp1x6hBiuwBRcwgniVgg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://reurl.cc/Ejjggk</a> | Mitraall-GB | 3 | https://facebook.com/61557288835420 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715842800 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827008 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 5/10/25, 11:32 AM | 1716079147 | 1746894766 | 810 | 439593002120432 | 7 | 1.5908509084138E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 862189923914381 | 0 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 6562002534971 | injectneedlefree.com | Contact us | NONE | image | Needle Free Injections > | Discover the future of painless injections with Comfort-inโข . Explore comfort and convenience in our needle-free injection solutions >>> | https://injectneedlefree.com/ | 1716053567 | 8.6218992391438E+14 | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442471668_837144201767991_4647072301591657597_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YR7N-kaTu-wQ7kNvgG1WNmd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYANc5f3CCHYYggHftRGQcaI1iYk50ge6bPyfAwBPqArCA&oe=664F29FF | person_profile | 0 | Comfort-In Needle Free | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442473167_1878176949300106_4264658389947741308_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gfDFdW5y8YkQ7kNvgFv6H2N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCYEmy3CTc8LfIvn37QV7LtgB_uulbq9QLLGI3Ddt4LDA&oe=664F01E9 | 0 | 3 | Pain should not take a main part on your daily life!<br /> <br /> The Comfort-inโข๏ธ is a spring operated needle free injection system. <br /> <br /> This system is a type of a medical injecting syringe that uses a high-pressure, it uses the narrow jet of the injected liquid instead of a hypodermic needle to penetrate the epidermis (skin).<br /> <br /> โ Gentle and Comfortable Injections<br /> โ Variety Of Medicines. Vitamins, Insulin and more!<br /> โ Reusable Technology (Up to 10,000 Injections)<br /> โ Certified and Registered Medical Device<br /> <br /> Contact us for more information and a life changing solution! | Comfort-in Needle-Free Delivery Australia | 4609 | https://facebook.com/needlefreedelivery | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828028 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 3:38 PM | 1716079228 | 1746045520 | 810 | 7242546602539494 | 1 | 2.3568569445136E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 146628125203759 | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 120208980654650391 | fb.me | Get quote | NONE | image | $6497 For A New Roof | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | http://fb.me/ | 1716067381 | 1.4662812520376E+14 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441195243_1200372831324686_7183473377180648296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ferrAvukYQkQ7kNvgEhW7ql&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD0eEaH0lVVoGgA2cRqcSPR3BjVLWbmTZACq6qyooBOJg&oe=664F1718 | person_profile | 0 | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443819576_456716030180908_4603505634752872166_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dx8AEa7EICUQ7kNvgE4O_aX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDkaOrP-l7AJjefKdRunDzphp4oAKua_kDoVojaFSwJJQ&oe=664F30F2 | 0 | 3 | $6,497 for a roof?<br /> <br /> Sure, it has to do with it's size.<br /> <br /> Some roofs are 10k, 20k or even 30k.<br /> <br /> But our roofs are more affordable than most our competitors.<br /> <br /> Here's why:<br /> <br /> We might be Mighty Dog, but we are not a BIG company. We are locally owned and operated.<br /> <br /> We don't have 20 offices, 50 trucks and 100 billboards.<br /> <br /> We run our business like a lean mean machine.<br /> <br /> We have a small team, run our own crews, use smart marketing and we manage our finances properly.<br /> <br /> Less overhead for us.<br /> <br /> Better prices to you.<br /> <br /> All of this while still using the same high quality materials these other contractors use but charge 3x more.<br /> <br /> Click the "GET QUOTE" button below to get a FREE Quote! | Mighty Dog Roofing SJ | 102 | https://facebook.com/61552982302665 | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828439 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 2:00 PM | 1716079235 | 1746903652 | 810 | 450866980886831 | 1 | 9.838222499353E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101574798699078 | 0 | San Diego Guestlist | 120209833256220238 | sandiegovipnightlife.com | Learn more | NONE | image | http://www.sandiegovipnightlife.com/ | 1716064875 | 1.0157479869908E+14 | San Diego Guestlist | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436319294_991562345922179_3082405154738072979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PJfR1TaCg8oQ7kNvgH7PXa1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAJfzjdL64T-ih2OU7L0QZMqTmND7qrCRa5k8JhbGtyKA&oe=664F23C0 | person_profile | 0 | Brian Levinson | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436243433_1526213878238558_4853362687463539928_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yOlwNbuJ6bEQ7kNvgE-escu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDd9DKcYJZhgCMdUIoBjrwD1SUCcrCFcTwoX5LKgEvXSw&oe=664F0132 | 0 | 3 | Come join us everyone! We have your black out bar crawl and ending at our rooftop glow party. Free led foam sticks, bracelets/necklaces, and led rings. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FWww.LevinsonGroup.com%2F&h=AT3fQgnJ6cvCpdWi0iphGNgeZH-wZfbZ_AGBCxq73HTXiLfk8jSfuRMMwr61dfA9Rj7wqnM7RyV97k8cm9uLABq-ajLJbEhORWQdDKj6Tua8HJbASQnCDFSWOuVHIsTUoKxnyAwuEz4q2A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">Www.LevinsonGroup.com</a> | San Diego Guestlist | 1719 | https://facebook.com/SDGuestlist | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827827 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 2:17 PM | 1716079224 | 1746904652 | 810 | 4099800920243805 | 1 | 9.4832121675808E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120206777555370068 | novuskin.com | Get offer | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free | http://fb.me/ | 1713826931 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440126283_433239615990003_6492457894720573457_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8CXSHY7QgtAQ7kNvgHi-eO2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5IQKLsz8L4ylKJ1sRXfEQMgJ3fLDeyGQLFt7O8IomNA&oe=664F085F | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439677820_1185384872836222_400354863427438123_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IUkhjTDJvRsQ7kNvgGB0aFV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDIaqyFrgrfjoJrnfZ2wBoUJ3hU0QcoSuyxKdxyTRHriA&oe=664F2521 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Vegas Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring with Semaglutide! ๐ Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Semaglutide Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence this summer!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights:<br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction <br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval <br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> <br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any Semaglutide weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> <br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> <br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring <br /> Medical Team ensures your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> ๐ Tirzepatide Also Available! ๐<br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 7155 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89118.<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your journey today! | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827850 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/11/25, 8:31 PM | 1716079224 | 1744421477 | 810 | 812334937043687 | 1 | 3.9973385279481E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 106637212391512 | 0 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 120205741894200068 | novuskin.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Weight Loss Program | Get One Month Free! | http://fb.me/ | 1711515357 | 1.0663721239151E+14 | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433303562_1550697555477165_1521965227662199678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ripB1T8QLfQQ7kNvgFH4IH3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBawPYjS_plIYUFHVDQuQYXZnWHMyDEj4V6p5k5sQzyPQ&oe=664F09B0 | person_profile | 0 | NVS USA | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433065168_985116529767441_2529820887688423722_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dtrvJsvDJI0Q7kNvgGkovMY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCNm84t1dEC5Lnco5Qdud6-5vf8KJvtGDexmNs0mOwmMQ&oe=664F15A0 | 0 | 3 | Denver Ladies ๐ Get Summer Ready This Spring ๐ One Month FREE for the Medical Weight Loss Program!<br /> <br /> Seize the opportunity to empower yourself and boost your self-esteem with Novuskin's exclusive Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program! ๐น Embrace self-love and confidence on this special occasion!<br /> <br /> โจ Program Highlights: <br /> <br /> ๐ Weekly Shots <br /> ๐ Up to 20% Body Weight Reduction<br /> ๐ Curbing Cravings & Boosting Metabolism <br /> โ๏ธ FDA Approval<br /> ๐ No Exercise Required <br /> ๐ No Restrictions on Dieting<br /> ๐น Spring Special: Buy any weight loss program and get an EXTRA month for free (valued at $425)! Empower yourself with this incredible offer!<br /> <br /> ๐ Offer exclusively for women aged 21 or older. Hurry โ this empowering offer is available for a limited time only!<br /> โณ Minimum 60-day commitment for optimal results.<br /> ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Detailed assessments conducted by our caring Medical Team ensure your journey is personalized for success.<br /> <br /> ๐ช Join the community of empowered women celebrating self-love through health โ be one of our satisfied customers who have transformed their lives with Novuskin!<br /> <br /> ๐Visit our state-of-the-art facility: 8200 E Belleview Ave Ste 100E, Greenwood Village, CO<br /> <br /> ๐ Tap "Get Offer" to embark on your empowering journey today! Let this season catalyze a stronger, more confident you. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to celebrate womanhood and empowerment! ๐๐ #EmpowerHer #NovuskinEmpowerment ๐ | Novuskin Wellness & Weight Loss | 97 | https://facebook.com/novuskinwellness | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827853 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/13/25, 10:46 AM | 1716079224 | 1749829587 | 810 | 978224246991433 | 1 | 3.9822143301344E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1824693494525278 | 0 | SKIN bar & Ink LLC | 6597341222503 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"How much does this cost?","response":""},{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"Can I book an appointment?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716069636 | 1.8246934945253E+15 | SKIN bar & Ink LLC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436233989_460638359699995_7783769689954956601_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IKtfZsqw8joQ7kNvgHGWvT1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCTJVmh4V_HO7r6hd5-bQ0_v8qv94RygoiXgH_hudCBLg&oe=664F10A5 | person_profile | 0 | Skin Bar & Ink| SkinCare| Premanent Make Up| Corpus Christi, TX | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441490832_410924755197890_5145874387799431486_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lzgBvGjIOH8Q7kNvgGzUpp_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCfWi-DYhfUwCDdflMmvNfC2IntcnF2QuFFJpCFoPzYAA&oe=664F14AF | 0 | 3 | THIS IS YOUR SIGN โจ<br /> <br /> Get your brows powdered <br /> <br /> Before/After <br /> <br /> Powdered Brows can last up 18 to 24months before needing a touch up <br /> <br /> Book your FREE consultation ๐ <br /> <br /> 361-257-1677 <br /> <br /> 613 Everhart Rd<br /> Corpus Christi, TX 78411<br /> <br /> #powderedbrows#cosmetictattoo #semipermanentmakeup #eyebrowsonpoint #browshaping #browmapping | SKIN bar & Ink LLC | 2103 | https://facebook.com/SKINBarInkcc | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827781 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/30/25, 8:50 PM | 1716079223 | 1746064232 | 810 | 1847685189079751 | 1 | 4.2359223047551E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102253941253075 | 0 | Cluck Norris Trading Company | 6588771747961 | Carolina Ale House Makers Market | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Carolina Ale House Makers Market | Sponsored by Carolina Ale House and Commonhouse Aleworks Live Music. 20+ vendors. June 1st 11am-4pm 191 Sigma Dr. Summerville, SC The only coordinators for this event are Pineapple Paw Prints (Tara) and Cluck Norris Trading Company (Trisha). All vending spaces are full at this time. No communication will be sent through Facebook Messenger and no payments or fees will be requested until after you have been accepted via. direct email.) Any questions can be emailed to alehousemakersmarket@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/events/1450496792257987/ | 1716071393 | 1.0225394125308E+14 | Cluck Norris Trading Company | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435982493_447285804550441_3201380975685212009_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8caUDBkZi_8Q7kNvgEtls4u&_nc_oc=AdjZT75P0PYbwHDo2ILRAwVnjW-Tv83yqjTXj2TAIeNcvzd1CfNP5RE9wOpbSQz4jKI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDtc5_VjvcQ2vwcfEELCusNWzuuV1Rf4wNt5J_vHTWt_Q&oe=664F21C9 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Carolina Ale House Makers Market<br /> Sponsored by Carolina Ale House and Commonhouse Aleworks<br /> Live Music. 20+ vendors. <br /> June 1st 11am-4pm<br /> 191 Sigma Dr. Summerville, SC <br /> <br /> Come out and support small local businesses.<br /> <br /> Any questions can be emailed to alehousemakersmarket@gmail.com | Cluck Norris Trading Company | 998 | https://facebook.com/CluckNorrisTradingCompany | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827804 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 8:43 PM | 1716079224 | 1746927790 | 810 | 1176811150420774 | 1 | 8.5187089675169E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1675060416133629 | 0 | Diamond Furniture | 6550712521754 | Send message | NONE | multi_images | 1716070418 | 1.6750604161336E+15 | Diamond Furniture | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441958992_7683204141737436_943829448660171950_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KDwyAQNMPdQQ7kNvgGU3366&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCUzrPp3R45Y2EHMkBTJ_wM4PoyTpuanIpECf4LNifMJg&oe=664F003C | person_profile | 0 | แด ษชแดแดแดษดแด าแดสษดษชแดแดสแด | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441778921_429160089727070_4775947103220610175_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eqzS_pZPB-8Q7kNvgFX9Qek&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAu6nxFEuTG7cMwZbEIBHARhEXt90XymA5MbbGx2DgE_Q&oe=664F2438 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Memorial Day Super Sale Alert! ๐บ๐ธ Save up to 70% on our huge selection of furniture. Plus, enjoy flexible payment options at Diamond Furniture. Shop stress-free and save big!<br /> <br /> ๐9096 Parkway E, Birmingham, AL 35206 <br /> ๐(205) 703-8411 | Diamond Furniture | 17905 | https://facebook.com/diamondfurniture2 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828147 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/10/25, 9:18 PM | 1716079230 | 1746929910 | 810 | 434455925955852 | 1 | 1.4022413671239E+15 | 1716015600 | ig_ads_identity | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 1 | 147181291803724 | 0 | mr_naggers | 120208772011640718 | nag-naggers-nagnag.myshopify.com | Learn More | NONE | carousel | http://nag-naggers-nagnag.myshopify.com/ | 1716066351 | 1.4718129180372E+14 | mr_naggers | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/404569263_1412749569668229_6070711623774596000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=YbWnSnLrVQAQ7kNvgF4fZgU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDoK4iO_csDEByVmg85bGrKUKMMM0m8cvfa0F58V9i8AA&oe=664F2C75 | ig_ads_identity | 1 | MR. NAGGERS | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443711854_487414820276403_2983217424985407725_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jvsyiCcatvwQ7kNvgHqHY5w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCizfFzrl38Y5kyvdgSQnfN0E07chjuQVXuoj4RxzDOhQ&oe=664F0D91 | 0 | 3 | mr_naggers | 0 | https://www.instagram.com/_u/mr_naggers | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828222 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/7/25, 1:55 PM | 1716079232 | 1749322540 | 810 | 420166187616567 | 1 | 2.1440553926394E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105785465656085 | 0 | Camellia | 120210555087640051 | jetix-gadgets.com | Shop now | NONE | video | https://jetix-gadgets.com/products/jetix-hydro-jet-air-blaster-2-0 | 1716040207 | 1.0578546565608E+14 | Camellia | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443714107_2182407558787613_1865639513532531480_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I2KviUW9d34Q7kNvgH-4zcb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCsjNPdhE83jRu1kPs3XO6KguhAlBdWgqSlLSkDKdSiBQ&oe=664F25A9 | person_profile | 0 | EXTEND TOOLS LIFE WITH JETIX | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442398407_26062239110041408_5667111253588991472_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-vi6B_n5f4AQ7kNvgHqZwR6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBbgJvi8Pij7-Yjor6E09W587pitKEF5Vz6HC1IxOKXjA&oe=664F30BE | 0 | 3 | ๐ง Transform Your Tool Care with JETIX HydroJet Air Blaster! <br /> Cleaning made easy, no more elbow grease needed. Get yours now and get bonus attachment worth $39.95 for FREE! Shop Now - 50% off for a limited time only! | Camellia | 0 | https://facebook.com/100086472716185 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827771 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/13/25, 8:44 PM | 1716079223 | 1749865498 | 810 | 1095047301551506 | 1 | 7.6023717632552E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 109936954670279 | 0 | Local Retirement Class | 6580465254140 | localretirementclass.com | No button | NONE | image | Dinner is on us! Join the FREE "Dine & Learn Class" in Shelton... | Learn new strategies to help maximize retirement income, reduce taxes and manage retirement risks at the "Dine & Learn Workshop" at IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton. There is no charge to attend and dinner is on us, but space is limited! To request tickets, choose your date below... | https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner | 1715096864 | 1.0993695467028E+14 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440410071_1502288827371719_8263639210478087445_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D9YpchkOd0EQ7kNvgFQgQhD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAAhw8tofu_lXyxkka3wZiQybzIsgMJhPuXppqM-_yBLg&oe=664F130C | person_profile | 0 | Local Retirement Class | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439442254_1492252311670084_2234183061392773913_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fG1gjCm0SVgQ7kNvgFPasnp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDGCWGrQszfOALo5CFLoYa8hEkXVSQfDPwVJF6lOQJApw&oe=664F1AFC | 0 | 3 | Inflation is Back. Markets are Volatile. What should current and future retirees do to help manage new retirement risks? Join us at the FREE "Dine & Learn Workshop" in Shelton to learn the latest strategies to protect and grow retirement income.<br /> <br /> *Dinner is on us... but space is limited! To view date(s) and request FREE tickets, visit:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.localretirementclass.com%2FCT4-5-29-30-Dinner&h=AT1y0iRtLYBNv8q8iMJn0ikqADT9KRJOwoXPdcRyRWtmrRft-hqM5hl1bpcOGGQVXEh-VZoK54vBiuOKoGUSah8EvJtyActB7P9r8_lxm4zRA7SGCsGo2wmlKmFaSTbtZjeP1vtR2avKpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.localretirementclass.com/CT4-5-29-30-Dinner</a> | Local Retirement Class | 58 | https://facebook.com/localretirementclass | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827913 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/1/25, 1:05 AM | 1716079226 | 1746079555 | 810 | 1482160082727123 | 1 | 5.202872503873E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 110838505344804 | 0 | Mondays at Midtown | 120208689339140757 | eventbrite.com | Book Now | NONE | carousel | Mondays at Midtown | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mondays-at-midtown-tickets-891921028807?aff=oddtdtcreator | 1716068551 | 1.108385053448E+14 | Mondays at Midtown | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441528191_760527246106124_4700416826817714936_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kRnwUsFyj60Q7kNvgF9Pbzq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQibgGhFQIH7f8geW6Kd09kXAIy_0O7Nrn-2nZxA0GvQ&oe=664F1D32 | person_profile | 0 | Mondays at Midtown | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441511520_1227104992007051_6865298785694407210_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MP7GC29rC-oQ7kNvgFCnZFM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCx8qeAlP3KCwBs9hlxt6EIQVLPmKqhAWlZvPoDWg2fnA&oe=664F1BA8 | 0 | 3 | Mondays at Midtown | 1 | https://facebook.com/100092294876749 | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828366 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/1/25, 11:08 PM | 1716079234 | 1748837324 | 810 | 7453828111391872 | 3 | 8.1612971331489E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 244872528702872 | 0 | Crafting Financial Solutions | 120210645397980349 | savingsinfo.org | Learn more | NONE | video | Car Insurance Rates As Low As $39/Month | https://savingsinfo.org/6648d7b8a5f4370001709daf | 1716065332 | 2.4487252870287E+14 | Crafting Financial Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445066801_814674413428164_3250356985336262868_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rj0W81iP5JQQ7kNvgFqNPR9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB8TgakvGwmxuxUs9xAmfCMfqqaOowbgYv2bDirzWOsFA&oe=664F116D | person_profile | 0 | Crafting Financial Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441951984_941071204383787_342935675499766147_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=udih_yzhb0wQ7kNvgEDd59_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCprD6oh_MRzyypPoJ1y8hgFgf92jal_tH-qOIhaKf1Xg&oe=664F3678 | 0 | 3 | ๐ก Ready to cut down your auto insurance costs? Click "Get Quote" and explore the easy path to savings. Your wallet will thank you! ๐๐ป๐ | Crafting Financial Solutions | 17 | https://facebook.com/61556066257564 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827832 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/22/25, 8:33 PM | 1716079224 | 1745372031 | 810 | 439697555449990 | 13 | 4.8713489697518E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 755554074493872 | 0 | Generac | 6622111928906 | www.generac.com | Get Quote | NONE | dco | Generac Standby Generators | {{product.description}} | https://www.generac.com/home-standby-generators/campaigns/schedule-install/?&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid-social | 1715788131 | 7.5555407449387E+14 | Generac | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441248595_410844515190391_4447253863625717498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X_VrWCtEYq8Q7kNvgHC1LTS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD4hP2mUG_59UhSKvJzab14bPTSH_mpIjAsnyfyExmryg&oe=664F249A | person_profile | 0 | Generac Power Systems, Inc. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441283093_2856256784512569_7749185973826298221_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lb6xPy9ZvtAQ7kNvgGKRqi6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfWElh-wkZlofBTuU3Fg-g6V-vlBvsErvCvXSLoROGFQ&oe=664F2CE5 | 0 | 3 | Some call it overplanning. You call it foresight. Be prepared for any outage. Request a free quote today. | Generac | 57382 | https://facebook.com/Generac | 0 | GET_QUOTE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827877 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 1/5/25, 12:26 PM | 1716079225 | 1736079965 | 810 | 2655984637904280 | 1 | 3.7918028784658E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 118891352883455 | 0 | POWER Academy | 6581576912469 | poweracademyusa.com | Book now | NONE | image | Power Academy | Cincinnati Martial Arts | We provide martial arts for kids to create a disciplined, confident generation who are able to manage and respond to challenges such as stress and bullying. | http://poweracademyusa.com/ | 1716069152 | 1.1889135288346E+14 | POWER Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441329368_3690349461292712_2248068235647427906_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pB-wti4ItSYQ7kNvgFQQIUP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAjIbz2Kckk2TIYQDHKinkK4vJQOT8qpLKfpPKNmv1KAw&oe=664F03E5 | person_profile | 0 | POWER Academy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436413740_973692694132883_3699405515403885948_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2n2Jx0WigcIQ7kNvgEfdD1Y&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAkyz1Ws9rkoSAP_YUMK05vqTmZv4elJG5e8i7vOTK3mw&oe=664F07B9 | 0 | 3 | ๐ข ATTN: CINCINNATI WOMEN โฆ<br /> ๐ STOP SCROLLING!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Do you want to feel physically and mentally POWERful? How confident are you in your SELF-DEFENSE SKILLSโ๏ธ Could you (right now) fend off an attacker attempting to harm you?<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ Do you want to SHRED FAT and TONE MUSCLE? How tired of boring workouts are youโ๏ธ Could you (right now) look in the mirror and love what you see?<br /> <br /> ๐ณ๐ค If any of these questions resonate with you, KEEP READING!<br /> <br /> ๐๐พ ๐๐พ ๐๐พ ๐๐พ<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ MUAY THAI KICKBOXING is the most effective and worldโs fastest growing striking MARTIAL ART, and Thai Boxers are amongst the most conditioned athletes on the planet. <br /> <br /> โก๏ธAt POWER Academy, we produce BOSS WOMEN! Women who want โฆ<br /> <br /> โ โฆ PRACTICAL SELF-DEFENSE!<br /> โ โฆ UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE!<br /> โ โฆ TO INCINERATE FAT!<br /> โ โฆ TO TONE MUSCLE!<br /> <br /> DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?<br /> <br /> โก๏ธ โก๏ธTO HAVE POWER?<br /> <br /> If you answered yes, then โฆ<br /> <br /> ๐ Schedule your FREE consultation before you register for your 4-Week Trial for $49!<br /> <br /> โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ<br /> โญ๏ธ BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION!<br /> โญ๏ธ SELECT โBOOK NOW" BELOW<br /> โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ<br /> <br /> See you soon! ๐ <br /> =======================<br /> ๐ฒ Call: (513) 268-7215<br /> ๐ 7074 Harrison Ave. - Ste. #2<br /> ๐ Cincinnati, OH | POWER Academy | 464 | https://facebook.com/poweracademyusa | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827800 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/1/25, 8:59 AM | 1716079223 | 1746107983 | 810 | 1658948384914950 | 1 | 7.5383305690048E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 105198769271285 | 0 | Pureflo Home Solutions | 6615587868623 | pureflohomesolutions.com | Learn more | NONE | video | https://pureflohomesolutions.com/roof-washing%2Fmoss-removal | 1716070676 | 1.0519876927128E+14 | Pureflo Home Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444846820_466207562531111_8227378456048316199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jwqY9xtb2yUQ7kNvgEVVe64&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDineMlFmT39EBdXGcOvUWVZjnKZ0WozL-mDabKX6T3Fg&oe=664F2C96 | person_profile | 0 | Pureflo Home Solutions | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441189623_983111513377231_1047170903164499138_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c9Mphx4_KbQQ7kNvgEpIrH7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAvaSkrE3WN8Vr-y1gM50LyajXEy1odWtlcaW6SsWK9CQ&oe=664F340A | 0 | 3 | Call today for a free estimate! | Pureflo Home Solutions | 71 | https://facebook.com/100093548044605 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828108 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/22/25, 11:49 PM | 1716079229 | 1745383743 | 810 | 1841310919715261 | 1 | 3.3441589276172E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1523939111191370 | 0 | Sparkle & Co. Luxe Nails | 6587519146405 | No button | NONE | multi_images | 1716067826 | 1.5239391111914E+15 | Sparkle & Co. Luxe Nails | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424621201_1121515875568754_1875568326949318992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5YVRGpuLSl0Q7kNvgHv4QnZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC6eV8Q3l-X6kyedzxxCQDKV9DbCRw75T09UdF_emGSVQ&oe=664F36DF | person_profile | 0 | Sparkle & Co.โข Luxe Nails | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441182525_329273310188774_3920844995647094522_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gcau1lxzgcUQ7kNvgEpSCjF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBYW1c5QM7xkMfNnu8uJLSs-wZUiA_ZO83xHdgOSc06mQ&oe=664EFFA0 | 0 | 3 | ๐จ๐ New Secret Menu Colors! ๐๐จ<br /> Available Now! Both *PP*<br /> <br /> ๐ I Purple U (Glow, Temp, & Sun Change) - inspired by Judy Cave<br /> ๐ Indecision - inspired by Stephanie Christine<br /> <br /> Congrats again to these 2 custom color winners from our 12 Deals Promos! Each will be sent their color for FREE! ๐๐ฅณ<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธ Shop Secret Menu: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsparkleandco.com%2Fproduct%2Fsecret-menu%2F&h=AT0LgoWbTCdc6U-g3iEsxBLc9wMQfD9HVmn4aCilfNE0iWp4OAT7vY4QZ8rUr3-dUMvqs5C1ms02Y1V91kfmCRJnYgerJFRMmh4vFT9Uw69Y1-obLdrtF0y-cEzopLQdJX02HVDSW0uy5Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://sparkleandco.com/product/secret-menu/</a><br /> <br /> ____________________________<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ More Summer 2024 Colors! โ๏ธ<br /> Available Now! Through July 31st, 2024!<br /> <br /> NEW *PP* Dip:<br /> ๐งโโ๏ธ Mermaid Mimosa (Temp Change)<br /> <br /> Re-Release DOTD:<br /> ๐ Watermelon Seeds (Temp Change)<br /> <br /> Lindsay Barger you won $50 GC for the fun color suggestion. Please msg cust svc. ๐๐ฅณ<br /> <br /> ๐๏ธ Shop โSummer 2024โ Colors: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsparkleandco.com%2Fproduct-category%2Fsummer-2024%2F&h=AT1LvxpWhzNtm6GELFNHtSdc0BLracPYiQSe9eIqnqnUds_yBKjmRSXQVLsO1Zd4LUqmB4H3gBmuDFw0DB1WbBt0g_L8M9j6rGKiKzOE5XpXW5gur9j3qIptbNeQjYwU4-OcrPNeNUAu1Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://sparkleandco.com/product-category/summer-2024/</a><br /> <br /> ____________________________ | Sparkle & Co. Luxe Nails | 171873 | https://facebook.com/sparkle.and.co.nails | 0 | NO_BUTTON | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828330 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/5/25, 1:28 AM | 1716079233 | 1741159704 | 810 | 1839811299791938 | 2 | 1.6013164507043E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 441539569357988 | 0 | Topfoxx | 6613184352632 | topfoxx.com | Shop Now | NONE | dco | Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators | Order now while stocks last! | https://topfoxx.com/products/cristina-tangle-free-gold | 1716025472 | 4.4153956935799E+14 | Topfoxx | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442407191_429560876496005_8749491007509117794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mpnc0FhN80kQ7kNvgHZq3g3&_nc_oc=AdibZtEq-1qgVo6Ry2dZSE4U5xaqfa8_6ASdwMGss_S0WgKSJ54ttSVpm7qbyLduPXw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiaj0tIsP6EVdlRjwXNp4nH-BR6pBb8k1NSm71h_SLGQ&oe=664F3057 | person_profile | 0 | TOPFOXXยฎ Sunglasses | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441583053_447905941162144_3243895917684888804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tcam4USHyCAQ7kNvgG0sB6C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCy-KOI_IFRPmV_qWfXjgGQcUYNTB9sAX6LwUT54J-Q4g&oe=664F2B04 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Say goodbye to tangled hair and hello to effortless style with Cristina Tangle-Free Aviators! โจ Back in stock by popular demand! These one-of-a-kind aviators sold out within 4 hours of launch! Grab yours before they're gone again! . โ 3x tested FDA approved shatter-resistant lenses for ultimate durability. โ Enjoy a free warranty with replacement for damaged or lost sunglasses. โ Trusted by over 275K satisfied customers worldwide! | Topfoxx | 71685 | https://facebook.com/TopFoxx | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828458 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/13/25, 2:13 PM | 1716079235 | 1752434036 | 810 | 990578132454972 | 1 | 7.5851157279484E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 102257095815157 | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 120208694667910509 | tuckpointing-chicago.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Professional Tuckpointing Services | Residential & Commercial Tuckpointing Services | https://tuckpointing-chicago.com/tuckpointing-masonry | 1716064851 | 1.0225709581516E+14 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442512165_387110980988476_6192227454404132887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DeZLWvzSRbsQ7kNvgFxAZVG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBI8l761GQaItG7tgFQ7ezOwOcgzRAnao0k1s0cTNELg&oe=664F0550 | person_profile | 0 | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436358399_1805551759925330_3737943900957862686_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l5EBJ_4My5oQ7kNvgFHvbB4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB6wP5L5vbDliE1PMQia9Zpvb71WBGixIJO2aU86VcbwA&oe=664F147A | 0 | 3 | Tuck Pointing Masonry Repairs Beam Repairs Lintel Replacement Masonry Sealing Window Caulking Concrete Restoration Commercial Tuckpointing & Masonry Waterproofing Limestone Restoration Our team is here to help and give you the peace of mind you need. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Click below to book your free estimate. | Augustyn Tuckpointing & Masonry | 6 | https://facebook.com/100083289445181 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828351 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/8/25, 7:11 PM | 1716079234 | 1741482679 | 810 | 415212994816259 | 1 | 7.5446942009656E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 304207596104785 | 0 | Business Guru | 120208718121070574 | api.leadconnectorhq.com | Learn more | NONE | image | Evite las reparaciones y obtenga efectivo: compradores de viviendas tal y como esten | Want to learn more? Click below for no-obligation Free Cash Offer. | https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/rei-calendar-1821015f-8956-46f3-9ac1-12ff5f4d3468 | 1716065294 | 3.0420759610478E+14 | Business Guru | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440958837_423125087267127_4208961200524766454_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e1_BgWY5iIUQ7kNvgETEHFX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDBqsD3Ra8Hq1J28Y9fgtWs1TQVSoMy3vrSlDzUj2vunw&oe=664F37D3 | person_profile | 0 | Business Guru | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442386581_786838569840287_7982080529257983067_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xG1ERJjnVwoQ7kNvgHRBcmK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA40mIk5g7grUnS_52JHClVo1GV8-igW-1K4zsbSkMorw&oe=664F08E1 | 0 | 3 | Compramos tu casa asi como esta, no necesitas repararla.<br /> No pierdas tiempo, nosotros pagamos en efectivo y de inmediato.<br /> Evita los cargos de vender con Agentes.<br /> No importa cual sea el problema con su casa, todavia podemos ayudarte a obtener dinero en efectivo.<br /> Da click para agendar una llamada! | Business Guru | 0 | https://facebook.com/61558636979425 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828398 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/23/25, 5:13 AM | 1716079234 | 1745403210 | 810 | 291039254075302 | 1 | 7.6879702190064E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 110085910374197 | 0 | Chad Thompson | 6670302774013 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1496018691335630/ | 1716065069 | 1.100859103742E+14 | Chad Thompson | regular_page | 1 | Chad Thompson | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441620594_1133686814352767_5743309011032241222_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aXvmcK0PSSQQ7kNvgFe-VRz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB2f1uAVpFRk2zl9L6Cf7nGst1-XrWZxzuex5Zr7aHEyw&oe=664F2C3A | 0 | 3 | 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab - CA$70,900.00<br /> <br /> One owner, Denali, Duramax diesel, loaded with tech package, heated + cooled seats, and more!<br /> <br /> Fully inspected, CarFax included, comes with a 3yr road hazard warranty, full tank of fuel, and a free oil change! <br /> <br /> Mention this ad and ask for Chad to receive a $200 Visa gift card with your purchase! <br /> <br /> Call or text Chad 2๏ธโฃ5๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ7๏ธโฃ3๏ธโฃ9๏ธโฃ1๏ธโฃ6๏ธโฃ7๏ธโฃ3๏ธโฃ to book your test drive! <br /> <br /> DL30960<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Chad Thompson | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1462755071 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828038 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/11/25, 6:52 AM | 1716079228 | 1746964377 | 810 | 1199959924563837 | 6 | 4.6203785965435E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 102549679416259 | 0 | Chris Covalt | 6578702901858 | Contact us | NONE | image | $10 Seamless Aluminum Gutters | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/7814294318632887/ | 1716067294 | 1.0254967941626E+14 | Chris Covalt | regular_page | 1 | Chris Covalt | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441533589_819483663408824_275034885769880544_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jKxcGSVBPxcQ7kNvgFhLGWC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAAFOziwHVDFt-0uFYhdZ601EZYGmM27Eiup4-g7NbKWQ&oe=664F027A | 0 | 3 | $10 Seamless Aluminum Gutters - $10.00<br /> <br /> With the winter comes the ice. Let us help you move those hazards away from doors and sidewalks with a long lasting aluminum gutter system. Message for a free quote today !<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Chris Covalt | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=500961958 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827839 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 5:51 AM | 1716079224 | 1749466315 | 810 | 3305069529789719 | 2 | 3.9316792995666E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101608926241639 | 0 | Camp Snap Camera | 120204301747270307 | campsnapphoto.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Screen-Free Digital Camera | Camp Snap cameras are designed with the goal of promoting social interaction and play amongst kids. Without a screen, children will not be distracted by reviewing the photos they took and can instead focus on spending time with their friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. This feature encourages children to be more present in the moment, and ultimately helps to create a more engaging and enjoyable camp experience. | https://www.campsnapcamera.com/ | 1706739815 | 1.0160892624164E+14 | Camp Snap Camera | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/423480091_1064848528155141_3347169209388780754_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4mGxhoFXWmoQ7kNvgHy_9_4&_nc_oc=AdiwyCv2tJOTYi8Mm4wP-eJVNoqgNtdOwXS8CAeVXwrLiHLwpg0Appm9FOfIsSJv0Iw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAcrrot26OAQwrmFtPWTcHN2MqB62S8nkXCvbDXMUZWKw&oe=664F0AD6 | person_profile | 0 | CampSnap๐๏ธ๐ท | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422902250_2520063924830091_2970953861070929298_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ksLbFOHQRfgQ7kNvgE8LKUo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAe3qF36wUSPHtH7RmO72z1c-QSlTjA6zQFak7lpXYizQ&oe=664F332A | 0 | 3 | Unplug and connect with nature! ๐ณโจ Introducing Camp Snap - the screen-free digital camera that lets you capture memories without screens. SUMMER CAMP APPROVED, rechargeable battery, USB-C transfer, no distractions = more fun in the sun for everyone! | Camp Snap Camera | 3159 | https://facebook.com/campsnapcamera | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828454 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/14/25, 3:43 PM | 1716079235 | 1752525807 | 810 | 799532961833952 | 1 | 4.2172228733816E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 337658012968429 | 0 | Dance St. Louis | 6585856663139 | metrotix.com | Buy tickets | NONE | event | Spring to Danceยฎ Festival 2024 | MetroTix | Nationally touring professional companies from coast to coast flock to St. Louis to bestow their artistry. From powerhouse companies and breakout stars to up-and-coming companies, itโs an unmatched buffet of dance, featuring two days of nonstop dance from a wide array of companies from New York Ci... | https://www.metrotix.com/events/detail/dsl-spring-to-dance | 1716064853 | 3.3765801296843E+14 | Dance St. Louis | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436308559_720199836754467_1211715770187602139_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zGILl5wxnyAQ7kNvgE5TCJK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA9a4D3tuXOLrFjgveRnHkPlTlLvF-zG5B1dG9XL_9BNg&oe=664F1780 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 days until... <a href="/events/9742699545770864/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D">SPRING TO DANCEยฎ Festival 2024</a>, May 24 & 25 at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TouhillUMSL">Touhill</a>. All tickets $35 & under. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana was founded more than 40 years ago, but it's our first time presenting what is is one of Americaโs premier flamenco companies. Hailed as โThe Keeper of Flamencoโ by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DanceMagazine">Dance Magazine</a> and honored by the King and Government of Spain with La Cruz de la Orden al Mรฉrito Civil for โall the years of passion, excellence and dedication to the flamenco art,โ the company believes that the universal spirit of flamenco โ with diverse influences from Roma, Arabic, Jewish, Spanish, African and Latin American cultures โ gives this art form a unique power to build bridges between people. The company sizzles Friday night of the festival as it performs "Mi Alegria," with dancer Rebeca Tomas in a long-train dress (Bata de Cola) and shawl (Manton), and "Tangos Flamencos," arranged and performed by company musicians Yiyi and Guillermo Guillen. A must-see! Get your tickets today: $10, $20, $25 & $35. Nightly 4-packs (buy 3 tix, get 1 free) start at $60. Buy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MetroTix">MetroTix</a>: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F5883c2tp&h=AT3P6AQypft8Ef4Y2e_5wvNCDeo2w2LByiB-22GTXQsCHb8U6LJxVni_gj4GSuXkH0CnCESYCjOQIGetq1jpTuv839mijzHbxpAP5AM7fvzzrwXuzPeNTaETZrn0U1NHpJk5C2yT6UuB8A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://tinyurl.com/5883c2tp</a> (๐ทSteve Johnson) | Dance St. Louis | 7304 | https://facebook.com/dancestl | 0 | BUY_TICKETS | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828363 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/16/25, 9:09 AM | 1716079234 | 1742134185 | 810 | 938935661312638 | 1 | 3.2287317418433E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 599439866811487 | 0 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 6564430143289 | https://sambocenter.com/en | Sign up | NONE | image | 1st CLASS + Uniform FREE! SIGN UP! | Judo and Sambo Center in Brooklyn. | https://sambocenter.com/en | 1716065232 | 5.9943986681149E+14 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438275159_766881445576115_7449174904527050133_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CqM3PQnsCiMQ7kNvgHCbPKI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBz6gmqgxEHg2ti_YwwFwBJuC2VQBaUgBu667isRuZ8PQ&oe=664F3511 | person_profile | 0 | Judo Sambo Center | 5 to 65 years old m/w ๐NEW YORK | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445234455_1147400606299159_381676087344261484_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2JvgfH6xqoAQ7kNvgHr13dR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC3jLWvYIe-iQqxRFrgbbLeRBAO6qobtaUzUaDUCln1YA&oe=664F2E41 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Hello parents from STATEN ISLAND! ๐<br /> Looking for a fun activity for your child to start the new year? I think we have the place for you! ๐<br /> <br /> Judo Center "Sambo", invites children from 5 to 17 years old to judo classes, with us you will become a champion!<br /> <br /> The first lesson + Uniform FREE!<br /> <br /> CLASS TIME:<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday<br /> 6pm-7:30 - Kids Ages 5-7 , Price per month: 183.33$ (12 classes)<br /> 7:30-9pm - Teenager's and adults, Price per month: 240$ (12 classes)<br /> <br /> Why choose the judo center "Sambo"?<br /> ๐ Our center is already more than 30 years old<br /> ๐ Qualified instructors preparing champions.<br /> ๐ค An inclusive community<br /> ๐ช Discipline and respect.<br /> ๐ฏ We have graduated over 3000+ satisfied students.<br /> <br /> Take the opportunity to improve your judo skills and welcome the New Year with focus and determination!<br /> <br /> Places are limited - sign up at Sambo Judo Center today.<br /> <br /> Pave your way to judo perfection - join Sambo Judo Center and learn the art of strength and precision! ๐๐ฅ<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> ๐ฅ Sambo Judo Center<br /> ๐ 609 Midland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 1754 | https://facebook.com/sambocenter | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828290 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/16/25, 3:26 PM | 1716079233 | 1742156770 | 810 | 351385340907145 | 1 | 1.1812429330579E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 303588053562396 | 0 | Farrell Oconnor | 6572039703054 | Contact us | NONE | image | 1 Bed 1 Bath House | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/317348921254897/ | 1716065714 | 3.035880535624E+14 | Farrell Oconnor | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428362479_1860159741078535_7818825595957354641_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tX2ehkAoIwYQ7kNvgFRZQ-w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB5cKrK1o1kS-ZtlfLqoVdYg2sxRj9XqgXffXeDUF2ElA&oe=664F37B4 | regular_page | 1 | Farrell Oconnor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435981279_745728804311227_7573588201168606366_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cb5zhxZpY0kQ7kNvgG5xHB3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCJ2-mRm6mk4nNE26qtG3LwQgolMbRxaiJvTxkiNbIREA&oe=664F0DFA | 1 | 3 | 1 Bed 1 Bath House - $66,450.00<br /> <br /> We have a brand new tiny house by Tiny House Cottages for sale! Normally this trailer retails for $70,450 but it's now on sale for ONLY $66,450!!!<br /> This cottage is 9 feet wide by 24 feet long by 13 feet tall. It was built as a showroom display but is no longer needed feel free to text us for exact photos and price list we can arrange delivery to anywhere in the U.S. just let us know your zip code. Text hotline (760) 820-5435 for free 5 page color brochure<br /> <br /> Click link for a delivered quote to you zip code<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyhousecottages.com%2Fmetro-retro-dual-loft-discounted-unit%2F&h=AT1n5X6VemLOgHe_0brKKTw-oVk-cEqh6mgtVIfH6enyl0Kv7OgcKuW18jpTl_JFpDqK7uoc7vwIFiECYbNIdVoF3IgjPsq7WoLz3tukFNCodOX-e8d1s4rbKeideuIC7avY6UhLLopZOhdaXLngiHrBmH0" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://tinyhousecottages.com/metro-retro-dual-loft-discounted-unit/</a><br /> <br /> Cottage Includes:<br /> <br /> โขPremium Interior & Exterior Paneling<br /> โขFully Insulated Floor, Walls and Ceiling<br /> โข Full Lite Doors w/ Dead Bolt Lock<br /> โข White Vinyl Dual Pane Windows<br /> โขComposite Roof Shingles with Lifetime Warranty<br /> โขPremium Hardwood Laminate Flooring<br /> โขSpacious Loft that can accommodate a King Size Mattress<br /> โขAdditional Loft for Storage or Twin Size Mattress<br /> โขFull Kitchen: Custom Cabinetry, Granite Countertop & Backsplash, Electric Stove, Apartment Fridge, Sink & Faucet<br /> โข Full Bathroom: Shower Enclosure with Glass Door, Custom Vanity & Countertop, Sink Faucet, Vanity Light with Exhaust Fan, Flush Mount Medicine Cabinet, Toilet and Energy Efficient Water Heater<br /> โข Eight Dimmable LED lights, Ceiling Fan with lights and 10 electrical outlets<br /> โข In-Wall AC unit with Heater & Remote <br /> <br /> Tiny House Cottages is rated the #1 tiny home builder in the U.S.! With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry we are sure to build your perfect cottage! <br /> <br /> If you are interested in purchasing this Tiny Home, or one like it, please contact us at via email or visit our website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.TinyHouseCottages.com%2F&h=AT0i6tTM3Byc5oK8c-sbe5K45Pcz4gBZSudwnhR2zXWA_YXRfW7NNzupXbDWUJKqN1o3_wxnYIf0d5Xi_qgq1Hq8gZYDDqlFOe7yDLDzEJvISGSxQ3Qr7ZKBt5ZGslmCIT3PKrUtN-1VvQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.TinyHouseCottages.com</a> Feel free to call or text us for free 5 page color brochure with pricing and floor plans thanks 760 820 5435<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Farrell Oconnor | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1089577377 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828392 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/17/25, 10:23 AM | 1716079234 | 1742225003 | 810 | 975386273965844 | 1 | 1.5268424912333E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 599439866811487 | 0 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 6564429812489 | https://sambocenter.com/en | Sign up | NONE | image | 1st CLASS + Uniform FREE! SIGN UP! | Judo and Sambo Center in Brooklyn. | https://sambocenter.com/en | 1716065095 | 5.9943986681149E+14 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442442027_2750052845144344_1967639012492007314_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w6zkB6Z7BOUQ7kNvgGFFh_b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDiHlcmkZDHhcRnZyYEk3aKvGbmGXB6jh6vP0w50J6XwA&oe=664F1307 | person_profile | 0 | Judo Sambo Center | 5 to 65 years old m/w ๐NEW YORK | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442409613_3748222638781492_3276751004927466422_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FLXV28G5OjkQ7kNvgEJD8qE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDxWbZ9uIbZ6v_dHLR4NE4rspKfQJVtl8GROuplA0vN-w&oe=664F049A | 0 | 3 | ๐ Hello parents from Brooklyn! ๐<br /> Looking for a fun activity for your child to start the new year? I think we have the place for you! ๐<br /> <br /> Judo Center "Sambo", invites children from 5 to 17 years old to judo classes, with us you will become a champion!<br /> <br /> The first lesson + Uniform free!!<br /> <br /> CLASS TIME:<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday<br /> 6pm-7:30 - Kids Ages 5-7 , Price per month: 183.33$ (12 classes)<br /> 7:30-9pm - Teenager's and adults, Price per month: 240$ (12 classes)<br /> <br /> Why choose the judo center "Sambo"?<br /> ๐ Our center is already more than 30 years old<br /> ๐ Qualified instructors preparing champions.<br /> ๐ค An inclusive community<br /> ๐ช Discipline and respect.<br /> ๐ฏ We have graduated over 3000+ satisfied students.<br /> <br /> Take the opportunity to improve your judo skills and welcome the New Year with focus and determination!<br /> <br /> Places are limited - sign up at Sambo Judo Center today.<br /> <br /> Pave your way to judo perfection - join Sambo Judo Center and learn the art of strength and precision! ๐๐ฅ<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> ๐ฅ Sambo Judo Center<br /> ๐ NEW YORK, 2565 E 17th St, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 1754 | https://facebook.com/sambocenter | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828408 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/18/25, 4:46 AM | 1716079234 | 1742291194 | 810 | 425897620232676 | 1 | 9.2423561281176E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 311334108730270 | 0 | Price Property Professionals LLC | 120209106753840675 | pricepropertyprofessionalsllc.com | Book now | NONE | image | Price Property Professionals, LLC | At Price Property Professionals, LLC, we offer top-notch cleaning services tailored to meet your needs. Located in Lebanon, PA, our family-owned business takes pride in personalized service, state-of-the-art equipment, and treating every home like our own. | https://www.pricepropertyprofessionalsllc.com/ | 1716065032 | 3.1133410873027E+14 | Price Property Professionals LLC | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441416740_473282618455844_2103591827907833061_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=572i907QjHsQ7kNvgF3nzye&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBvBpzGgQjA8GxnvAoxEndfqks5revy_E7UUutxUsuPog&oe=664F1235 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ Elevate Your Home's Beauty with Price Property Professionals LLC! ๐<br /> <br /> Is your home in need of a deep clean or some exterior TLC? Look no further! At Price Property Professionals LLC, we offer top-notch cleaning and maintenance services to make your home sparkle. From interior housecleaning to power washing, gutter repairs, and landscaping, we've got you covered!<br /> <br /> Why wait? Visit our website now to book a free consultation and discover how we can transform your home. <br /> <br /> ๐กโจ <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricepropertyprofessionalsllc.com%2F&h=AT1J8DL22jjbUNn1NbjSCbQRsds4bQ34TnI3ZAR9pCikORqJJn4wbuvoBYu9Ld5GgTBUkopR03NDTt9Q-xLv18jUoSX0gXGrHolKe3282XvuzbOJa8bSF1p_r9ou7XQEsXNsYmopkHfXcA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.pricepropertyprofessionalsllc.com/</a> โจ๐ก<br /> <br /> Trust the experts. Enjoy a pristine home. Book today! 25% off any service for new clients!!<br /> <br /> #HomeCleaning #PropertyMaintenance #Newmanstown #LebanonCountyPA #FamilyOwned #BookNow #PricePropertyProfessionalsLLC | Price Property Professionals LLC | 4 | https://facebook.com/61559456737463 | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827415 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/23/25, 6:37 AM | 1716079211 | 1745408254 | 810 | 415122977964152 | 2 | 1.006305564578E+15 | 1715238000 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 103163202298947 | 0 | MerryKlein_UK | 120208217869200789 | merryklein.com | Shop now | NONE | image | Case for Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 4 | Free Shipping!!! | https://www.merryklein.com/products/ks-035 | 1715066337 | 1.0316320229895E+14 | MerryKlein_UK | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300034_3674106726166418_2050329612769067246_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lI4KLyj5jvAQ7kNvgFq3kvW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCbjsvL1Bm1o3FOt8iS-oDQGYCrkpEAGjhAGAqajdS7Rw&oe=664F304D | person_profile | 0 | MerryKlein | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438300195_2054249214956445_8151406531551295695_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9ugM27_2e7AQ7kNvgFxL3m4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBgOMaR13ETxlJ3wvpXYd-14gkDE5PepHOCU5oR97mdqw&oe=664F27AE | 0 | 3 | 2 in1 Magnetic Zipper Leather Wallet Phone Case<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmerryklein.com%2Fproducts%2Fks-035&h=AT1iaeHT3XyXo6iEOmN7e5FE_Eau9ZofLBlp-idJeYvNfyr3ormsYX0JQLz0GssN110VOJog5THchI9Fo4EmFmPqVlIurAIAUuL3lDwwCWpevyfpKg03QwAa-ilE6-5k4UboiB-JSOqfeQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://merryklein.com/products/ks-035</a> | MerryKlein_UK | 3286 | https://facebook.com/100078174422987 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828191 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 7/21/25, 6:14 PM | 1716079231 | 1753139669 | 810 | 837284111600713 | 1 | 8.9580918235119E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 117377158281448 | 0 | Gateway Bible Church | 6594548107352 | Gateway Community Gathering | INTERESTED | NONE | event | Gateway Community Gathering | Join us for a FREE Community Gathering June 1; 12-4! 5338 Freeport Dr Spring Hill, FL Food Inflatable Water Slide Playground Games Prizes for kids and adults Prayer Tent Bibles All Free! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with your family! | https://www.facebook.com/events/1193983544923504/ | 1715723088 | 1.1737715828145E+14 | Gateway Bible Church | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424637369_409517508564447_8881200896776162748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6gj7LS9M8eYQ7kNvgGbj6HG&_nc_oc=Adgtj-0oslg_LbdkzLaUn66Hsfv8sDnQqHrXdTsX_mT8OSFZVa57swTOoQqjp-PcXY4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAHa07Pyjj-afRZ7wtJoFVOd9Sp0hidS2TVIwMWBS_t0Q&oe=664F0FA6 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | Join us for a FREE Community Gathering <br /> June 1; 12-4!<br /> <br /> 5338 Freeport Dr<br /> Spring Hill, FL<br /> <br /> Food<br /> Inflatable Water Slide<br /> Playground<br /> Games<br /> Prizes for kids and adults<br /> Prayer Tent<br /> Bibles<br /> <br /> All Free! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with your family! | Gateway Bible Church | 506 | https://facebook.com/gatewaybc | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827880 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/20/25, 4:33 PM | 1716079225 | 1742506422 | 810 | 327031036896598 | 1 | 1.4948442214329E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 119516438123913 | 0 | Selina Boateng | 6622217856682 | https://bit.ly/4dNx6gQ | Shop now | NONE | image | ANY 6 PCS FOR $50! FREE SHIPPING OVER $40 | Bestsellers | https://bit.ly/4dNx6gQ | 1716069021 | 1.1951643812391E+14 | Selina Boateng | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443732009_808830144124075_8553933000234819382_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7lNG3f64i00Q7kNvgHQUZjD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHvs7SRIHd3PfgSfxpJug_PlGRSYTdSfazh1LXi1KhBQ&oe=664F018A | person_profile | 0 | Selina Boateng | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441169119_1702621240566867_6705343389438716187_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qxVTDgFM-a8Q7kNvgGsiGk3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDtR3-rmbAZ2T36u8gpeA2jQHVPlxpGMJmn5U-GIvwiIg&oe=664F21FD | 0 | 3 | Due to a significant decline in profits in 2023, we have opted to revise our 2024 sales strategy and close select stores. To facilitate the clearance of inventory in these locations, we are offering an 80% discount. This presents a rare opportunity โ Don't let it pass you by. | Selina Boateng | 90267 | https://facebook.com/Selinaboatengmusic | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826847 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/2/25, 1:58 PM | 1716079143 | 1748890724 | 810 | 961802685674125 | 2 | 4.2054561740899E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209060005950618 | NONE | video | 1716056932 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443713990_7277964328997719_7822822140491888741_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4qomDpfN6tEQ7kNvgFHjnhq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBtBIck0hKnbcgmmpaqjpG4tAaiCdQcXffeij5fUmzIFQ&oe=664F268D | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436153073_1471534100406163_3261998202879008034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=za8XlcJp3TAQ7kNvgHnjpqx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDwyyKcW8BJHgNujhtDZmN0CFO3-N3mn51HDdqHYhQguQ&oe=664F1131 | 0 | 3 | As crazy as that seems today, we get bombarded with the message that alcohol is relaxing, that drinking is normal, and that in moderation, it might even be good for you. โ <br /> โ <br /> This is clearly untrue, as recent studies indicate even one seemingly innocent drink a day can cause brain degeneration.โ <br /> โ <br /> #alcoholfreelifestyle โ <br /> #soberlifeโ <br /> #sobrietyโ <br /> #sobergramโ <br /> #alcoholโ <br /> #brainโ <br /> #alcoholfreeโ <br /> #noalcoholโ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827442 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/22/25, 6:23 PM | 1716079212 | 1742685784 | 810 | 484634583890949 | 3 | 2.9484880019878E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 120147907848449 | 0 | Denrank-FR | 120210376187760772 | cheify.com | Shop now | NONE | image | โฐBig Promotion๐ | We offer 30 days free returns | https://www.denrank.com/collections/italian-leather-dress-boots?st | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"ไฝ ไปฌ็้จๅบๅจๅช้๏ผ"},{"title":"่ฝๅธฎๆๆฅ็ไธไปถๅๅ็ไปทๆ ผๅ๏ผ"},{"title":"ๆๆณ่ทๅพๅ ณไบ่ดญไนฐๆน้ข็ๅธฎๅฉใ"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"{{user_first_name}}๏ผไฝ ๅฅฝ๏ผ่ฏท้ฎๆไปไนๅฏไปฅๅธฎๅฉไฝ ็๏ผ","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"ๆๆณ่ฆ่ฏฆ็ปไบ่งฃ","content_type":"text"}],"text":"{{user_first_name}}๏ผไฝ ๅฅฝ๏ผ่ฏท้ฎๆไปไนๅฏไปฅๅธฎๅฉไฝ ็๏ผ","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"ๆๆณ่ฆ่ฏฆ็ปไบ่งฃ","content_type":"text"}],"text":"{{user_first_name}}๏ผไฝ ๅฅฝ๏ผ่ฏท้ฎๆไปไนๅฏไปฅๅธฎๅฉไฝ ็๏ผ","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":false,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false} | 1715586250 | 1.2014790784845E+14 | Denrank-FR | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442474934_1128251008475953_2081829892178220223_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1LYkoc7GvQ4Q7kNvgE2st6o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDV6C9vD5Bx5HLhUmsgSE7C4h4_PxRN2t-sE-BdqFjoGQ&oe=664F0269 | person_profile | 0 | Denrank-FR | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441317456_804515904960097_654074566824183212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BRAiq64jwt4Q7kNvgHqwKL4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCSrLJNfGiIIcwzgP8myLH0q_yLx1gLuvESAvfp5nA0zQ&oe=664F22E6 | 0 | 3 | Get ready for boot season! ๐ฅฐ<br /> Our boots are made from premium Italian leather, handcrafted and hand-painted โ๏ธ by experienced craftsmen. Comfortable fit and durability. Clearance price only $7.99โโ | Denrank-FR | 183 | https://facebook.com/61550800057307 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828093 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/23/25, 5:50 AM | 1716079229 | 1742727004 | 810 | 1127648075019239 | 1 | 1.4562982749812E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100243729071208 | 0 | M & S Paving | 120207735626990570 | Send message | NONE | video | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"I'm interested. Can you tell me more?","response":""},{"title":"What are your hours?","response":""},{"title":"Where are you located?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":false,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1716066777 | 1.0024372907121E+14 | M & S Paving | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443699193_439055475498205_7840860518713920099_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5r6CgNOwIBYQ7kNvgF-p1tc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAylhh1yon0J6ciaWpYH9juq6LuBBCUAJvUz-aWsu2ZNQ&oe=664F0FC1 | person_profile | 0 | M & S Paving | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436232917_455286190327510_6257550143680478581_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_MWl3TOmfWAQ7kNvgHkVTJm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAdJ-FwG3XTVA2F9jyDY593zbM5CcN2BZah-2j9ezFhlw&oe=664F2419 | 0 | 3 | A fraction of the price of asphalt & looks amazing!๐ก For a limited time get 20% OFF and a FREE quote on all chipseal jobs when you message us now.๐๐ป | M & S Paving | 537 | https://facebook.com/100075997602108 | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828299 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/25/25, 1:58 PM | 1716079233 | 1742929085 | 810 | 988998689015926 | 5 | 8.0155194825638E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 287515734445826 | 0 | Elisht. | 120207706682680317 | elisht.com | Shop now | NONE | video | Free shipping today! | Safety First, Fun Always | https://elisht.com/products/cushycare-backpack | 1716065875 | 2.8751573444583E+14 | Elisht. | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441160903_971574331183960_3090291479696345999_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=djexIoltssIQ7kNvgHbtWT5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD41ajzhecTW-XybvH3odl9tWmpYZVH561SqW_5IDltsQ&oe=664F2680 | person_profile | 0 | Elisht | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443940914_973683877762436_2050857645915558060_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IH78lLb0o54Q7kNvgHcLpQ1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBEr4ubZigLe0otqybqWN7oVX9pLqJC613gDcYaqPQSjA&oe=664F2315 | 0 | 3 | Say Goodbye to Baby Bumps: Our Cushy Head Protection Backpack is here to save the day! Keep your baby safe and stylish with our lightweight and durable design. Shop now | Elisht. | 2 | https://facebook.com/61558518672002 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828111 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/26/25, 5:45 AM | 1716079229 | 1742985908 | 810 | 1837745663365324 | 2 | 9.5421123949872E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100917802935324 | 0 | Distrobolt | 120209651328590522 | distrobolt.com | Learn more | NONE | image | All-Inclusive Platform at Unbeatable Prices! | Take Control Of Your Music With Distrobolt, The Distribution Service For Label, Artists and Managers By Musicians. Get Your Music On Everywhere And Grow Your Fanbase Today. It All Starts With us.... STREAM MORE EARN MORE GET MORE DIGITAL MUSIC DISTRIBUTION DistroBolt | https://distrobolt.com/ | 1715069135 | 1.0091780293532E+14 | Distrobolt | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441507790_945282653973220_6152498565363841377_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xdhsXXe8gSIQ7kNvgHwOXw2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCLw5iGv_bqaL6KQw5DXB1KOa3ThXQdal7Ay2CtvGMHEQ&oe=664F0C14 | person_profile | 0 | Distrobolt | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441213021_459853769942682_2466182499947756461_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JkWU4Lidm30Q7kNvgFLl1xE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD1dGfLCIQqwczZNyJhtJcjlWvYhgWyzXCulEpVU0MH-g&oe=664F1E16 | 0 | 3 | ๐ค Calling all artists! Don't let limited options hold you back. With us, the sky's the limit. <br /> <br /> โฉEnjoy unlimited artists on our platform, absolutely free. No strings attached. Combine this with our low-cost distribution rates, and you've got a recipe for success. <br /> <br /> โจDon't settle for less. Join us today. ๐ | Distrobolt | 23554 | https://facebook.com/distrobolt | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827954 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/27/25, 3:29 AM | 1716079226 | 1743064175 | 810 | 415977231242760 | 4 | 7.5531713814699E+15 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 897997927040983 | 0 | From Military to Millionaire | 6658236976213 | militaryrealestateinvest.com | Learn more | NONE | video | How to start investing as a service member or vet | https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register | 1714231976 | 8.9799792704098E+14 | From Military to Millionaire | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440423876_423189936974680_3420465792064507202_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-ZoeQfJScscQ7kNvgGZ1Yio&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZmtrYr00V5kBBPhvSnMN1pMgQK_baNstGeB0BQD8caQ&oe=664F2901 | person_profile | 0 | David Pere | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438865762_1957924297961348_3482028270183622541_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eggCY_btG5kQ7kNvgHo79nN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC0LTv03EBkbpwk9tzLAR6k5bQK-xENQNlq5rUCZ7-czw&oe=664F0AD0 | 0 | 3 | A few years back I was a broke Sergeant of Marines, working 80+ hours a week... <br /> <br /> Today, I own over 120 rental units and basically work whenever I feel like it. <br /> <br /> If youโre a service member you know the feeling of leaving active duty. <br /> <br /> What am I going to do next? <br /> <br /> Should I go to school?<br /> <br /> What job would I like to get?<br /> <br /> The truth is, no job is going to fill the sense of purpose you felt while serving. <br /> <br /> BUT being your own boss and building wealth for your family, is a close second. <br /> <br /> And thereโs a simple way to use your VA loan to put next to nothing down to kickstart your investment portfolio and start buying rentals. <br /> <br /> Iโm hosting a free training to show you how you can use your military benefits to buy your first or next rental and take control of your life after active duty. <br /> <br /> Click below to register. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmilitaryrealestateinvest.com%2Fregister&h=AT3X5j-fsvgDKdGWNFmaCAxX5lte1IxRPgaJ-GPA4h-Lij1kQYVgewgLQ5BtMj00jbP2bn_F2rUlvPud7GhBRXXqaJG5YhQUWAE8rLZVy7YicG-NgGLuDFWqsRppQ0ERFfPIRjWZbUonFg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register</a> | From Military to Millionaire | 3409 | https://facebook.com/frommilitarytomillionaire | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828352 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/27/25, 12:54 PM | 1716079234 | 1743098089 | 810 | 2092569867782009 | 1 | 1.5328918339542E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 599439866811487 | 0 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 6564430223889 | https://sambocenter.com/en | Sign up | NONE | image | 1st CLASS + Uniform FREE! SIGN UP! | Judo and Sambo Center in Brooklyn. | https://sambocenter.com/en | 1716065289 | 5.9943986681149E+14 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442502530_977960370688530_6607150333651571460_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7areY4n2F10Q7kNvgE0qKAg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAnU_SjqTqPp1bcXtqZhRv7-VAn3Kz2YMf4knu2o7DApA&oe=664F0465 | person_profile | 0 | Judo Sambo Center | 5 to 65 years old m/w ๐NEW YORK | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441954497_1680809292746868_6636843172444384146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1Q5FaT0nA3EQ7kNvgGhiHzq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA5mBSh_P922SCp0jCEW-JWHF046RO-NsopLKOff7C8Hg&oe=664F079D | 0 | 3 | ๐ Hello parents from STATEN ISLAND! ๐<br /> Looking for a fun activity for your child to start the new year? I think we have the place for you! ๐<br /> <br /> Judo Center "Sambo", invites children from 5 to 17 years old to judo classes, with us you will become a champion!<br /> <br /> The first lesson + Uniform FREE!<br /> <br /> CLASS TIME:<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday<br /> 6pm-7:30 - Kids Ages 5-7 , Price per month: 183.33$ (12 classes)<br /> 7:30-9pm - Teenager's and adults, Price per month: 240$ (12 classes)<br /> <br /> Why choose the judo center "Sambo"?<br /> ๐ Our center is already more than 30 years old<br /> ๐ Qualified instructors preparing champions.<br /> ๐ค An inclusive community<br /> ๐ช Discipline and respect.<br /> ๐ฏ We have graduated over 3000+ satisfied students.<br /> <br /> Take the opportunity to improve your judo skills and welcome the New Year with focus and determination!<br /> <br /> Places are limited - sign up at Sambo Judo Center today.<br /> <br /> Pave your way to judo perfection - join Sambo Judo Center and learn the art of strength and precision! ๐๐ฅ<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> ๐ฅ Sambo Judo Center<br /> ๐ 609 Midland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306 | Judo, Sambo and Wrestling Center | 1754 | https://facebook.com/sambocenter | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827589 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/9/25, 7:51 AM | 1716079219 | 1749473464 | 810 | 754505833136640 | 6 | 1.6143221127329E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214361380510151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1714052667 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437562019_374523648901106_1060044067190157101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Od2eSxWmubwQ7kNvgHrOx29&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYADQa0RaGWYfq3L13uKTG9f_12bu78ju4qktOeqMb62PA&oe=664F0800 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437579935_7419349471489447_6780608576229241977_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VwxIgsqPRYMQ7kNvgFoiq6m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAVIOu6RmtEY8sVHX8Iqifu26Zxvd0ceGMvUV3V-fAG8Q&oe=664F1A74 | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT28zoJp2yBFXhUpdkiZcjx7fkmQDIGB7HvI16isVVx53nnDVYaKiWFKsbOk5NPHvDxL9Y5GZx_Nf48BBYurR_DNWCcymXfncbXFFbapzAqMZyAYl1TXMUdk-8FGU3hxFaIsIzyKzYz0pA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1714028400 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827411 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/28/25, 4:28 AM | 1716079211 | 1743154096 | 810 | 810190394356564 | 3 | 8.1363533395086E+14 | 1715583600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 105522468575480 | 0 | Vocalfy | 120214704479130151 | vocalfy.com | Download | NONE | video | Say Goodbye To Overused EDM Vocals | Click here ๐ | https://vocalfy.com/ | 1715085783 | 1.0552246857548E+14 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441376361_1199142161270246_5760082730675922835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_A87GhNhlUgQ7kNvgGlxYrp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBdyQVsrbKWQmrNUxLXj0TSyWGD-cYGpNyC2qKUYT-gxg&oe=664F1D75 | person_profile | 0 | Vocalfy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441331663_1513310199541203_7624384780675117619_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R64kL_tijeIQ7kNvgGFfENS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHRv0ohA-HBbShw-T6MNl6_5dqFjtGHVTUBnymDmRCCQ&oe=664F135E | 0 | 3 | Tired of overused and low quality EDM vocals? <br /> <br /> Work with world-class singers and level up your music instantly with Vocalfyโs rare vocals. <br /> <br /> โ 100% royalty-free vocals<br /> โ Access to stems and MIDI files<br /> โ Rare vocals that get deleted regularly<br /> <br /> Crafted by artists who have worked with Netflix, Spinnin' Records, and Universal.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect vocal for your track now: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F_vocalfy_&h=AT1yLVMDV8KtO4iUL_-0akU43PncdPiC1lS8FsjBGL33N72NOzr5Yu0v-dhURKs-L3mMuzc7IxsWxtS8Svn4sw0DXH7aBwqvsMMTH_AoaL0f1Fta3yfBwE14iE-hZo5eDBdFnvwyhgHLsA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://bit.ly/_vocalfy_</a> | Vocalfy | 1799 | https://facebook.com/100076230931991 | 0 | DOWNLOAD | 1715151600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828007 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/28/25, 1:20 PM | 1716079227 | 1743186002 | 810 | 3730216040584436 | 1 | 4.4985825436165E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 822798321102791 | 0 | Evergreen United FC | 6556760332594 | 2024-2025 Tryouts | INTERESTED | NONE | event | 2024-2025 Tryouts | El mes de junio tendremos la oportunidad de seguir creciendo . Si conoces amigos y familiares que tengan niรฑos 2010-2017 invรญtalos a que sean parte del Club .niรฑos y niรฑas 2015-2017 serรกn bienvenidos , las sesiones de tryouts son gratis , toda la informaciรณn estรก aquรญ !!! Good morning. In June we will have the opportunity to continue growing. If you know friends or family who have small children, invite them to be part of the Club. The session tryouts session is free, boys 2010-2016 and girls 2016-2017 are welcome !!! All the information is in the here !! Karl Grosch Field at Steel Lake 2620 S 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003 | https://www.facebook.com/events/8629266337102723/ | 1716067509 | 8.2279832110279E+14 | Evergreen United FC | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438240345_2730775993749392_1177163017924423868_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gR82mC-r2aoQ7kNvgGV3JcS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD8eg-JFyxEqrK8Bl_DpALk1lMcLlfDgOO5imN9FrDODQ&oe=664F2BA9 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | El mes de junio tendremos la oportunidad de seguir creciendo . Si conoces amigos y familiares que tengan niรฑos 2010-2017 invรญtalos a que sean parte del Club .niรฑos y niรฑas 2015-2017 serรกn bienvenidos , las sesiones de tryouts son gratis , toda la informaciรณn estรก aquรญ !!! Good morning. In June we will have the opportunity to continue growing. If you know friends or family who have small children, invite them to be part of the Club. The session tryouts session is free, boys 2010-2016 and girls 2016-2017 are welcome !!! All the information is in the here !! Karl Grosch Field at Steel Lake 2620 S 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003 | Evergreen United FC | 241 | https://facebook.com/evergreenunitedllc | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827944 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/29/25, 1:06 PM | 1716079226 | 1743271565 | 810 | 365641606489010 | 4 | 9.4456207045506E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 897997927040983 | 0 | From Military to Millionaire | 6658236978613 | militaryrealestateinvest.com | Learn more | NONE | video | How to start investing as a service member or vet | https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register | 1714231885 | 8.9799792704098E+14 | From Military to Millionaire | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438305381_355322954207203_4039841002921176456_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ehX1u3hbQucQ7kNvgHDBnYh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB7bIQ0RYbskbQzts6op5HOS0-fJ7xBf6enI7xxl-7B_g&oe=664F25CF | person_profile | 0 | David Pere | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438275435_350910374170463_8356235894605223788_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lzsemOljcnkQ7kNvgHRanG-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYARIt78kBw_8L190K1-0Y-flJa3z43gzBrJze1hLvgd-A&oe=664F2098 | 0 | 3 | A few years back I was a broke Sergeant of Marines, working 80+ hours a week... <br /> <br /> Today, I own over 120 rental units and basically work whenever I feel like it. <br /> <br /> If youโre a service member you know the feeling of leaving active duty. <br /> <br /> What am I going to do next? <br /> <br /> Should I go to school?<br /> <br /> What job would I like to get?<br /> <br /> The truth is, no job is going to fill the sense of purpose you felt while serving. <br /> <br /> BUT being your own boss and building wealth for your family, is a close second. <br /> <br /> And thereโs a simple way to use your VA loan to put next to nothing down to kickstart your investment portfolio and start buying rentals. <br /> <br /> Iโm hosting a free training to show you how you can use your military benefits to buy your first or next rental and take control of your life after active duty. <br /> <br /> Click below to register. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmilitaryrealestateinvest.com%2Fregister&h=AT1na69h30j-jp3i9_UfqPeWAIUPHOm-RLlKwcyS-0rAj3FyYMzS4zWOYyP8DfrQdGWR8SzA2OwwDvjmLuQcBsAfLnZm7GN_ajAsMI_qklNVQ39lLMh0awo_-4bFnxK4WscAqdoVzDPxDQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://militaryrealestateinvest.com/register</a> | From Military to Millionaire | 3409 | https://facebook.com/frommilitarytomillionaire | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828249 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/1/25, 1:31 PM | 1716079232 | 1746124309 | 810 | 478445971420889 | 1 | 1.1605809353556E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 107884763896097 | 0 | Union Baptist Church Grand Bay, Alabama | 6575061127702 | UBC Vacation Bible School | INTERESTED | NONE | event | UBC Vacation Bible School | REGISTER FREE TODAY: https://ubcgrandbay.myanswers.com/jungle-journey/register/ Every day, our kids are bombarded with questions: Did God really create everything? Why do bad things happen? Was Noahโs ark real? Why do I need to be saved? Can I trust the Bible? At this VBS, your kids will explore the biblical answers to these questions as they set off on an epic adventure from Genesis to Revelation. Amid sloths, butterflies, river dolphins, and dart frogs, your children will sail along on a fun jungle cruise, stopping at seven ports of call. These ports are the 7 Cโs of History: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation. Kids will discover how these events shape our world, and they will learn to reconnect the Bible to their everyday life. Prepare to swing into fun as we head out on The Great Jungle Journey! PLEASE NOTE: A simple meal will be served at 5:30PM. VBS starts in the sanctuary at 6:00PM. | https://www.facebook.com/events/1128959471759519/ | 1716065871 | 1.078847638961E+14 | Union Baptist Church Grand Bay, Alabama | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444489072_784895373610908_8351867712694816708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iTlkSOjxEfoQ7kNvgEtIT5R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD3cV1zAWw7R-A3WAIV7r93f5Hjeb4wR1ECjLmOetYzeQ&oe=664F2385 | person_profile | 0 | 0 | 3 | REGISTER FREE TODAY: <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fubcgrandbay.myanswers.com%2Fjungle-journey%2Fregister%2F&h=AT230SFkamDm-Seb_vYvVktqBnftvtNRGpeTsxlyjekCKqNpDXil5rQLfpkns5CnMkg1fjYkFAm28bkfvXxiJwicFow4K34F163-2FJ1eRqGxjYPUy0onO2hXGoy3QkvKLT1ox7NDXtdQg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://ubcgrandbay.myanswers.com/jungle-journey/register/</a><br /> <br /> Every day, our kids are bombarded with questions: Did God really create everything? Why do bad things happen? Was Noahโs ark real? Why do I need to be saved? Can I trust the Bible?<br /> <br /> At this VBS, your kids will explore the biblical answers to these questions as they set off on an epic adventure from Genesis to Revelation. Amid sloths, butterflies, river dolphins, and dart frogs, your children will sail along on a fun jungle cruise, stopping at seven ports of call. These ports are the 7 Cโs of History: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation. Kids will discover how these events shape our world, and they will learn to reconnect the Bible to their everyday life.<br /> <br /> Prepare to swing into fun as we head out on The Great Jungle Journey!<br /> <br /> PLEASE NOTE: A simple meal will be served at 5:30PM.<br /> VBS starts in the sanctuary at 6:00PM. | Union Baptist Church Grand Bay, Alabama | 381 | https://facebook.com/unionbaptistchurchgrandbayalabama | 0 | EVENT_RSVP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828003 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/2/25, 3:47 PM | 1716079227 | 1746218824 | 810 | 982442220153257 | 1 | 1.4196481686986E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 112918190079374 | 0 | Brynn Ford | 120211176704100215 | amazon.com | Learn More | NONE | dco | Forbidden Dark Romance! ๐ค๐๐ค | One-click this unforgettable series and binge read now! | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KLRQ4B?maas=maas_adg_E8CC8ACE3201DF399025E0430B9E4B4A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas | 1716067522 | 1.1291819007937E+14 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442484332_1684435722301179_1164309111260870169_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eGV58F45TsYQ7kNvgGuzccq&_nc_oc=AdhH3avfCAyAARx0oXtIw0MU8dBqmHWCBQRucyE3utC34MN1NWgrGA4048vQR3stpkU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDJt8IdMsX5wFrDxK13qxRFj1h2khoc0wgof9O4n-BUoQ&oe=664F1AB5 | person_profile | 0 | Brynn Ford | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441276254_1213561276303158_4344353495757005857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zhD2VD32_roQ7kNvgE4ot6G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBwvqZruZurxDJSEn07g7tsPHZUml2cNf9H-Wo1qNXcsA&oe=664F2E81 | 0 | 3 | "There. I've done it. I've brought the devil out of him." ๐ค๐๐ค One-click this captivating dark romance now and read the entire series for free in Kindle Unlimited! GO TO AMAZON โก amzn.to/4aTaCc2 | Brynn Ford | 1471 | https://facebook.com/BrynnFordAuthor | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827938 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/31/25, 12:31 AM | 1716079226 | 1743399103 | 810 | 961673262084382 | 1 | 7.471791736242E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1378970265752925 | 0 | Fog'em Mosquito Control | 6608346730699 | Send message | NONE | image | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":null,"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"} | 1715816317 | 1.3789702657529E+15 | Fog'em Mosquito Control | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441404817_1618731628980568_8489538441296126331_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HNBFjuklftYQ7kNvgESbGm0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDJ614VkRCAs4hSvw8NUzuBOsolcLKoJFYuQ7yyg88LZw&oe=664F145F | person_profile | 0 | Fog'em Mosquito Control | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436237581_1406755336709994_5151820849827604359_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sn55lN1YmqQQ7kNvgEXvNrO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBqRSb_lOq_v8Q9rumfStHTHQ2YHxNSg9ftU3uzYc3iow&oe=664F25C0 | 0 | 3 | ๐ฟ **Protect Your Home with Fog'em Mosquito Control!** ๐ฟ<br /> <br /> We're excited to announce that Fog'em Mosquito Control, voted #1 in Minot, is now offering services in Bismarck & Mandan! As a small, family-run, veteran-owned business out of Minot, we're dedicated to keeping your outdoor spaces mosquito-free and enjoyable all season long.<br /> <br /> **Why Choose Fog'em Mosquito Control?**<br /> - **Top-Rated Service:** Proudly voted #1 in Minot by the community.<br /> - **Comprehensive Coverage:** Our service doesn't just cover mosquitoesโwe also target ticks, spiders, gnats, fleas and more.<br /> - **Long-Lasting Protection:** Each treatment lasts for 3 weeks and is weather-resistant.<br /> - **Safe and Family-Friendly:** Our treatments are safe for children and pets, so you can enjoy your yard worry-free.<br /> <br /> **Seasonal Plans Available!**<br /> Sign up for our seasonal plan and enjoy consistent, effective protection throughout the entire mosquito season. Don't wait until the pests invadeโtake action now and ensure your outdoor spaces remain bite-free and comfortable.<br /> <br /> **Get Started Today!**<br /> Join the many satisfied customers who trust Fog'em Mosquito Control to protect their homes. Contact us today to sign up for a seasonal plan and experience the best in mosquito and pest control.<br /> <br /> ๐ Call us now at 701-204-6298 to learn more and schedule your first treatment.<br /> <br /> Let's create a safe, enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family this season! ๐ฆโจ | Fog'em Mosquito Control | 444 | https://facebook.com/FogemMosquitoControl | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828049 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/8/25, 7:10 AM | 1716079228 | 1749384653 | 810 | 434172712895001 | 1 | 1.5972033043977E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 160650150473087 | 0 | Yogurtland | 6562072257571 | NONE | image | 1716067185 | 1.6065015047309E+14 | Yogurtland | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953440_1350482582314404_4942098725232085574_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M_XSa8qBZB8Q7kNvgFWGPh9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBG8-DgcGRmGAMzER6fvEjk7_QbGG6xkJ_obSeDFzsrRw&oe=664F03A6 | person_profile | 0 | Yogurtland | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441953373_913970974077260_2295560384113880441_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xIjIbydjZOcQ7kNvgFtLkxj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBaoAhxGs2AuLEm1vrc6nn_ToIyZcQS6uJ4zM0UCck-lw&oe=664F27D0 | 0 | 3 | ONE MORE DAY until our doors open at Yogurtland West Berlin! Get a FREE 8oz cup of frozen yogurt tomorrow 5/19 from 12-3 pm! Swirl with us at 200 Route 73 N in Berlin Circle Plaza near ShopRite. | Yogurtland | 12 | https://facebook.com/yogurtlandwestberlin | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827399 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 3/31/25, 9:51 AM | 1716079211 | 1743432687 | 810 | 464845929339015 | 1 | 1.1061061471369E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 317122008148506 | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 120210175531110219 | www.medicalspapromos.com | Learn more | NONE | video | ๐ช๐ปFree Emsculpt Consultation + $500 Gift Voucher | https://www.medicalspapromos.com/mbeauty-studio-and-spa-03-optin | 1715875961 | 3.1712200814851E+14 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444139681_444932598141688_7090520848173596484_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g4piPnqQVtsQ7kNvgEfc9_d&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYChpfy2qgM5BQt44kSPIe4n_jE2ylh01AYJCEpkZaCsWw&oe=664F2E1F | person_profile | 0 | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New Yor | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438254297_956135612843301_4905787549228084008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tl4zq8z4mJMQ7kNvgGAL2Du&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAu4iKg5ax_qbZ1Ze2mXsUnFHUyuNNZNBfEYBRzuc9_Ww&oe=664F331D | 0 | 3 | ๐โโ๏ธ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ!<br /> <br /> One 30-minute ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป treatment is the equivalent of doing 20,000 SQUATS or CRUNCHES, all without breaking a sweat! ๐๐ป<br /> <br /> ๐Grab this amazing ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป gift voucher to get our best offer ever, ๐ธ and come learn why ๐ฌ๐ด๐บ๐ช๐ผ๐ณ๐ท๐ป is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that can simultaneously BURN ๐ฅ FAT and BUILD MUSCLE on the ABS and GLUTES! ๐ช<br /> <br /> Click [Learn More] to claim this AWESOME offer, then book a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ good towards our most popular ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ treatment packages ๐ฅณ and come visit us at our convenient location!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธOnly 20 spots are available this month so click below to schedule a ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป + $๐ฑ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ!<br /> <br /> We canโt wait to meet YOU! ๐ | Mbeauty Studio & Spa - New York | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559355193746 | 0 | LEARN_MORE | 1715929200 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828457 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 4/1/25, 7:47 AM | 1716079235 | 1743511645 | 810 | 348515731206068 | 1 | 2.4674980501036E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 301801956357481 | 0 | ไบๅฏ ็ฟๅคช | 120212156797650706 | mycheaps.life | Shop now | NONE | image | Now we are clearing Amazonโs backlog through online promotions. ๐Free returns and exchanges ๐ Limited online stock! ๐ Donโt miss it! | National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Wreath, Green, Crestwood Spruce, White Lights, Decorated with Pine Cones, Berry Clusters, Frosted Branches, 24 Inches | https://mycheaps.life/category/TODAYS-DEALS.html | 1716064856 | 3.0180195635748E+14 | ไบๅฏ ็ฟๅคช | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441208289_1110087313441744_1750780129364309886_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lvWDNLeFc9UQ7kNvgGsj9wA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDELU2eI0-Ee_Bcw_ZrCtQQ17ytGHtxW_0flHfJf-iNpw&oe=664F30A1 | person_profile | 0 | ไบๅฏ ็ฟๅคช | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441293273_2295208667486850_8348379671747782256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=47o5JHzEOXMQ7kNvgEe3rAs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDM6Xv4SYVGOKbaPja9DNC3s9JRBqj9hdW-yueIlh5fFQ&oe=664F0216 | 0 | 3 | All products starting as low as $2, stocks are limited, donโt miss out<br /> ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐จ8๐%๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ข ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐๐ค, ๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ | ไบๅฏ ็ฟๅคช | 0 | https://facebook.com/61559829901600 | 0 | SHOP_NOW | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828186 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 5/2/25, 9:02 AM | 1716079231 | 1746194564 | 810 | 1208175880344503 | 1 | 4.6663162255936E+14 | 1716015600 | regular_page | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 337199903871381 | 0 | Tony Marks | 120209489927050193 | Contact us | NONE | image | 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Utility 4D | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/404474292426078/ | 1716068573 | 3.3719990387138E+14 | Tony Marks | regular_page | 1 | Tony Marks | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441197781_932307071974485_814672291931031392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vaEIBgrkcQUQ7kNvgFt_AW2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAqKcRAzAnyBkdURoYh-UK0JFEiswuF0K-n_Bljjr6Odw&oe=664F1E7D | 0 | 3 | 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Utility 4D - $9,995.00<br /> <br /> GOOD CAR COMPANY<br /> <br /> 208-408-1514<br /> <br /> We're located at 4524 CLEVELAND BLVD, CALDWELL, ID<br /> <br /> ๐ WE WORK WITH ANY CREDIT TYPE!<br /> <br /> *BAD CREDIT IS OUR SPECIALTY!!<br /> <br /> ๐ฐLOW DOWNS, YOUR JOB IS CREDIT!!!<br /> <br /> ๐ป๐ฑJUST FILL OUT OUR ONLINE APPLICATION TO GET APPROVED TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT1RQnWtXvU3g8LZA0EFrRcobOFH8Vt9Xd9fRZTL92tOkfr1JmcgAbnzLlVX8dAZ0lbNBOiDt_Dl4PtjqfQscSvhVfKnIxUaZpEdC57yb-b6aDRQVtzoCd2GNJSQwaPpO6NjZMObtvDYqw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> โ๏ธ EASY APPROVALS โ๏ธ<br /> <br /> ๐ GOT A TRADE?.... BRING IT IN, WE LOVE TRADES! ๐<br /> <br /> โ *NEW JOB, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *BAD CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *GOT REPOS, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *NO DRIVERS LICENSE, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *SECOND CAR, WE SAY YES<br /> <br /> โ *COLLECTION, BANKRUPTCY, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *FIRST TIME BUYER/ NO CREDIT, WE SAY YES!<br /> <br /> โ *ITIN BUYERS WELCOME!<br /> <br /> ๐ WHEN EVERYONE ELSE SAYS NO, WE SAY YES!!! ๐<br /> <br /> WE ARE HERE TO MAKE YOUR CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE EASY AND STRESS FREE WHILE GIVING YOU THE BEST DEALS AND SERVICE<br /> <br /> OPEN 10AM-6PM MONDAY-SATURDAY<br /> <br /> VISIT: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FGoodCarIdaho.com%2F&h=AT1nsbtzzwHOt4EC27ByHVKzUUalWXGBRxL90XlTlbkcm9NrmU6irE49pqDbXnlf2SmS76a8fc4bq4oNlnV5nVcVeDpKKPJ2pgCYOx6iCOalmUR0lELhzCIOVKvIKmQGVYuf15QLsJ8Gkg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">GoodCarIdaho.com</a><br /> <br /> Good Car Company<br /> <br /> 4524 Cleveland Blvd<br /> <br /> Caldwell, ID 83605<br /> <br /> Call or Text us at 208-408-1514<br /> Facebook Marketplace | Tony Marks | 0 | /marketplace/?seller_profile=1711467530 | 0 | CONTACT_US | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1827917 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/2/25, 9:24 PM | 1716079226 | 1748917449 | 810 | 277650085342329 | 1 | 4.2136191414394E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 118891352883455 | 0 | POWER Academy | 6581575973469 | poweracademyusa.com | Book now | NONE | image | Power Academy | Cincinnati Martial Arts | We provide martial arts for kids to create a disciplined, confident generation who are able to manage and respond to challenges such as stress and bullying. | http://poweracademyusa.com/ | 1716068456 | 1.1889135288346E+14 | POWER Academy | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445507562_390261437349354_2545398695638700402_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=40UqcdblPg0Q7kNvgExSaFX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCiDn5Iyp6qDJUp0mVin5Ns0u08Gk8fWqrzokl7w4VPFQ&oe=664F34F1 | person_profile | 0 | POWER Academy | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444137736_1311234029801666_6121785940080985656_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2fjLdTbPyZ8Q7kNvgEq_pdT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCCneLWHQyD3hrsQJSiVS0fgmb59BBGurcfGkOPLZKZ-A&oe=664F0161 | 0 | 3 | ๐ข ATTN: CINCINNATI MEN โฆ<br /> ๐ STOP SCROLLING!<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ As the family PROTECTOR, How confident are you in your SELF-DEFENSE SKILLS? โ๏ธ Could you (right now) fend off one or more attackers attempting to harm you or your family?<br /> <br /> โ๏ธ As the family PROVIDER, How confident are you in your FITNESS LEVEL? โ๏ธ Could you (right now) guarantee your family that they have nothing to worry about regarding your health?<br /> <br /> ๐ณ๐ค If you hesitated on any of those, KEEP READING!<br /> <br /> ๐๐พ ๐๐พ ๐๐พ ๐๐พ<br /> <br /> ๐ฅ MUAY THAI KICKBOXING is the most effective and worldโs fastest growing striking MARTIAL ART, and Thai Boxers are amongst the most conditioned athletes on the planet. <br /> <br /> โก๏ธAt POWER Academy, we produce ALPHA MALES! Men who want โฆ<br /> <br /> โ โฆ PRACTICAL SELF-DEFENSE!<br /> โ โฆ UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE!<br /> โ โฆ LIMITLESS ENDURANCE!<br /> โ โฆ TO BE A FAMILY PROTECTOR!<br /> <br /> DO YOU WANT โฆ<br /> <br /> ๐บ๐บTO BE AN ALPHA MALE?<br /> <br /> โก๏ธ โก๏ธTO HAVE POWER?<br /> <br /> If you answered yes, then โฆ<br /> <br /> ๐ Schedule your FREE consultation before you register for your 4-Week Trial for $49!<br /> <br /> โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ<br /> โญ๏ธ BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION!<br /> โญ๏ธ SELECT โBOOK NOW" BELOW<br /> โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ โญ๏ธ<br /> <br /> See you soon! ๐ <br /> =======================<br /> ๐ฒ Call: (513) 268-7215<br /> ๐ 7074 Harrison Ave. - Ste. #2<br /> ๐ Cincinnati, OH | POWER Academy | 464 | https://facebook.com/poweracademyusa | 0 | BOOK_TRAVEL | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828137 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/3/25, 2:08 PM | 1716079230 | 1748977732 | 810 | 3721714494780887 | 2 | 2.5024113732637E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 155663607806479 | 0 | Ashley | 120211795584580409 | Send message | NONE | video | FREE Application Review in minutes | {"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"MEMORIAL SALE FINANCING OPTIONS","response":"Could you please provide a convenient phone number for me to call?","additional_feature":null,"marketing_messages_info":null},{"title":"Looking For Something Else ","response":"While i connect you , could you please provide more details about what youโre looking for so we better assist you?\""}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Which Of this Offers Are You Interested In ?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Which Of this Offers Are You Interested In ?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Which Of this Offers Are You Interested In ?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false,"welcome_message_edited":true,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"template_id":"1020549245900295","template_version":1} | 1716066373 | 1.5566360780648E+14 | Ashley | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487181_758919476231582_8478187825661440761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pXD2fYR1u_cQ7kNvgGW0wqc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA1Gn-O3jeUeK8BaT7VYhCm70xbKRQpTa0tdLzkGiKDMg&oe=664F2152 | person_profile | 0 | Ashley HomeStore | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445011151_1596159491169932_2666573016874571197_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fx7hIh1gbC8Q7kNvgHoCNYR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAHdY5SajjBK38sEl1A6-BRfDv9j6fcnO8aZmcQTz4mIA&oe=664F23E3 | 0 | 3 | ''NEW FURNITURE'' ? get Up to 60 months no interest financing. multiple financing options available. offers ends soon <br /> you can enjoy your shopping experience.<br /> No need for financing? Ashley Furniture is offering other options for additional<br /> savings. Our designer has created packages that are beautiful and complete. So<br /> whether you are looking for an individual item or maybe a whole new look, come<br /> in and let our associates give you the individual attention you deserve. | Ashley | 260 | https://facebook.com/massena.ashleyhomestore | 0 | MESSAGE_PAGE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1826848 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:39 PM | 6/4/25, 4:13 AM | 1716079143 | 1749028399 | 810 | 974168817268413 | 1 | 1.0155190334269E+15 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101880614727765 | 0 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 120209059984670618 | NONE | video | 1716056736 | 1.0188061472776E+14 | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442479803_1398809958184561_8445800981631917179_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XXWRVieCcJoQ7kNvgHS_wva&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD13Ra5YHuIVNxX7ccQ9TX6QU9XMopqd0Sa9jhtv-rIsw&oe=664F08C1 | person_profile | 0 | James Swanwick | Alcohol-Free Lifestyle | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441406095_1661230498039764_479745121840005329_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tw5LcVQBT8kQ7kNvgFF71p0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCKcZyR721k7XSfoy4RXmuoCtldwSf3USVd3rNPu0dR1w&oe=664F3227 | 0 | 3 | Powerful testimony from one of our clients, Steve Wilt, who's now been alcohol-free for over a year! Hear what he has to say.โ <br /> โ <br /> If you'd like to quit alcohol for good and do it with a 98% success rate. Send me a DM with the words '90' and I'll share more about the same program Steve went through to successfully quit and stay quit.โ <br /> โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> .โ <br /> โ <br /> #sobertok #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelifestyle #sobercoach #alcohol #quitdrinking #soberaf #dontdrink #noalcoholโ <br /> โ | Alcohol Free Lifestyle | 13663 | https://facebook.com/AlcoholFreeLifestyle | 0 | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828344 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 2:01 PM | 1716079233 | 1749063678 | 810 | 3623879674494972 | 1 | 7.7151503178381E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 250760518130813 | 0 | Aspen Ridge | 120207723441600068 | instagram.com | Visit Instagram profile | NONE | video | http://instagram.com/aspenridgelots | 1716065457 | 2.5076051813081E+14 | Aspen Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441902222_420985287454224_173488793269707649_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fgR-RMeuUAYQ7kNvgEpP_U1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAWTqj2DgbyaNYHg4BNisUfY3P2oLuAH3nz9QqQ96v7Qw&oe=664F0833 | person_profile | 0 | Aspen Ridge | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442413738_2401282653594333_57859707616783539_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CJOzSCM4WssQ7kNvgEznZKI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC6gpD7MS7sjeia_qbuLbXpJEr97B681dWKIqg3MbIQJA&oe=664F1483 | 0 | 3 | Don't miss out on the chance to win a free golf cart at Aspen Ridge in Brandon, SD! Purchase one of the first 10 available lots and you could be cruising around the nearby Brandon Golf Course in no time. With amenities like pickleball, a splash park, and walking trails, Aspen Ridge has something for everyone. Come check us out and see why this could be your dream community! #GolfCartGiveaway #AspenRidge #DreamCommunity #Pickleball #SplashPark #BrandonGolfCourse #LotsforSale @harmsteamrealestate @heggrealtors | Aspen Ridge | 17 | https://facebook.com/61559028373624 | 0 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828359 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 2:01 PM | 1716079234 | 1749063684 | 810 | 493560433370737 | 1 | 4.6546006933763E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 185689791286359 | 0 | The Epic Savings | 6597202624348 | theepicsavings.com | Get Offer | NONE | dco | YOU SAVE $780 + 2 FREE E-BOOKS | Rate: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5) | https://theepicsavings.com/sugar-defender/ | 1716065237 | 1.8568979128636E+14 | The Epic Savings | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441495372_737406655134565_7034016457219225924_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6V1ulSm8spkQ7kNvgHX6PAa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB3mSEzYSD6Va16ajN5K8bzT2oK80VwAt1lfiD5xwsJoQ&oe=664F24A2 | person_profile | 0 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441514211_479062361156774_7207037079483940291_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hwNZtrpsG7cQ7kNvgHonl_7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCJddW8jmMOp9nNd6lFoLuRa7dlVxA82TCydxRwArGK5w&oe=664F36B8 | 0 | 3 | Do you want to finally gain control over your blood sugar and weight? Sugar Defender offers amazing support for those in their 30s to 70s. Using pure plant ingredients and natural minerals, our formula is gentle yet powerful. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, thousands enjoy Sugar Defender daily with no complaints. Experience less hunger, more energy, and better blood sugar readings. Try Sugar Defender today! | The Epic Savings | 3 | https://facebook.com/theepicsavings | 0 | GET_OFFER | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1828112 | 1 | active | 5/18/24, 7:40 PM | 6/4/25, 4:45 PM | 1716079230 | 1749073502 | 810 | 679269620991668 | 1 | 9.9951854820526E+14 | 1716015600 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 145667042172127 | 0 | Decoding Creativity | 120208496528080643 | fb.me | Sign up | NONE | image | Do You Wish You Were Writing More? | Free, live class looks at the creative process and creative thinking style to find how you will best create time to write. Julia Roberts has her Masters in the Science of Creativity and want to help you write with more ease and satisfaction. | http://fb.me/ | 1715979510 | 1.4566704217213E+14 | Decoding Creativity | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441673225_1891188121331755_4466587478205366991_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q4BzlLTLlX8Q7kNvgHTIA8o&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDpBGvMluEb63KMQ26i06hPLI6Ygm3rjrMmezT0GEM3SA&oe=664F207F | person_profile | 0 | Julia Roberts | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441604625_989555189555777_8096582546749230144_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7Ih8SpMZwxgQ7kNvgGfq2WZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAZyzS--CZAjmEAOMyuzWC9Sc7TFtAjdQxbChMHf0Bj7A&oe=664F0502 | 0 | 3 | Do You Wish You Were Writing More? But let me guess, you canโt find the time โ and โproductivityโ advice seems to miss the point of creativity. Hi, Iโm Julia Roberts, and my one claim to fame (besides my famous name) is I have my Masters in the Science of Creativity. I help writers approach writing, creativity, and productivity in a unique way. Each of us thinks and creates differently โ and that self-knowledge is your key to how to write in the time you have available to you. <br /> <br /> In this FREE webinar, you will learn:<br /> โข The Universal Creative Process<br /> โข The four primary thinking styles <br /> โข Where you (and your thinking style) likely fit or fight that process - and get mired in resistance<br /> โข How to lean into who you think for you greatest ease and satisfaction<br /> <br /> CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO SAVE YOUR SEAT!<br /> <br /> Thanks โ see you in the Zoom Room (Yes, Iโll be there, live.)<br /> <br /> Julia Roberts<br /> <br /> P.S. Iโve helped thousands of writers get writing again, in easiest, possible way. Isnโt it time you found time to write? | Decoding Creativity | 912 | https://facebook.com/DecodingCreativity | 0 | SIGN_UP | 1716015600 | View Edit Delete |